EDISON — The zoning board gave Edison Commons a green light to construct an Aldi grocery store on Route 27 between Talmadge and Vineyard roads.
The project consists of adding a 17,800 squarefoot store and 95 new parking spaces to the property, which has existing retail, including Entenmann’s bakery. The property is surrounded by other commercial properties, and the Aldi would be a permitted use for the site. The zoning board has jurisdiction over the site, however, from a past use variance.
The project would involve the relocation of dedicated storage space for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Michael Marinelli of Menlo Engineering explained on behalf of Edison Commons. In addition, a crosswalk will be added on the south side of the property, and landscaping is planned to enhance the site.
The applicant’s planner, John McDonough, said the addition of an Aldi would benefit the community because it would be an efficient use of the land, a new ratable for Edison and an attractive, national tenant that would add aesthetic appeal, as well.
Edison Commons needed a variance for Aldi’s parking, as it was 45 spaces short of the required amount for the project, and for impervious coverage — the project would cover 92.8 percent of the land, more than 12 percent of what’s allowed for the site.
For the first issue, the applicant planned to pay the township in lieu of the spaces, and for the second issue, Edison Commons was planning to create two underground detention basins.
The final application might not have even made it to the zoning board without some cooperation and compromise between Edison Commons and board engineer Henry Bignell.
“When I first saw this plan, I pretty much told them, ‘Take it off the table and don’t come back,’” he said following the bulk of the testimony. “And we spent several times going ’round and ’round, several meetings, and everything I asked them to do, they’ve done.”
As such, Bignell said he supported the project.
“I’m satisfied with the application and I would hope that the board see it my way as well,” he said.
In spite of that support, the application received some pushback from board member Jeffrey D. Reeves, who was concerned about the parking and impervious coverage variances from an environmental, runoff and open space perspective.
“That’s not equal to overdevelopment to you,” he asked.
McDonough said he disagreed with Reeves’ assessment.
Nevertheless, the board unanimously approved the application; no one from the public commented.
“I believe that the proposed project will enhance the property in question,” said Board Vice Chair Rosemary Feterik, who said she felt the applicant met all requirements.
More Aldis have been coming to Middlesex County; the Edison location would join stores in Woodbridge and Piscataway.
In addition, the board approved a cell phone tower for Middlesex Surgery Center at 1921 Oak Tree Road in a 6-1 vote. Ralph Errico voted against the application.