Roadblock for new flower shop

[news]

Roadblock for new flower shop
Building owner must seek new use variance

Friday, October 5, 2007 2:55 PM EDT
By Maria Prato-Gaines

CRANBURY — The owner of a North Main Street building says he plans to tear down the building rather than pay to seek a variance that would allow him use it as a flower shop.

The variance is needed because a use variance allowed a previous business in the building to operate as a gift shop in a residential zone. The building’s owner, Glenn Johnson, also a member of the zoning board, had hoped that the previous use variance would allow a new business to sell flowers, as well.

However, the township zoning officer, Jeffrey Graydon, ruled that the use variance did not cover flowers. Mr. Johnson appealed Mr. Graydon’s decision, but the zoning board voted 3-3 Wednesday, saying Mr. Johnson would have to seek a new use variance. Mr. Johnson needed a majority vote for the zoning officer’s decision to be overturned.

Mr. Johnson recused himself from the board for the duration of the appeal.

The 77 N. Main St. building was a gift shop until April. The use variance it operated under established a list of specific items, including chocolates, candles, teddy bears and other items, that could be sold there, however, flowers were not included in the list.
On Wednesday, the building’s prospective tenant, Miriam B-Pardilla said flowers would make up only 20 percent of the store’s floor space and of its revenue.

Those who spoke at the meeting said the business would be beneficial.

”I think the business would be an asset to the town,” said Linda Bowker, a neighbor of the business and friend of Mr. Johnson. “I think people miss having that gift shop.”

Board member Adrienne Kemp, who voted in favor of overturning Mr. Graydon’s ruling, said the gift shop could sell a variety of items under the current use variance, and that flowers should be included.

”Flowers are just an item in the gift shop,” she said.
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http://www.packetonline.com/articles/2007/10/05/cranbury_press/news/doc47067d317d261808261226.prt