7 eleven

[7eleven]

I received a letter about a seven eleven being planned on rt 130/south river rd. It will be a 3000 sf store. There seems to be a meeting on the 5th in the Cranbury school. Anyone knows more about it? What are the pros and cons?

[Guest]

See the string about H&M closing. I think 7Eleven is just what the Blue Rooster bashers would love to see in Cranbury.

[Guest]

What does the BR have to do with Seven11? To say that those who don't like the BR would want a 7/11 is absured. The BR has enough problems trying to survive. Don't pile on.

[Guest]

a letter from who? The Township? a developer? Can you please be more specific.

I'd rather have a Wawa personally.

[Jersey Dad]

The letter is from an engineering company working for 7 Eleven. I can't make it to the meeting, so if anyone goes, please post what you learn.

I hope they make it nice. Even Dunkin Donuts has some decent store designs. My concerns are mostly about the hours and the lighting.

[Jay T.]

The letter did not go out to the entire town. For those interested in attending, can someone please post the time of the meeting?

[wcody]

I have not heard anything about a 7-11. There is a Development Review Committee at 5:00 on Thursday and on the agenda is:

PB 160-08 AVN Holdings, LLC
Block 7, Lots 1 & 2
Route 130 & Half Acre Road
Informal

http://www.cranburytownship.org/DRC_Agenda_03-05-09.html

I am not sure if this is about a 7-11.

There is a planning board meeting at 7:30 but I saw nothing on that agenda regarding a 7-11.

http://www.cranburytownship.org/PB_Agenda_03-05-09.html

[wcody]

I found out the AVN Holdings agenda item is not about a 7-11.

[Jersey Dad]

The meeting is at 7 PM at the Cranbury school on thursday March 5th. It is described in the letter as a "neighborhood meeting" which would seem to indicate an informal Q and A. My guess is they want to gauge potential opposition and objections.

The letter is from john Palus of Dynamic Engineering Consultants out of Lake Como, NJ (732) 974-0198. www.dynamicec.com

[Guest]

My view right now is that this would be good for the town. It would not disturb the downtown area. However, it would give residents a quick place to go for bread, milk, papers, etc... If the PNC bank brought in 20K in tax revenue, a new 7-11 would have to have comparable value.

It would not take away from any of the existing businesses in town either.

[Guest]

A worry in the past with a convenience store on Route 130 has been the safety of children who try and cross the highway to buy
slurpees or candy.

[Jay T.]

The information below is a summary of last night's meeting and discussion points raised according to my notes. - Jay Taylor

Background

Last night representatives from 7-11 corporate, their engineering firm (Dynamic Engineering), the property owners and their local counsel held an information session at the Cranbury School (old cafeteria and Industrial Arts room). The representatives stated that they had met with the town engineer and two members of the PB in an informal workshop. This meeting was the next step before going to the PB and DOT. The meeting last night was to discuss their proposed plan with residents and solicit feedback and input on the site, structure and plan and to incorporate resident concerns into the planning.

The store would sit on the triangle between route 130 and South River Road (where the gas station and diner used to be).

7-11 would own and build the store and rent the land from the owners. 7-11 corporate would maintain the store and grounds; however, they would find someone to actually be the franchise owner.

There were approximately 8 residents from Cranbury in attendance.

7-11 Proposed Plan

7-11's proposed structure will be less than 3,000 square feet and by their admission this will be smaller than what is normal. There will be a separate entrance from route 130 and exit onto route 130, there will also be a combined entrance/exit onto South River road. The building will have plantings approx. 36" in height that will serve to reduce some headlight glare across route 130. They stated that the lot size is .77 acres. Therefore, it will require a variance from the town if it is to proceed into development. There is water and sewer available which they would hook into if it proceeds. There will be no outdoor seating available.

They also proposed having a community police desk inside the store as they said this helps reduce the number of people making illegal turns or running across route 130.


Resident Concerns

Resident concerns were raised over the following items:

- The largest concern raised was the safety. A number of those in attendance voiced concerns over people trying to cross route 130 to visit the 7-11 and the danger that posed. They were also concerned over the exit onto route 130 given the rush hour traffic and the proximity to the light.

- The headlights from exiting cars and the impact they would have on the residents across from the store. Given that their homes sit lower they were worried headlights would shine into their bedroom windows having constant light.

- Lighting and signage in the lot. There was concern over what the impact of the lighting given the store would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 7-11 said they would have to speak with the PB on this issue, but would look to install smaller lights that are directed downward.

- Encroachment on our downtown and the look of route 130. The look of route 130 has changed dramatically over the years and with the proposed Hyatt going in on route 130 residents were concerned that we may have a historic down town surrounded by a rather unpleasant looking route 130 business area along with an increase in traffic.

Next Steps

I caveat this statement as I left shortly before the meeting ended. However, before I left they had mentioned that their next steps would be to review the comments, meet with the DOT to discuss the exits and entrances and traffic flow, then go before the PB with the plan incorporating the resident concerns.

[Guest]

Thanks Jay for the summary. I think this will be a positive for the town. I like the idea.

[Guest]

I agree. This would be a good thing for the town. Rt 130 looks terrible and 7/11 corp would not like a visibly poor product. Signage may be an issue but I think the town could be lenient considering what else is out there. Very few new business go out and ask for public imput so I like the open way that this is proceeding. Lets get some new ratables on 130 that can be used by the community!

[Jersey Dad]

Jay,
Thank you for the update. I wish I could have made the meeting. I really appreciate that you posted such detailed notes.

Does anyone know how many other 24 hour businesses there are in Cranbury?

[JustPokin]

Wasnt the fear that 7/11 would move into the old bank building on main st, I guess that didnt make business sense