SOMERS POINT — The potential developer of a Bay Avenue property has proposed an interesting solution to a lack of parking.
Councilman Sean McGuigan reported Dec. 11 that the unnamed developer approached the concept review committee with a proposal to build a mixed-use building on the southwest corner of Gibbs and Bay avenues but lacks adequate parking.
The developer proposed creating a cut-through from its lot to the adjacent municipal lot on the corner of Higbee Avenue, across from the Gateway Playhouse. That would conceivably provide enough parking that the Planning Board would approve the project, despite a double-digit deficiency.
McGuigan said the proposal calls for demolition of the existing building and construction of a new one with three retail spaces on the first floor, office space for medical billing on the second floor and an owner-occupied home on the third floor.
The reason he brought the issue to council is because the developer is requesting a cut-through so that vehicles in its parking lot could access the adjacent city parking lot if there are spaces available.
“I think it’s an attractive building and I really think that this is a great use for Bay Avenue — it will increase walkability and all the other sale pitches and get us a little bit of retail that I think will help Bay Avenue develop,” he said.
McGuigan said the developer offered to allow its lot to be used by the public during off-hours whenever there is an event such as a theater performance or the summer concert series at nearby William Morrow Beach.
“This gives us the advantage of being able to utilize their spaces,” McGuigan said.
He said the plan lacks adequate parking, so the developer would otherwise have to seek a variance for a deficiency of more than 10 spots.
“Parking is a constant problem and suppresses development down there, and I don’t want to see this being suppressed,” he said.
McGuigan said with development of the Paddle Club, a housing complex and a possible brewery at Maryland Avenue, the area is going to become more walkable. This project would enhance that.
“If us offering that cutout helps this get approved, then I’d be for it,” he said.
McGuigan said the city would lose one of the 38 spots from its parking lot to allow for the cut-through.
Councilman Kirk Gerety said the site plan shows a loss of three spaces and noted that the 12-foot-wide cut-through would not accommodate two-way traffic.
Councilman Howard Dill said it would be important for the developer to waive any liability on the city in case of an accident.
Council agreed to allow the developer’s attorney to pitch the project at a future meeting and answer council’s questions.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff