Expects most to come from unbuilt Route 206 bypass
By:Erica L. Lockhart
A crowd of residents heckled a traffic consultant’s claim the drug store proposed for the corner of Raider Boulevard and Route 206 would draw its traffic from the Hillsborough bypass.
Traffic consultant John Harter, testifying at the May 3 Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on the proposal, testified that traffic on and around the proposed CVS location would not increase, but rather remain at current levels.
"The majority of traffic generated near the CVS site will be bypass traffic," said Mr. Harter. Mr. Harter testified that 50 percent of traffic in the area would be a result of commuter use of the anticipated bypass scheduled for construction in 2007.
The bypass project will alleviate traffic from Old Somerville Road to Montgomery.
Mr. Harter also added that, based on his research, it is likely that patrons visiting the CVS would do so prior to or following peak traffic times.
Board member Paul Drake asked Mr. Harter if the township historic commission had been consulted regarding two historic structure within the site location.
Construction of the proposed CVS and accompanying shopping center rest on the approval of a use variance because the site is in the Home Occupation and Office (HOO) Zoning, which prohibits commercial development within this portion of Route 206.
In addition to HOO zoning matters, township residents raised questions throughout the evening regarding traffic and safety. The residents challenged planned left-hand turns, traffic controls and pedestrian walkways.
Other traffic matters of public concern relate to additional lanes, signage controls and off-site improvements such as landscaping, all of which would require approvals from the Department of Transportation.
The CVS retail store will feature a drive-through pharmacy window and site plans will include two new driveway entrances positioned on Raider Boulevard with one entrance off Route 206.
A special meeting has been set for June 15 for additional comment on the proposal.

