Long Branch Planning Board Approves CVS For Broadway

By Christopher Sheldon

The Broadway Gateway redevelopment zone has its first approved commercial property.

The Long Branch Planning Board approved Hartford Realty Group's application to build a CVS on a parcel bordered by Ocean Boulevard, South Broadway, North Broadway and Long Branch Avenue. The lot currently contains an autobody shop and a used car lot that will both be demolished.

The board unanimously approved the application during its Thursday night meeting after a short meeting that lasted about one hour. Planning Board member and Long Branch Councilwoman Kathleen Billings said she is pleased with the project.

"I want to commend you on the design," Billings said. "The building is unique, it's not just a square brick box as some of the CVS stores are."

Project engineer Douglas Grysko said the developer has been working with the city for almost two years to come up with a design that satisfied the zone's needs. The project is located in a redevelopment zone, so the city council and other officials had to approve the design before it could come to the planning board.

Grysko said the CVS has more of a seaport look and was designed to have some of the features included in Pier Village, including decorative lighting.

The CVS will feature a drive thru for prescriptions, 60 new parking spaces,, new shade trees and sidewalks.

Two "out parcels" were also included in the project and will be set aside for future development on the property, Grysko said.

Architect Robert Gehr said the CVS will also feature a more durable material than the stucco that is usually used at other locations. Stucco does not hold up well in areas next to the ocean because the salt water in the air can damage it.

Grysko said once Hartford Realty group receives the approvals it needs, including a CAFRA permit, construction of the building will begin and be completed within 6 months.