Land Use Board approves 4-bay Ace Truck & Van Wash on Lodge Avenue despite neighborhood objections

The Land Use Board approved a preliminary and final major site plan for Ace Truck & Van Wash, LLC (Application #25-LUB-008) for a four-bay wash facility on Lodge Avenue (Block 132 Lot 8). Applicant professionals — attorney Kathy Renner, consultant Norman Rogers and applicant Ron Davis — described an enclosed operation with doors closed during wash cycles, no drying cycle, water reclamation and direct connection to borough sewer. Rogers said wash durations are short (about three minutes for a car, seven minutes for a box truck and 15 minutes for tractor trailers) and estimated a conservative maximum of about 300 washes per day; the traffic analysis concluded the site would not materially worsen intersection levels of service and would not require off-site traffic improvements.

Nearby residents urged denial, saying the site is residential and that commercial uses have already brought trash and noise to the neighborhood. Mr. Brice told the board he believed the project would "change the neighborhood" and that the borough needs housing rather than another commercial use. Chairman Robert DeAngelo responded to public concern and explained the board's reasoning for the sidewalk waiver, saying, "300 to 400 ft. of sidewalk in front of this business wouldn't help." The Board approved the application on a motion by Administrator Vernon Marino, seconded by Council President Tahje Thomas. Conditions discussed included working with the Borough Engineer on lighting and monitoring the sound report.