HPC to review Liquor store application

[BrianSullivan]

I am posting this a day late.

Last night the HPC was supposed to be reviewing an application from the liquor store on South and Main. The application is for exterior changes that include power washing, paint, signage, and the installation of fabric awnings.

It is my understanding that the Downtown partnership has been working with and encouraging the owner to finally make some improvements.

This is a welcome bit of progress, IMO. Back a while ago I had mentioned on this site that I thought that liquor store is a real eye sore. I believe other participants had agreed. It will be nice to see that building changed from the current urban decay look to a more warm and welcoming small town look.

Also on last nights agenda was the Citgo station seeking to convert a garage into a convenience store. This is an extension of the September meeting.

[lisas84]

Good news. I agree, that store is so dingy looking! It needs powerwashing for sure.

[johnfnewman]

the plan is (please excuse any errors or omissions):
(1) a good power-washing;

(2) new awnings over the entrance and to the right and left of them - the HPAC got them to change "Liquor" Store to "Bottle Shoppe" - a minor change but is well worth the effort;

(3) the middle awning will not cover the (non-working) neon "Freehold" lettering, but will cover underneath the lettering thereby hiding the multi-color hues of blue;

(4) nice wood-carved signs on the W. Main side and South Street sign (just after the windows), saying "welcome to Freehold";

(5) probable painting a small portion that outlines the bricks (above the awning area) along the entire store front.

Rich Gatto of the partnership had mentioned this plan to me in the past. Rich has been working with the tenant to make this changes for many moons. We will hopefully see some changes before the weather gets too cold.

Rich also mentioned... but it was not part of this application and he could not make any definitive statements... that he and the Partnership were also working on the window displays and will hopefully be able to clean that up in the near future too.

The store owner is also considering a possible re-arrangement of the inside of the store and a new business model. The store does have a nice selection of wines, and visual enhancements to the store would help showcase the selection.

As to the other application, the Citgo gas station, as people may already be aware, this was before the HPAC in the past month and the owner came back with further enhancements. The HPAC's role is confined to the facade and appearance of the things. This matter will also have to go before the council (as it is in the redevelopment area) and I think it will also have to go before the planning board. I am unaware if any of these hearings have been scheduled.