NORTHFIELD — Developer John Berenato got the approval he was seeking Nov. 4 to move forward with a new, larger and more high-tech Atlantic County Veterans Affairs Clinic.
Berenato, of Healthcare Realty Solutions, presented a plan to build a two-story, 30,080-square-foot building at 2101 New Road, the current site of Tilt-In Windows. The property is just a couple of doors down from the current clinic, which offers 9,000 square feet of medical services space at 1909 New Road. The new facility will provide 22,500 square feet of service space.
Berenato said the move would provide veterans from across southern New Jersey a state-of-the art facility with the only radiology department in the region.
Councilman Paul Utts said the application was extensive because it involved putting a 30,000-square-foot building on an irregularly shaped lot.
Utts serves on the Planning Board but not the Zoning Board, which was ruling on this application because of the type of variance being sought, and therefore could not vote.
Attorney Jack Plackter presented evidence from the project engineer regarding site plan work including stormwater management and a traffic study.
Variances being sought included a floor-area ratio of 28.7 percent where 25 percent is allowed, meaning the building would be larger than allowed for the 2.49-acre property.
Plackter argued that represented only a 1 percent deviation from the maximum permitted, noting the building is designed to the specifications of the VA.
The application also sought a variance for parking. Due to its size, the project would require 201 spots but the plan calls for 108.
Utts said Plackter argued that not all of the employees would be working on the same shift and that most patients would arrive in groups via public transportation, alleviating any potential parking problems.
He also noted the location is close to the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, making it convenient for veterans from throughout southern New Jersey.
One neighbor on Jenny Lynn Drive was concerned about being able to see the building. Plackter said a 25-foot tree buffer would remain and a fence would be erected.
Berenato said in a previous interview that if the board granted its approval, demolition of the current building would proceed as soon as the business relocated. He said many more approvals would be needed, including permits from the state departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation, since Route 9 is a state highway.
“We hope to start demolition and site work over the winter and we’re supposed to be up and running by spring 2023,” Berenato said.
Auto repair shop also approved
The board also approved a use variance to allow Harry and Doug Moppert, of Moppert Brothers Auto Collision Specialists, to operate an auto repair shop from the building at 231 Tilton Road, now home to Beacon Bicycles.
Utts said the applicant “presented a compelling argument that today’s auto shop is not yesterday’s junkyard.”
Attorney Nicholas Talvacchia told the board that no toxic chemicals will be used or stored onsite and the property will be fenced in and well-kept.
An attorney representing Max Gurwicz and Sons, developer of Cresson Hill apartments next door, argued that one of the buildings in the complex would overlook the storage area, arguing there is a better use for the property.
Talvacchia argued that a gas station or fast food restaurant would have more of an impact on neighbors.
The board agreed.
CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff