BERKELEY, New Jersey – Redevelopment of the former Beachwood Mall is underway and is part of a zoning law conversion to allow construction of a car wash.
While this was approved by city officials, who voted to convert the zoning ordinance, at least one user was not pleased with the news: the owner of the existing car that sits right across the street from the site.
Read more: Updates shared on the future of Beachwood Mall in Berkeley
Attorney Christopher Reid, who represents the owner of the car wash, spoke at a City Council meeting to ask them to register the ordinance amending Berkeley’s zoning laws.
“I don’t know why car washing is such an issue,” Reid said.
The explanation for why car h, as stated in a previous meeting, is that two tenants have already signed letters of intent for the site. One is for the h car and the other is for a fast food place, a Popeyes, according to the Asbury Park Press.
It was not explicitly discussed that a car wash was allowed under zoning laws, however, the developers argued that it would be a service facility and therefore licensed.
Reid questioned the necessity of an additional car wash, which quickly devolved into arguing between him and John Novak, who serves at the township’s redevelopment attorney.
Councilmember Jim Byrnes was empathetic, saying he understood and “in a way” agreed with Reid’s opinion about allowing the festival across the street.
“But we have [car wash] on the street,” Byrnes said. “And now there are two more in Lacey. “
Other officials agreed, saying it was healthy and American to encourage competition.
The Beachwood Mall concept will be presented to the planning committee on Dec. 21. It was originally scheduled to be heard in September, but has been moved. You can locate the main points here.
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