12/2 – Red Bank Planning Board Continues Walgreens Pharmacy Hearing Tonight

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By John Burton
RED BANK – The planning board will continue this evening to hear the controversial application to build a Walgreens pharmacy with a drive-through window at the site of the former Rassas Buick auto dealership on Broad Street.
Mark Development, Inc., the developer, has been appearing before the planning board for the last few months seeking approval for the plans to construct a 14,200 square-foot pharmacy with a drive-through at 375 Broad St.
In addition to presenting his experts, Marc Steinberg, a principal with Mark Development, had been meeting with area residents looking to allay residents’ fears about having a large, and presumably active, retail operation in the vicinity of their suburban neighborhood.
The site, while in a commercial zone, with the proposed pharmacy a permitted use, backs up to a residential area bordering Red Bank and Little Silver. Homeowners in the area have concern about the size of the structure and contend the business would have a negative impact on their quality of life, leading to more noise, traffic and possibly lower property values.
Steinberg has made some changes to his initial plans –curtailing operating hours, restricting traffic flow out of the site – but residents have continued to express concern.
The planning board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the courtroom at the municipal complex, 90 Monmouth St.