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Board approves office use for Specialty Infusion at former bank on Van Houten with signage and landscaping stipulations
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a change of use for the long‑vacant bank at 646 Van Houten Avenue to a closed‑door pharmaceutical office (Specialty Infusion Inc.), with conditions that freestanding and directional signage be removed and dead shrubs be replaced.
The Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment approved Jan. 22 an application to reuse the former bank building at 646 Van Houten Avenue as a closed‑door pharmaceutical office for Specialty Infusion Inc., granting a use variance despite an existing parking deficit.
Applicant counsel Dominic Iannarello presented architect Michael Capo, who testified that the building’s interior and footprint will largely remain intact, the drive‑through window will be closed, and operating hours are expected to be standard office hours (roughly 9 a.m.–5 or 6 p.m. Monday–Friday). Capo said the site currently provides five parking spaces; a parking variance is required because 12 spaces are required by code for the proposed use. The applicant said the proposed operation will be low intensity, not open to the general public (no retail drive‑through), and will typically have two employees with occasional deliveries.
Board planner comments included removal of directional signage and the freestanding sign; the applicant agreed to remove the existing signs and to refresh the landscaping. The applicant also agreed to consider timers for exterior lighting to limit nighttime spill if the board desires; the board left light timing flexible but asked for reasonable controls.
Vice Chair Molnar moved to approve the application; Commissioner O'Connor seconded. The board approved the use variance in a roll‑call vote; conditions noted on the record require removal of directional and freestanding signs, replacement of dead shrubs and modest site cleanup prior to occupancy.
The board recorded that the use is a low‑impact office, primarily two employees, and that the applicant will maintain existing site lighting and may place lights on timers to limit late‑night spill. Building permits and any health or professional licensing required for the operation remain prerequisites to occupancy.
