A proposal to modify the property of an office building on Hooper Avenue in Brick Township has drawn the ire of at least one neighboring resident who plans to object to the plan.
APM Office Space LLC is seeking variance relief from the township’s zoning board to continue the existing commercial office use in the residential zone – a pre-existing condition that must simply be ratified – and also modify the commercial property by constructing a covered entrance and handicap accessible sidewalks. The subject of the hearing is the building at 2597 (Old) Hooper Avenue, which was previously utilized as a small law office.
The board will also be asked to consider expanding the building’s use as an office to the second floor, which was previously used as a residential dwelling. Additionally, neighboring residents have raised concerns over a facet of the site plan that would maintain a driveway on Downey Avenue, a residential street. There is currently one handicap-accessible parking space along Downey Avenue. A variance is required for relief from the township’s zoning ordinance, which normally prohibits driveways closer than 100 feet to the intersection of two public streets. In this case, the driveway is less than 100 feet from Old Hooper.
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The footprint of the building itself is not proposed for any expansion, however residents are objecting to any expansion of a commercial use in the residential zone. At least one resident has begun a social media campaign to promote the effort.
APM Office Space, according to state business records, is linked to Arrow Property Management, based in Howell, with an office on 38th Street in Brooklyn, N.Y. The hearing will be held Nov. 6, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the township municipal complex.