Westwood Planning Board Members Discuss Food Service Windows

The ongoing Master Plan discussions continued Thursday night as members of the Westwood Planning Board considered permitting food service windows or doorways for confectionery items in downtown Westwood.

currently operates such a service when the inside establishment is closed and personnel must get approval each year from the council to continue. Borough Planner Ed Snieckus suggested that the Planning Board recommend that a service window or doorway be permitted for ice cream or other confectionery items for businesses in the central business district.

Board member William Martin raised some concern about allowing the service windows. He said the zoning specifically prohibits that use because lines for the window could stick out from the buildings and block the sidewalk. With Conrad's, he said the store is closed at the time of use and the Dutch door is set back from the sidewalk.

"I think it's better to do on a case-by-case basis," Martin said.

Snieckus pointed out that business owners wouldn't be allowed to simply set up a service window or doorway. They would have to provide a plan as they do for outdoor dining. Snieckus said the plan would have to indicate where the appropriate stacking would take place, which could limit the amount of outdoor tables and chairs for the establishment to provide enough room for pedestrians.

Councilwoman Cynthia Waneck said she wanted to see language added to the recommendation that would prohibit fast food service windows from the downtown area.

"I don't want to see Dairy Queen all of a sudden get an OK for this," she said.

Board members also agreed that permits for outdoor dining should no longer have to be renewed on a yearly basis. Instead, they should be approved once and only require a new permit if the owner or use changes.

Snieckus said he would amend some of the language for the Master Plan recommendations and bring them back to the board at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 27.