09 Reasons for Relief 3234966

3 3234966.1 100724-109634 The requested relief furthers the following purposes of the MLUL as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2: a. To encourage municipal action to guide the appropriate use or development of all lands in this State, in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare; RATIONALE: The requested variances will eliminate a vacancy and enable the re-occupancy of a significant retail space in an important location within the Township which is appropriately zoned for the proposed use. c. To provide adequate light, air and open space; RATIONALE: The requested variances maintain the existing shopping center building and eliminate the covered outdoor sales area, thereby increasing open area and allowing for increased parking. g. To provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of agricultural, residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses and open space, both public and private, according to their respective environmental requirements in order to meet the needs of all New Jersey citizens; RATIONALE: The project, and hence the requested variances, maintain the existing development and allow for continuation of a mix of uses that contributes to the choices available to residents. This helps to concentrate new uses into existing buildings through infill, where infrastructure already exists. h. To encourage the location and design of transportation routes which will promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging location of such facilities and routes which result in congestion or blight. RATIONALE: The requested variances will maintain the existing circulation pattern and access points, and the project will provide 22 additional parking spaces to accommodate the proposed use while also removing substantial covered outdoor sales area. The existing shopping center will continue to function as it does today. Therefore, and since the amount of impervious surfaces coverage is decreasing slightly and the greenhouse structure will be removed, there will be no substantial detriment to the public good. Similarly, the variance relief requested will not substantially impair the intent and the purpose of the zone plan and zoning ordinance since the shopping center will continue to function as it does today, if relief is granted.