Final Pitch For Gas Station Comes This Week

Bruce Whitaker, the attorney for Sky Trading, is scheduled to make his closing arguments Tuesday for his client's plan to demolish and replace it with a new gas station and convenience store.

The plan calls for a 1,211-square-foot convenience store and gas station on the corner of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue. Residents have as being too big and expressed concern the rebuilt business would create more noise and pollution than it does now.

At the last hearing, residents had the opportunity to share their opinions about the plan during a public comment period. Neighbors said they believed there was no need for a convenience store at the site when there are still empty stores in the strip mall further down Pascack Road. Residents also suggested the site could be improved with less drastic changes to the property.

Sky Trading's architect and engineer have the plans, shrinking the store to leave more space between it and the neighboring residential properties. Whitaker previously said the change was made to appease neighbors and fire department officials who had expressed concern about their ability to operate in the space if an emergency occured. Residents said they still opposed the plan despite the change.

Zoning Board Chairman William Johnson said he expects the board will make a decision at their May 15 meeting.

The hearing will continue at the zoning board's meeting Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the