Planning Board Approves 7-Eleven for Springfield Ave

The Maplewood Planning Board approved a revised proposal to bring a 7-Eleven convenience store to Springfield Avenue at Tuscan Street at its September 14 meeting. 7-Eleven representatives at the meeting said they expected the store to open by July 2011.

In early 2009, a proposal to bring a 7-Eleven to the former Mr. Good Lube site on Springfield Avenue met with opposition from neighbors. The ban was not pursued due to resistance from Walgreens despite the fact that the pharmacy had not proposed to operate 24 hours. Neighbors were worried about potential litter, traffic and crime related to a 24-hour business.

The three variances needed for the initial 7-Eleven proposal were not granted by the Planning Board in 2009. Subsequently, the property owner, 1712 Springfield Commons LLC, sued the Planning Board. Although the Planning Board won the initial round in court, the property owner appealed. In the past few months, the two sides have met and worked out a compromise. Last night, the Planning Board approved the settlement.

The new proposal differs from the original in that it maintains the footprint of the existing building, negating the need for any variances, said Harold Cook, the attorney representing the applicant.

Patch will have the full story later today.

A 24-hour on the other side of town on at Parker Avenue and Irvington Avenue.