More testimony heard on CVS application

By Amy Stewart BYRAM — At their April 5 meeting, the Bryam Planning Board continued to hear testimony regarding the proposed plans for a CVS to be built on the property where Barone’s and the Lockwood Tavern presently sit. Representatives for Acorn Associates, who own the property just south of the where the current CVS is located, testified about the number of variances that would be needed in order for the application to fit within the township's master plan, smart growth and Village Center concepts. George A. Ritter, of Ritter & Plante Associates, testifying on behalf of Acorn, said that a request for variances does not necessarily mean that a plan is against the goals of a municipality. One of the requested variances would allow the building to be set farther back from the road which would allow for sidewalks and pedestrian traffic, he said. Attorney Brian D. Schwartz, representing Acorn, confirmed that the township does not allow for drive-thru businesses, which the application currently calls for. Barry Feldman, of Acorn Associates, said, “We want to see something that conforms with the ordinances. We liked the earlier plan with three buildings.” Acorn Associates manages the property where the current CVS sits. To build the CVS, both Lockwood Tavern and Barone's would be torn down. Owner of the property, Pat Barone, said that he plans to rebuild the restaurant on an adjoining lot at a later time. More testimony will be heard on the application at the board's May 3 meeting.