A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating a site on Route 22, identified as Block 221, Lots 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 2.0, and 2.01, for redevelopment consideration. The site, currently housing the Greymark office building, has a long history of incomplete development plans dating back to 1981. The discussion focused on the challenges posed by outdated and inadequate stormwater management systems, which have led to flooding and erosion concerns. Michael F. Sullivan, serving as the redevelopment planner, presented a detailed overview of the site’s conditions, highlighting issues such as dilapidation, underutilization, and environmental constraints, including the presence of wetlands associated with Cuckles Brook.

Board members expressed urgency in addressing the ongoing problems, with particular attention to the safety and public welfare implications of unmanaged stormwater runoff. The property’s existing infrastructure, including stormwater inlets and parking facilities, was assessed as inadequate, raising concerns about potential flooding and sedimentation impacting local water quality and stream channels. The board also discussed the financial implications of the site’s current assessed value, which is lower than it could be if fully developed as planned.

In addition to stormwater management, the board deliberated on the inclusion of Lot 1.03 in the redevelopment area designation. The debate centered around the potential limitations and benefits of including this operational office building, with considerations for stormwater management interconnectivity and future accessibility. Ultimately, a general agreement emerged to include the entire study area as an area in need of redevelopment, recognizing the need for comprehensive solutions to the long-standing issues affecting the property.

Parallel to the stormwater discussions, the board reviewed an application from Chick-fil-A for a new restaurant on Route 202, where a vacant Ruby Tuesday’s building currently stands. The proposal included plans for demolition and construction of a new establishment with a drive-thru and requested variances for yard setbacks, signage, and landscaping. The applicant’s representative addressed concerns about traffic management, particularly during the restaurant’s grand opening, and outlined plans for managing customer flow with local police assistance.

The Chick-fil-A design will feature dual-lane drive-thrus, a response to pandemic-induced operational shifts prioritizing drive-thru sales, which constitute half of the company’s total sales. The restaurant will include approximately 90 to 92 seats, with additional outdoor seating, and employ around 80 to 100 staff members. Discussions also touched on operational hours, noting the restaurant’s closure on Sundays, and the integration of safety and hygiene measures, such as bollards for employee protection and efficient oil recycling systems.

Board members raised questions about signage, landscaping, and parking, with specific concerns about accommodating handicapped parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. The applicant confirmed that plans are in place to address these issues, including compliance with New Jersey laws regarding charging facilities.