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FLORENCE: Board approves Valero plan

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — The Florence Township Planning Board gave final site plan approval for an expanded Valero gas station and a new modern 7-Eleven convenience store.
at its June 24 meeting."This will continue the improvements that we have planned for our community, especially along Route 130," said Mayor Craig Wilkie in an email on July 20. "This new upgraded facility will provide the community with a new business, increasing the ratable base. Improving the appearance of our community along Route 130 is a high priority."
"The mayor meets with prospective developers and companies that wish to locate or expand in the community," said Township Administrator Richard Brook in an email on July 17. "It is a vital part of establishing an open line of communication with new commercial business opportunities for the community."
The mayor and the other Planning Board members have been exceptional when it comes to helping Florence Township expand commercial businesses in the township, he said.
Valero is located on Route 130 North near the Burlington Coat Factory site and is owned by G & B Associates.
"The owner of Valero keeps a meticulously landscaped property and is an asset to the community," he said. "He currently sells unleaded and diesel fuel. Valero wanted to expand its site to construct a modern facility that will continue to feature unleaded gas and diesel duel, and construct a new 7-Eleven convenience store."
The company purchased additional ground from Burlington Coat Factory so that they could adequately expand the site to accommodate the new fuel islands and convenience store, he said.
The Valero site used to be 0.57 acres and it is now 1.84 acres with the acquisition of the additional property. The convenience store will be approximately 4,300 square feet.
Valero will continue to sell propane for individual hand-carried canisters, he added.
"The professionals working for the Planning Board and staff met with G & B’s professionals several times to review the site plan in depth prior to them appearing before the Planning Board on April 22," he said. "These meetings require a great deal of cooperation and communication on the part of all parties. It is a credit to not only the Planning Board, but also the board’s professionals that Florence Township is able to streamline so many quality commercial applications."
He noted that the G & B’s professionals were also "excellent to work with on this application."
On April 22, the Planning Board granted preliminary and final major site plan approval to G & B. The resolution completing the approval was memorialized at the June 24 Planning Board meeting.
Construction is expected to begin construction in the fall of 2014 or the spring of 2015.
Mr. Brook noted that will be "depending on when they obtain their NJDOT approvals."
"Because this is an active site, the construction will be done in two phases, he said. "Much of the site work and the convenience store work will happen first, and then the balance of the site involving the fueling stations will be done."
G & B has recently applied to the state DOT for the required access permits for the site.
"They need to ensure that all required permits are in hand before applying for municipal permits," he said.