Zoning Board Chair Expects Sky Trading Decision in May

A final decision for a plan to build a new gas station and convenience store on the corner of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue could come within the next three months, according to Washingon Township Zoning Board Chairman William Johnson.

At a zoning board meeting Tuesday, engineer Brian Shortino explained revisions to Sky Trading LLC's plans to demolish and build a new four-pump gas station and 1,955-square-foot convenience store at 700 Washinton Avenue. According to Shortino, eight feet have been removed from the north and east sides of the proposed store to leave more space between the building and adjacent properties.

Johnson said he wanted to give the board's experts an opportunity to review the revised plans to see if they had any questions.

"This is a major change," Johnson said.

After the board experts give their reports, there will be an opportunity for public comment. Johnson said he expects the board will vote on the application at their May 15 meeting.

Bruce Whitaker, the applicant's attorney, said the additional space was made behind the building to appease concerns from neighbors and the fire department that the original store plans did not leave sufficient room in an emergency. An added benefit of the smaller building is that the eight planned parking spaces now meet the required number for the proposed building, meaning that the applicant no longer needs a parking variance, Shortino said.

Shortino also answered several questions that residents and board members asked at the previous hearing. A vent system that neighbors were worried would discharge odorous gas near their homes will instead be piped up along the columns that support the canopy over the pumps, Shortino said. He also said that none of the underground tanks will be within 50 feet of any wells because they will be at least 50 feet from neighboring residential properties.

The next meeting of the Washington Township Zoning Board is scheduled for March 20.