Government

Retail, Residential, Contractor Shop Complex Proposed for Brick Properties

by
Daniel Nee
February 6, 2023

Just days after a plan to construct a self-storage facility along Drum Point Road raised the ire of neighboring residents at a zoning board meeting, plans to develop two additional parcels with mixed-use properties have been proposed.

The properties at 305 and 307 Drum Point Road, under the proposal, would be developed with a two-story building with retail on the first floor with six residential units on the second floor, along with an additional one-story building consisting of four contractor’s shops with associated parking and site improvements. The property is owned by Joann Marie LaConti, who is serving as developer.

The properties at 305/307 Drum Point Road, proposed for development. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The two parcels of land, both about a half-acre in area, are located in the Village Zone, which allows mixed-use development, however a use variance – which carries the heftiest burden for developers to meet – is required to be obtained by the township’s zoning board. Both properties were purchased in August 2022, tax records show.

Use variance approval is required to construct the six residential units over the retail on the first floor, since the zoning code allows for a maximum of two units. The developer is also requesting a use variance to allow more than one principal building and to allow multi-family units mixed with commercial units on the same property. More routine “bulk” variances are required for smaller issues, including impervious lot coverage of 69 percent where 60 percent is required, and a proposal to include 59 parking spaces where 60 would normally be required.