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Metuchen board approves taller electronic gas‑price sign after owner agrees to cleanup and arborist review
Summary
The board granted the owner of 99 Middle Sex Ave permission to replace and consolidate freestanding gas‑price signage with an 8'2" electronic sign, subject to an arborist assessment, a landscaping plan, fire marshal signoff for propane placement and near‑term cleanup and repaving conditions.
The Metuchen Zoning Board on Aug. 14 approved a request by the owner of 99 Middle Sex Avenue to replace and consolidate existing freestanding signage with a single 8'2" electronic gas‑price sign, provided the applicant meets a set of conditions that include an arborist evaluation of front trees, landscaping coordination and fire marshal approval for propane and recycling placement.
Why it matters: the station sits on State Route 27 by a railroad trestle and the Elks Club; the owner argued visibility limitations from the northbound approach justify a taller, more legible sign so motorists can safely see posted prices and make decisions before the bridge. The planner for the applicant said improved sign legibility can be a safety benefit for approaching drivers.
Applicant and planner testimony: owner Dilbendu Sandoo said he has owned the station for two years and described the existing front trees as living, mature specimens; he opposed wholesale removal of healthy trees and asked for up to a year to carry out any required replacements. Planner Paul J. Fletcher said a northbound sign that increases numerals and letter height improves sight visibility approaching the site; he urged the board to weigh the sign’s safety benefits against neighborhood scale considerations.
Shade Tree Commission and compliance requirements: the Shade Tree Commission had recommended removing certain front trees it considers problematic; the board instead required an independent arborist assessment to determine whether trees are dead or diseased and limited removal and replacement to those the arborist identifies, with replacement species coordinated with the Shade Tree Commission.
Other conditions and site cleanup: the applicant agreed to relocate recycling and dumpster containers to a screened area, repair pavement and curb, repaint/repair a light post near the sign, remove tires/debris, complete repaving and striping (including a van‑accessible space), and to dim or turn off the electronic display when the station is closed. The board also required the applicant to obtain fire marshal approval for the propane tank/barrier location.
Outcome: After discussing the sign height, tree issues and multiple reviewer recommendations, the board voted unanimously to approve the sign application with the stated conditions. The board recorded the approval on the Aug. 14 meeting and directed the applicant to submit the required follow‑up materials for municipal review.
What to watch: the board asked for an arborist report and a landscaping plan and gave timelines for cleanup and implementation of agreed conditions; staff will confirm when the fire marshal and shade‑tree requirements have been satisfied.
