BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD — Shoppers will be able to buy everything from lawn and garden items to things they need for their trucks and trailers at a new retail store in the West Milford Shopping Plaza in Hewitt.
Tractor Supply Company plans to open a store in the building where Sears once occupied. The store will sell hardware, tools, heating and cooling systems, sporting goods, animal needs, footwear, clothing, and home and garden items.
The West Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, Feb. 27 approved the variances necessary for the Tractor Supply Company to open their business at 1926-1938 Union Valley Road. The board approval was unanimous.
There were stipulations that the store representatives and the building owner, Mark Lane, promised to follow.
Long-term leaseA 10-year-lease with two five-year-options will be signed between the retail management and Lane. They said they can't yet publicize an opening date.
The business will occupy 23,200 square feet of space that includes about 3,027 square feet of covered outdoor display and storage area; about 2,828 square feet of trailer/tractor equipment display and storage area; and about 12,825 square feet of fenced outdoor display and storage area that will be located in the front parking lot.
A variance to existing code was needed for the outside storage and display area. Existing regulations did not allow for it. Further, the board approved a variance to the existing rules on fence height to allow for an eight-foot proposed fence, and a reduction of off street parking requirements.
Tractor Supply attorney Jason Rittie presented three witnesses answered board questions and addressed concerns. Lisa Baxter represented Tractor Supply Company and Mohamed Shama and Glen Oxord were there as the architects.
Baxter said a market study identified the West Milford location and they expect up to 200 people will shop there on the weekdays and up to 350 shoppers on the weekends.
Parking lot changesDespite the reduction of 57 parking spaces there now, Baxter said they do not anticipate parking shortages. She said, 412 parking spaces will remain and historically, that will be enough.
Police Chief Tim Storbeck submitted a written report to the board that said the variances did not create any safety issues. To alleviate concerns about delivery trucks entering and leaving the store, the board will require additional signs to avoid confusion.
The board is requiring the landlord and Tractor Supply to put in curbs, to stripe the parking lot and do landscaping at the site. Baxter said the company is conscious of the environment and has a recycling program.
Retail company likes the siteThe representatives from Tractor Supply said they feel the site is particularly suited for their business. The site is clean, flat, and set back from the road frontage, which are large prerequisites for re-occupation, they said.
Board member Dan Jurkovic made the motion to approve the project and it was seconded by Arthur McQuaid.
The requirements have been satisfied and the new business gives a sense of sorely needed vibrancy in the community, Jurkovic said. The business is consistent with the Township Master Plan, he said.