MILLSTONE – A public hearing on an application which proposes to relocate an established business and to create a mix of business and residential uses is scheduled to continue on Sept. 26 before the Millstone Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Charles Noreika, a co-owner of Noreika Sales, is seeking approval from the board to construct a mixed use commercial and residential development that would have five residential units on the second floor of a building, eight single-family homes and one storm water management lot on Paint Island Spring and Millstone roads. The proposed lots would be combined with an existing home for a total of 11 lots on the 30-acre parcel.
An initial hearing on the application was held by the zoning board on June 27. The hearing was scheduled to continue on July 25, but that meeting was cancelled. The application was rescheduled for Aug. 22 and that meeting was cancelled.
The next hearing on the Noreika application is now scheduled to take place on Sept. 26 at the Millstone Township Municipal Court, 215 Millstone Road.
The application is intended to replace the existing Noreika Sales building, which is scheduled to be demolished by Monmouth County as part of a project to construct a traffic roundabout at the meeting point of Stagecoach Road (Route 524), Millstone Road and Paint Island Spring Road.
Noreika Sales, which sells and services lawn and garden equipment, has been in operation since the 1940s. The business began when there were no zoning regulations in Millstone Township and is in a zone which is now designated for residential uses. It is currently at the location known as Scooter Corner and is the namesake of the business as it previously sold Cushman scooters.
Noreika’s application has prompted concern from residents due to its proposed expansion of the business. Residents have said they believe the expansion of the business would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.