Union Planning Board Approves Chick-fil-A Redevelopment Plan
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
04/25/2024
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Recording Published:
04/25/2024
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Duration:
134 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Union (Union County)
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Union Planning Board meeting, the board approved a redevelopment plan by Chick-fil-A, including preliminary and final site plan approval and associated variances. The project entails demolishing the existing 7-Eleven building to improve site circulation and parking, adding a second drive-thru lane, and providing a canopy for order operations.
The redevelopment plan presented by Chick-fil-A’s representatives involves not only a new drive-thru configuration but also reconfiguring the existing parking lot, adding new sidewalks, and enhancing the efficiency of drive-thru operations. The board’s approval came after thorough discussions about the proposed improvements, particularly the site circulation and the impact on pedestrian safety. The plan also includes variances for building and canopy setbacks and a relocated trash enclosure. In response to board inquiries, a traffic engineer provided detailed explanations of the existing circulation issues and the proposed improvements aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian access. The representative for Chick-fil-A assured that the restaurant would remain operational during the construction phase, with appropriate safety measures in place.
The meeting also addressed concerns raised by residents about a proposed minor subdivision on Princeton Road, which sparked debates over the submission of an updated site plan and the necessity of a cul-de-sac. The professional engineer testifying about the subdivision described the current property conditions and proposed subdivision plan, providing alternatives to address potential issues, such as introducing a fire hydrant or altering the subdivision’s orientation to avoid the need for a cul-de-sac. Residents voiced their concerns about the potential traffic and safety implications of the development, particularly in light of the narrow streets and lack of sidewalks in the neighborhood.
A resident’s visual evidence underlined the potential parking and noise issues, while the applicant acknowledged the concerns and highlighted their efforts to accommodate parking needs with garages and additional spaces. The board opted to table the application until the June meeting, allowing time for stakeholder availability and consideration of remarks from the CIP engineer.
Another topic during the meeting was the presentation by a planner from Colliers engineering and design about the site known as lot 1.01 of block 4101, previously International paint. The planner’s study of the site, approximately 11.71 acres, identified it as an active contaminated site within a flood zone. The existing zoning is commercial industrial. The planner recommended the site be considered an area in need of redevelopment based on criteria such as the presence of abandoned commercial industrial buildings, an obsolete layout and design, and adherence to the smart growth criterion. This recommendation was approved by the board, paving the way for future development that aligns with the town’s vision for growth and improvement.
Manuel Figueiredo
Planning Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
04/25/2024
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Recording Published:
04/25/2024
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Duration:
134 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Union (Union County)
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