Elias Soriano told the Pennsauken Township Committee on Oct. 2 that he is seeking committee and zoning approvals to open a small insurance brokerage office in a storefront in the 4400 block of town. Soriano said he has 13 years’ experience as an insurance broker, has worked at UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Humana, and now wants a local storefront to serve Spanish-speaking residents with Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and other insurance needs.

Sorian o said the proposed office would be staffed by him and his wife and operate Monday through Friday from about 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. He described the location as a former barbershop owned by a man named Alan and said the building owner granted permission to pursue a change of use; Soriano said the space provides one parking spot in the rear for the business and that customers would otherwise use on-street parking.

Economic-development staff introduced Soriano’s presentation. Shakir Ali said the application is a change of use that will require approval by the township’s zoning or assembly board. Committee members welcomed the proposed Spanish-language services but asked questions about parking, hours and whether the office would be appointment-only. Soriano said he currently operates a private, appointment-only office elsewhere but expects some walk-ins; he estimated his client base and said open-enrollment season can increase daily visits but that typical daily traffic would be modest.

No formal committee vote on the storefront change was taken at the meeting. Staff said the matter will move to the appropriate zoning/assembly board for formal review and that administration staff will coordinate next steps with the applicant.

Why it matters: committee members said a local, Spanish-speaking insurance resource could make it easier for seniors and other residents to access benefits and plan options, while parking and neighborhood impacts will be considered during the zoning review.