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Council approves downtown change-of-use for Mocha coffee and chocolate shop at 28 East Main Street
Summary
The council approved a redevelopment change-of-use for Mocha (coffee, chocolate and matcha) at 28 East Main Street after hearing from the applicant and planner. The application relies on prior variances that run with the land, includes 24 interior seats, and notes ADA, signage and historic-review steps to follow.
The Borough Council voted June 15 to approve a change-of-use/redevelopment application allowing Mocha (described by the applicant as a coffee, chocolate and matcha concept) to open at 28 East Main Street in downtown Freehold.
Attorney Justin Cola presented the application on behalf of the applicant and explained the plan to occupy the eastern-most ground-floor commercial space. The applicant (recorded as "Usim"/"Wasim" in the transcript) testified that the concept focuses on coffee, chocolate and matcha drinks with limited pastries and that interior seating for 24 will be provided.
The borough planner and engineer reviewed prior approvals for the site: a parking/loading variance previously granted runs with the land. Planner testimony indicated the proposed staffing level (three employees per shift plus owner/manager) and the parking allotment mean the current change-of-use does not trigger a new parking variance. The applicant said deliveries will be scheduled during non-peak hours (Monday mornings) and that loading will not require larger commercial trucks.
Several technical items were raised during the council discussion. Neighbors and the planning reviewer questioned whether the front entrance step and landing raise issues for an ADA-accessible route; the applicant said the interior restroom will be enlarged to meet ADA clearances and that the front entry step is a pre-existing condition. Council members also flagged potential health-department grease-trap questions and noted signage will require historic-review committee approval before installation.
After discussion, council members moved and seconded the redevelopment acceptance and approved the change of use by roll call. The council wished the applicant well and asked staff to ensure follow-up on ADA access, health-department coordination, and historic-signage review.
What happens next: the applicant will work with borough staff and the historic sign committee on signage, coordinate with the health department for any food-service requirements, and address any ADA access improvements or appropriate compliance steps before opening.
