Residents Speak Out Against Quick Chek Application

Residents used the first opportunity for public comment on a Quick Chek convenience store and gas station application to air their concerns before the zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday.

After nine hearings, Monday's session was the first to feature public comment. Several residents spoke before the board ended up denying the application.

First to speak was Daniel McGee of East Francesca Court in Howell. He noted he is a licensed engineer who lives in the area and had attended nearly all of the nine hearings.

“I am against this application,” he said firmly. “The main reason for this is because a gas station is not permitted at this site. They have every right to build a food or convenience story, but not a gas station.”

McGee went on to say the gas station would bring about a great amount of noise and lights, and since this site would be open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, the intrusion would be too great on the neighborhood. He added noise would especially be a problem, with diesel trucks coming in at all hours of the night to fill their tanks up.

“The more diesels we get, the more noise there will be, and I believe the magnitude of the variance they are asking for is too large and should be denied,” he said.

Next to speak was Charles Senders of East Crosier Court. He noted he was not against the applicant, but had concerns about the overall plan.

“Look, Route 33 is not a rural highway anymore, but it is important to try and maintain the neighborhood we have,” he said, adding he was concerned about the amount of accidents that may occur at the site if a traffic light was not installed. 

Tom Stackhouse of Sagamore Drive was next, and he concurred with McGee that the lights from the Quick Chek would be too bright, and it would be too distracting for the entire neighborhood. 

“I just think the lighting should be adequate,” he said.

The last resident to speak was John Costigan of Birdsall Road. He made a brief statement expressing his displeasure with the application. 

“I just think this application is too intense a property for our area,” he said. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the board voted 4-3 in favor of the Quick Chek application. However, due to the fact that a five-vote minimum is needed for the variances to go through, the application was denied.

The next meeting of the Howell Township Zoning Board will be at 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at borough hall.