The redevelopment plan for the former Rite Aid property, a topic of debate, aims to transform the site, which has faced challenges following Rite Aid’s bankruptcy and closure. Known locally as a “white elephant,” the site is seen as underutilized and poorly maintained. The board considered zoning strategies to diversify the site’s permissible uses, noting that similar properties elsewhere are being repurposed for medical offices, daycare centers, and service-oriented spaces. These changes could revitalize the area, addressing issues like vacant storefronts and high turnover rates.

A point of discussion was the site’s “very large parking area,” which is not well integrated with surrounding roadways. Board members noted that a “landscape island” currently hinders vehicular access, particularly along South Third Avenue. The proposed zoning changes are intended as interim measures, allowing for future redevelopment while acknowledging the existing building’s limitations for subdivision into smaller retail units.

The board also explored the potential inclusion of “medical facilities,” daycare centers, and indoor amusement recreation facilities among the permitted uses. However, there was caution about the broader impact of these changes, emphasizing a desire to restrict new uses to the specific site rather than extending them across the entire Central Business District (CBD). Additionally, a redevelopment agreement may be required for certain uses, necessitating collaboration between the property owner and the borough to ensure proper access and integration with adjacent properties.

Discussions on parking strategies included the potential for shared parking arrangements among neighboring properties. The complexities of access to the former Rite Aid property were acknowledged, with suggestions for consolidating parking to improve access for all businesses in the vicinity. While the current plan does not address these issues in detail, they remain open for further discussion.

Concerns were raised about the inclusion of daycare centers as permitted uses, particularly given state regulations requiring outdoor play areas, which would pose challenges due to existing traffic circulation patterns on the property. Participants expressed skepticism about the feasibility of accommodating a daycare facility without changes to the site’s design. The potential for daycare facilities to detract from the area’s pedestrian-friendly goals was also discussed, with suggestions that office spaces could provide a more suitable use for the site.

The future of the property’s liquor license was another topic of interest. Although the license has been sold, its future use remains unclear. The conversation touched on the nature of liquor licenses, which are typically specific to the municipality.

As the meeting progressed, the board acknowledged the likelihood that the building would be leased rather than demolished in the near term. The concept of flexibility in redevelopment was raised. Concerns about investments impacting future redevelopment opportunities, such as the installation of solar panels, were also addressed.

The board concluded its discussions with a motion regarding the proposed redevelopment plan, asserting it was “substantially consistent” with the master plan. This prompted further debate, particularly about the complexities of local redevelopment law. The motion passed unanimously, though one member noted reservations about certain aspects of the plan.

In other matters, the board addressed a condition of approval for a project at A10 North Second, involving a slow-release catch basin for stormwater management. The board was informed of the impending demolition of a structure at the site, though final plans were still pending.