Flagship Car Wash Eyes Site Behind Wawa as Montgomery Reports Progress on Promenade, Veterans Banners and Stormwater Work

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — A national car wash operator is preparing to seek approval for a new Montgomery location on the former commercial property behind Wawa near Routes 206 and 518, Township Administrator Lori Savron told the Township Committee during its Sept. 17 regular meeting.

The proposed car wash was one of several development, infrastructure and community updates included in Savron’s administrator’s report, which also touched on Montgomery Promenade, additional state funding for stormwater improvements, a proposed Hometown Heroes banner program, a property-maintenance issue and the township’s affordable housing planning.

Flagship Car Wash Preparing Planning Board Application
Savron said township officials recently met with representatives of Flagship Car Wash, who introduced themselves and advised the township that they intend to submit a site plan application to the Montgomery Planning Board. The company is looking at the property behind the Wawa near Routes 206 and 518, where an office building with a collapsed roof was previously demolished. Savron explained that car washes are a conditional use in the Highway Commercial zone where the property is located. That means a car wash may be permitted provided an applicant demonstrates compliance with the conditions established for that use. “As long as they meet all of the conditions, they can apply to the Planning Board,” Savron said. No site plan approval has been granted at this stage. Savron said the application will be forthcoming. According to Savron, the company operates five different car wash brands and is seeking to expand its presence in New Jersey. The proposal represents another potential change for the heavily traveled Route 206/518 commercial area, where Montgomery has seen significant redevelopment and property cleanup in recent years

Township Assists Montgomery Promenade With Power Connection
Savron also provided an update on Montgomery Promenade, where township officials have been assisting developer SJC in efforts to have PSE&G complete the electrification of several transformers serving buildings at the development. The utility work is important because, Savron said, the lack of completed electrical service has delayed issuance of certificates of approval needed before tenants can begin fitting out their interior spaces. She said the situation appeared to be moving forward and that township officials were pleased to assist. Montgomery’s official development information describes the Promenade as a 281,829-square-foot shopping and entertainment development under construction along Route 206, with Whole Foods as an anchor and restaurants and other commercial uses planned.

Additional DEP Funding Secured for Stormwater Project
Savron also credited Township Engineer Mark Herrmann with successfully advocating for additional funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a stormwater project that is nearing completion. The work involves two aging detention basins that were no longer functioning as effectively as intended. The basins are being transformed into bioretention, or “bio,” basins, designed to improve stormwater management and environmental performance. Savron said the additional state funding brings the total grant award for the project to $606,202.26. The project is now nearing completion, she said.

Hometown Heroes Banner Program Takes Shape
Montgomery is also moving forward with discussions surrounding a Hometown Heroes streetlight banner program honoring local veterans. Savron said township officials recently met with members of the Montgomery Veterans Memorial Committee to begin planning the initiative. One location being explored is Nevius Boulevard, one of the new loop roads connecting Route 206 and County Route 518. Savron said the roadway’s length and existing street lighting could make it well suited for displaying the banners. A more detailed presentation on the proposed program is expected to be made to the Township Committee on Oct. 1, according to Savron. The initiative has been under consideration for several months.

Garbage Complaint at 145 Hartwick Addressed
Savron also reported that an ongoing garbage collection issue at 145 Hartwick had been resolved as of the Sept. 17 meeting. She said the township and Health Department had received numerous complaints regarding the property and that the Health Department ultimately issued a citation. The matter has since been addressed, Savron said. Because the building has a new owner, Savron recommended that township officials arrange a meeting with the owner both to welcome them to Montgomery and explain municipal expectations going forward.

Fair Share Plan Work Continues
Savron concluded her report with an update on Montgomery’s Fair Share Plan, part of the township’s affordable housing planning process. She said she had provided the Planning Board with an update earlier that week at the request of chairman David Campeas, who had asked to receive periodic reports as the work progresses. Savron said the township was working to place the presentation on its website and noted that video of the Planning Board presentation was also available online. Montgomery’s Planning Board has been working through the township’s Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan as part of its Master Plan and fourth-round affordable housing obligations.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com