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Zoning board approves BJ's Wholesale Club plan to add fuel dispensers and canopy at Route 9 site
Summary
The board granted major site-plan approval and related conditional-use and bulk variances to BJ's Wholesale Club to install six fuel dispensers with a canopy, subject to compliance conditions on traffic monitoring, fire official sign-off, landscaping bond and resolution compliance.
The Old Bridge Zoning Board on July 16 approved BJ's Wholesale Club's application to add an on‑site fueling outparcel with six pump locations, a kiosk and canopy at 1007 U.S. Highway Route 9 (Block 4185, Lot 2.11).
Applicant counsel David Himmelmann introduced a multi-disciplinary team. Civil engineer Richard Procanik (Pennoni & Associates) described the canopy, three underground storage tanks, a dedicated delivery area for product trucks, and proposed landscaping and photometrics; he said the plan reduces impervious area slightly and will include bonding for newly planted trees. Traffic engineer John Corak (Stonefield) testified that site‑level circulation and queuing accommodate peak and extreme scenarios (he estimated 40–60 vehicles could fit in on‑site queuing without blocking Milletta Way) and that the study's traffic counts (Aug. 2024) were grown to reflect projected background development; he said intersections would operate within acceptable levels of service under the proposed use. Planner Paul Ricci summarized planning justification and master-plan objectives, noting the site's location in a commercial corridor and arguing the proposal reduces an existing "sea of asphalt" and advances coordinated development.
Board members pressed for conditions: an updated fire‑official review and acceptance of a revised fire apparatus maneuverability plan, verification of compliance with ERI/board engineer comments, landscaping revisions and bonding, and a post‑construction traffic timing review for the nearby signal if warranted. Applicant representatives agreed to submit revised materials through resolution compliance and to work with township staff; the fire official's final approval will be required before final construction sign-off.
Miss Benelli moved to approve the consolidated major preliminary/final site plan and related variances; Mister Izzo seconded. The motion passed in a roll-call vote with all six seated members voting yes. The board retained jurisdiction to require follow-up studies and post‑construction adjustments if site operations change traffic patterns.
