MANALAPAN – Residents of Manalapan who are anxiously awaiting the return of a favorite watering hole will have to wait a little longer.
An attorney representing James Lawson, who has plans to construct a new Old Silver Tavern on Freehold-Englishtown Road (Route 522), asked for and received an extension of time from the Manalapan Planning Board during its meeting on Jan. 10.
Attorney Frank Accisano said a plan for a new restaurant on the site of the closed tavern was approved by the board in 2014. Since that time, however, no construction has occurred.
“We have been involved in litigation and exploring alternatives as to how the property is going to be sewered,” Accisano told board members.
The Old Silver Tavern was served by a septic system, but Manalapan officials have previously indicated that in order for a new restaurant to be constructed on the site just west of Tennent Road, a new owner will have to bring a sewer system to that location.
On Jan. 10, the board was asked to approve two one-year extensions of time for the application: from June 2017 through June 2018, and from June 2018 through June 30, 2019. The applicant may return in June to seek an additional one-year extension through June 2020, Accisano said.
Ron Cucchiaro, the board’s attorney, said the zoning has not changed on the Old Silver Tavern property and added that “the extension of time continues the applicant’s vested rights in zoning.”
Board members voted 9-0 to grant the extension of time through June 30, as the applicant continues to work through the permitting process with outside agencies.
Before the Old Silver Tavern application was heard, the board conducted its annual reorganization meeting. Four residents rejoined the board for 2019: Kathryn Kwaak, Richard Hogan, David Kane and John Castronovo.
Deputy Mayor Jack McNaboe, who sits on the board, administered the oath of office to all four board members.
Board members then unanimously elected Kwaak to serve as chairwoman for 2019. She held the same position in 2018. Todd Brown was unanimously elected vice chairman and D’Agostino was unanimously elected secretary.