SOMERS POINT — City Council is moving forward with a redevelopment agreement that would alleviate traffic and flooding issues at a busy intersection and make the property more viable for a commercial use.
Provco Partners LP, owner of the property on the northwest corner of New Road and Groveland Avenue where the Walgreens drug store is located, is working with the city to allow for the development of an Aldi market there.
The city initially rejected the plan, saying traffic and flooding are too bad to allow for what could be a more intense use at the crossing, where turning onto narrow Groveland Avenue westbound is difficult in the best of times.
But Provco Partners principal Lee Brahin, whose family also owns Somers Point Shopping Center where Target opened in October, agreed to undertake the necessary improvements.
“The only way we would agree is if they addressed flooding and traffic at the intersection, and they agreed to address those,” City Council President Janice Johnston said. “More important is a buffer between the business and houses. They were very amenable about adding more trees and fencing.”
Attorney Stephen Nehman, representing Provco Partners, said previously that the developer would implement a stormwater management plan that will lessen flooding and greatly enhance the ability of the site to infiltrate stormwater so that the intersection is far better than it is today.
City Council introduced an ordinance June 23 adopting the West Groveland Redevelopment Plan at Block 719, Lots 15, 16 and 17, more commonly known as 425 New Road.
The area already had been deemed “in need of rehabilitation,” something City Council did several years ago in declaring the entire city as such. That eases the redevelopment process and expedites projects.
Introduction of the ordinance followed the Planning Board deeming the agreement consistent with the city master plan June 15. A second reading is scheduled for the next meeting, at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21. Johnston said Brahin would be present to answer questions.
If approved on second reading, the developer would be clear to create a site plan and apply to the Planning Board for approval.
Samantha McConnell and Thomas Steelman, who live in the city and walk to the laundromat across the street, said having an Aldi would benefit them because they would not need to walk to ShopRite or Acme, which are farther away from their home.
Another woman, who chose to remain anonymous, said she would like to see an Aldi open at the site.
“I don’t go to Aldi because it’s so far out. The only other one is out there in Egg Harbor Township,” she said. “It would be good for the community. It’s more than a grocery store; there are so many items that you can buy for the home. It’s a good idea.”
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff