By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
Developer Robert Hillier has two applications for Witherspoon Street properties one as a possible restaurant to be heard before the zoning board for variances this week.
The first is a request for approvals to re-use the existing building, known as the Forer Pharmacy building at 160 Witherspoon St., as a restaurant.
He is also requesting a variance to continue the prior existing use of the entire building for business use while the ordinance requires residential use of at least 60 percent of the building floor area.
Mr. Hillier said the site would be used as a takeout restaurant. No tenant has been specified, but Mr. Hillier said he has had interest from Indian, Mexican and deli takeout establishments.
”In other words, we’ve had a lot of inquiries about the building, and can they rent it as retail?” said Mr. Hillier.
The existing zoning only allows a pharmacy at the location, and Mr. Hillier is requesting the residential business zoning be applied to this building.
There is also a parking variance requested.
The second application is to modify permitted hours for retail commercial stores so a possible beauty salon can come into a space at 190-198 Witherspoon Street.
This is one of the buildings in front of Mr. Hillier’s office.
”That’s the complex we are renovating right now,” said Mr. Hillier. “It’s the building closest to Nassau Street. We have a wonderful hairdresser that wants to go in there, called B&B.”
The salon would be small, only two chairs, and has an existing client base.
All parties interested in both spaces are local business people, he said.
The zoning board will meet at 8 p.m. on June 28 at Borough Hall.

