A proposal to introduce EVS, a pet urgent care facility, in the Fairways Commercial North development incited considerable debate. The facility, intended to operate without boarding or grooming services, would provide emergency care for pets from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Concerns were immediately raised about the impact on local parking, as the site had previously been granted a parking variance. The development’s representative assured that the pet clinic would require fewer parking spaces than typical retail uses, adhering to a standard of one space per 357 square feet. The absence of cremation services was confirmed, with an agreement to formalize this as a condition of approval if granted.

Despite assurances, public opposition emerged during the meeting. Residents highlighted potential traffic complications, safety risks, and the expected rise in noise from distressed animals. Concerns were also raised about waste management and possible negative effects on property values and community aesthetics. One resident articulated fears that the clinic’s presence would disrupt the neighborhood’s peaceful character and increase unwanted foot traffic.

An attorney for the clinic countered by arguing that the traffic impact would be minimal compared to other permitted retail establishments. The attorney highlighted the fact that most residents already had pets. The council considered a suggestion to require an agreement with the homeowners’ association for outdoor maintenance and waste management if the application were approved.

In another significant agenda item, the council reviewed a proposal for a Quick Check convenience store and gas station at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and Centennial Avenue. This development would replace two single-family homes and an industrial storage area with a 5,670-square-foot store and 16 fueling stations, necessitating a use variance since the site falls within an LI5 zone not permitting convenience stores.

Traffic studies presented during the meeting revealed that the current intersection delay is 160.1 seconds per vehicle, with the proposed project expected to reduce this to 112.9 seconds. The project includes plans to widen South Washington Avenue to create a new right-turn lane, intended to alleviate congestion. The council discussed the potential for future developments, such as a hotel, which would not impede the current plans for the gas station and convenience store.

Council members questioned the logistics of deliveries and traffic flow, with Quick Check representatives affirming that operations would include daily fuel deliveries and several weekly deliveries for store inventory. Traffic engineers emphasized that the project would attract “pass traffic,” minimizing additional congestion, and proposed a new traffic configuration to improve safety and efficiency.

The planner for the project argued that the site is well-suited for the proposed commercial activity, given its location at a major intersection. The development, they suggested, aligns with the township’s master plan and would enhance traffic signal performance and site traffic flow. The council assessed the project’s consistency with zoning goals, focusing on the provision of services and economic benefits.