Proposed Changes May Allow More Alcohol Sales In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A proposal that eliminates certain restrictions for businesses on the western end of Moorestown is under consideration, and it could expand the sale of alcohol in the township.

Moorestown Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance on introduction to create business park zoning in place of the existing specially restricted industrial business zoning at its July 13 meeting.

The township said it conducted a study of the zoning and found it appropriate to remove most or all of the restrictions to allow for the construction of new businesses that are compatible with existing uses and nearby residential neighborhoods.

The change would make it possible for the township to compete with surrounding towns, which have a much easier time welcoming businesses because they don’t have the same restrictions Moorestown has.

Council previously discussed expanding the sale of alcohol, which is currently limited to restaurants at the PREIT-owned Moorestown Mall.

Doing so would allow the township to competitively bid for establishments such as Dave & Buster’s, which recently announced it would build an arcade in Gloucester Township. Read more here: Dave & Buster’s Sets New Date For Gloucester Township Opening

Resident Kathy Sutherland was not happy with the prospect of expanded alcohol sales in the previously-dry township. In 2011, Moorestown residents voted to lift the township's century-long embargo on alcohol sales during a special election. Read more here: 'Yes' Wins: Moorestown Liquor Referendum Passes

“When people voted for it, it was supposed to be at the mall only,” Sutherland said. “I don’t want it near me. That was the whole reason for keeping it in certain areas.”

When they discussed the issue previously, council members discussed the possibility of allowing alcohol to be sold in the areas near the mall and the old K-Mart to help development there.

They also debated whether alcohol will be limited to standalone liquor stores or also sold in supermarkets. There would likely be two additional liquor licenses allowed in the township, according to Township Solicitor Kevin Aberant. Read more here: Expansion Of Liquor Sales In Moorestown Under Discussion

The proposal would allow for breweries, wineries and distilleries to be built in Moorestown. Laws governing these institutions differ from those surrounding bars and liquor stores, as they are designed for sampling and the only sales that are permitted are of products brewed and packaged on site.

The area in question is the area on the west side of the township bordered by Cinnaminson, Maple Shade, the Pompeston Creek and various zoning districts.

The stated intent of a Business Park District is for comprehensively planned office, administrative and laboratory research centers, a variety of light manufacturing and warehouse uses in single- and multi-tenant buildings. The list of amendments and details of the proposal can be found here.

The proposal was approved on introduction with a 5-0 vote. The public hearing and final vote on the proposal is scheduled for July 27.