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Woolwich JLUB approves Center Square Tavern’s enclosed tent with sound‑mitigation conditions
Summary
The board approved a minor site plan and limited parking variance for Center Square Tavern’s new insulated 1,008‑sq‑ft freestanding structure (capacity remains 60), requiring insulation and reduced side glazing to address neighbor noise concerns; vote was unanimous among members recorded.
The Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board approved a minor site plan and a limited parking variance for Center Square Tavern (120 Center Square Rd.) on March 6, 2025, allowing the replacement of an older tent with a new insulated freestanding structure intended for year‑round use.
Attorney Marla DiMarcantonio introduced owner Larry Wallace and project witnesses, including engineer Scott Brown and contractor Lou Maryfield. Wallace said he has operated the restaurant for seven years and that the new structure will retain the previous tent’s 60‑person capacity and not add outdoor seating or outdoor music. Engineer Scott Brown testified the property currently has 296 parking spaces, exceeding the 242 spaces required after the addition; the planner recommended the variance be limited to the restaurant space only.
Neighbors raised concerns during public comment about noise, windows and supervision of children. Resident Melaine Tancredri asked if windows would open and whether music would be louder; Wallace replied the windows will not open, the unit will be insulated and served by HVAC, and the business will observe closing hours of 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. Board engineering guidance led the applicant to agree to enhanced sound mitigation: ceiling insulation of R36, a back wall with R21 insulation and reduced glazing on side walls to limit sound leakage. The board also required doors be marked as emergency exits where appropriate, and noted that fire subcode will determine final egress requirements.
The board moved to approve the site plan and the limited variance for parking tied specifically to the restaurant use. Grasso moved to approve; Nocentino seconded. Roll‑call approval was unanimous among recorded members: Cotton, Daniels, Grasso, Kauffman, Matthias, Moorer, Nocentino, Healey and VC Rushton voted yes.
The approval includes conditions listed in the engineer’s and planner’s memos and the applicant’s agreement on insulation and reduced glazing. Any change in use or expansion beyond the approved footprint will require further review by the JLUB.
