The proposal for Dollar Tree and a restaurant, presented by Dante Alfuri, involved amendments to a previously approved site plan. The development, located on a 1.107-acre parcel on Route 18, consolidates the initial four retail and restaurant spaces into one retail space for Dollar Tree and one unspecified restaurant space. Richard Ortiz, the project’s engineer, detailed site changes, including an increase in the building footprint from 9,340 square feet to 9,479 square feet. This minor expansion necessitated variance relief for a rear yard setback, improved to 15.8 feet from the originally required 50 feet.

Parking became a focal point of the meeting. The proposed plan offers 37 parking spaces, an increase from the previous 44 spaces proposed for 103 required. The board discussed potential modifications to increase parking, such as removing an island to add spaces and considering tandem parking for employees. The parking layout also included a mix of 9 by 8 and 9 by 20-foot stalls. Concerns were raised about the overlap in parking needs between the Dollar Tree and the restaurant, especially during peak hours. Suggestions to lease parking spaces from nearby Dunkin’ Donuts were entertained but could not be mandated.

The board’s discussions also addressed loading operations for Dollar Tree, which plans deliveries twice weekly using a 55-foot WB50 truck during early morning hours. The anticipated working hours for Dollar Tree are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a maximum of 15 employees across shifts.

The board reviewed architectural elements of the project, focusing on the building’s northern elevation, which includes split face rock and a stucco-like finish, aligning with Dollar Tree’s aesthetic. Signage plans were also discussed, confirming that one tenant’s signage would be consistent with Dollar Tree’s branding, while the second tenant remains undetermined. The freestanding sign was relocated for better visibility, and the number of building-mounted signs was reduced in line with tenant configuration changes.

A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the unanimous approval of an area investigation study for the Raceway Park and surrounding area, following a request from the council. This study aims to explore redevelopment opportunities in the area, excluding properties owned by the Department of Defense and a township-owned cricket ground. The board emphasized that the study is a proactive measure to evaluate potential redevelopment.

The board also reviewed a consistency amendment concerning setback requirements in the R5 zone, allowing sheds up to 150 square feet on lots over 5,000 square feet and 100 square feet on smaller lots with reduced setback requirements. This amendment seeks to simplify processes for residents and alleviate the need for variances for minor constructions.

Another amendment discussed involved refining the redevelopment plan for the intersection of Jake Brown Road and Highway 9, shifting standards from light industrial to commercial uses. The board was informed that signage requirements would align with existing local standards to enhance visual planning of the area.

In a final note, applications for Visionbridge Urban Renewal LLC and Regency were adjourned to the June 26, 2025, meeting due to scheduling conflicts with a litigation matter. Meanwhile, Oak 18 LLC is set to present an amended major preliminary and final site plan with a variance, details of which were not discussed at this meeting.