7-11 presentation to the Development Review Committee (DRC)

[Jay T.]

A few months ago I attended a presentation along with a number of other residents in town concerning the proposed 7-11 going in on Rt 130.

I wanted to let everyone know I received a notice today that they are having an informal meeting with the DRC on October 1 at 5pm. The meeting will be at Town Hall.

While I am supposed to be away, I am going to do my best to rework my schedule and attend. Those like myself who still have questions may also want to attend.

http://www.cranburytownship.org/DRC_agenda100109.pdf

[Jay T.]

Last night, Dan Mulligan and I attended the DRC meeting along with some of our fellow residents from Cranbury Estates. This was a preliminary meeting, but I wanted to provide some feedback in case people were interested.

- The safety concerns are still a huge issue in terms of children crossing over 130 to get to the store. 7-11 has agreed to install a cross walk along Rt. 130.

- The company will be seeking a zoning variance since it is zoned for highway commercial.

- The store would be 3,000 sq. feet approx 45% of the land would be developed.

- Traffic concerns both entering and exiting the location were raised by the residents and the DRC. 7-11 said the DOT reviewed and approved their traffic pattern. At the moment there would be entrance and exit onto Rt. 130 along with an entrance and exit on S. River Rd.

- The DOT refused to allow fencing or shrubbery behind the homes in Cranbury Estates.

- There were concerns raised by everyone in attendance about the idling trucks on Rt. 130 and the impact to the homes.

- The store is not doing shoebox lighting, but would do ornamental lights.

- There would be signage in front and back.

- Saftey concerns were also raised concerning the operating hours (24/7).

- There are two previous declinations for retail in this zone a WaWa and the BP station/store.

- The store design is trying to keep in line with the character of the town. It did not appear that the actual design was an issue.

It is important to note that the meeting was informal and thus there comments made were informal as well. A formal application before the DRC will occur in November or December.

[Guest]

"- The DOT refused to allow fencing or shrubbery behind the homes in Cranbury Estates. "

Why?

[Jay T.]

The only explanation provided was that the DOT did not want anything on that land.

[7-11]

I think its great. Its about time someone started pushing these people around. We need retail/commercial in town, just like ever other town in NJ. Main Street just does not cut it, no one wants to see a historic barn.

[Guest]

I really hope this goes through. I am so sick of having to drive to another town to buy pretty much anything I need. I welcome this store !