In an apparent effort to appease its critics, representatives from Quick Chek redrew its plans to provide access from Allenwood Road on a proposed site near Route 138.
The convenience store chain wants to construct a 5,496-square-foot store and 16-pump gas station at 2101 Allenwood Road, near Route 138 east. It is the site of the former State Police barracks. The plan has been vigorously opposed by neighboring residents.
But Wednesday, Quick Chek representatives proposed a new plan to get people into and out of the site from Allenwood Road.
Instead of putting traffic onto Allenwood Road near the existing jug handle, the new plan calls for extending access beyond Allenwood Road about 150 feet before meeting up with the jug handle, according to Charles Olivo, a traffic engineer for Quick Chek.
The plan would require state Department of Transportation approval, Olivo said.
The majority of traffic, up to 80 percent, would be entering and leaving from Route 138, Olivo said. The configuration they propose for Allenwood Road would be sufficient to handle any proposed traffic from the site, Olivo said.
The Quick Chek proposal was blasted by numerous residents who attended, many of whom live on Allenwood Road.
“This methodology doesn’t bear up the what we experience every day in Wall Township,’’ said Michael Ferrell, of Parkwood Drive.
Numerous residents echoed Ferrell’s sentiments.
“This is something that is absolutely not needed,” said Nella Andino, of Patricia Lane.
“I just don’t think this is necessary,’’ said Henry Nonnenberg, also of Patricia Lane.
Anthony Graziano, a real estate expert testifying on behalf of Quick Chek was next to begin his testimony, which was cut short because the application ran out its allotted time.
The application is scheduled to be heard on March 21.
This isn't a "Not in my backyard" issue, but a real safety issue for anyone who will attempt to use the interestion of 138 and Allenwood road. It also will bring additional toll cheaters who avoid paying the exit 98 toll to use the commuter lot at the service area, and snake back through Belmar Boulevard to Allenwood to 138 and 34. That impact all of Wall as most of the toll from exit 98 should go to the town.