Rite Aid plan back before board

MANALAPAN - The Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to hold a hearing on Nov. 1 regarding the proposed construction of a Rite Aid pharmacy at the corner of Route 33 and Sweetmans Lane.

In mid-October an old brick school building that occupied the site was demolished.

According to construction official Rich Hogan, the demolition permit for the building was issued on Oct. 16 to NBK Realty, Piscataway.

The application before the zoning board is in the name of Rite Aid of New Jersey Inc., of Harrisburg, Pa., however, according to zoning board secretary Patricia Reiser the owner of the 1.47-acre parcel is listed as NJD Development LLC, Piscataway.

According to Reiser, the applicant is seeking a use variance for the pharmacy because a pharmacy is not a permitted use in the LB-M (limited business-manufacturing) district. Reiser said the applicant is also seeking several bulk variances and waivers due to setback requirements and parking issues.

The applicant is seeking approval to construct an 11,153-square-foot Rite Aid pharmacy with a drive-up window on the property.

Reiser said a vote could be taken at the board's Nov. 1 meeting.

Rite Aid is listed on the application as a contract tenant subject to approval of the plan by the zoning board. The application was filed by Lawrence Gelman, vice president of Rite Aid of New Jersey Inc. Attorney Richard Tilton is representing the applicant before the zoning board.

- Kathy Baratta