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Residents press Rochelle Park board after garage doors replaced by storefront; board pledges inspection
Summary
Residents told the Land Use Board they saw garage bay doors replaced with a storefront and a commercial van parked on Lincoln Drive; the board said it would ask the construction official to inspect, request documentation from the business and consider a temporary stop or cease-and-desist if no approvals exist.
A resident told the Rochelle Park Land Use Board on July 16 that a property on Lincoln Drive had removed garage bay doors, installed a storefront entrance and parked a van with advertising on the grass, and asked how that change had been approved.
The resident said the property "used to have garage doors" and that "they've been parking their old van... advertising" in the driveway. The board acknowledged the complaint and the chair said the township clerk and construction official had been contacted about the issue and that the board would try to have the construction official visit the property.
The board attorney, identified in the meeting as Mister Mondello, said enforcement options exist if prior approvals cannot be produced: "Cease and desist. You can't use this entrance." Board members said the burden will be on the business to produce documentation showing the change was approved or to apply for a variance. The chair added the construction official should visit and that a temporary stop could be placed on use of the new entrance until proper documentation is provided.
Residents provided or offered photographs and were asked to leave contact information so staff can follow up. Board members advised that parking or alleged parking-code violations can also be reported to the police department for enforcement.
The board said it would attempt to get a response from the construction official within 24–48 hours and would revisit the matter at a future meeting. No formal enforcement action was taken at the July 16 meeting; board members said they would pursue follow-up through the construction official and township administrator.
