Mayor: Township Could Use a Quick Chek Store

In the continuing search of adding ratables to Washington Township, Mayor Ken Short–representing the planning board at a recent committee round table discussion–said there is potential of bringing in a 24-hour Quick Chek convenience store and gas station.

Short said the township has recently met with representatives from the Quick Chek corporation in regard to a potential new store near the intersection of Route 46 and Hearthstone Drive in the Hackettstown section of the township.

The store, which Short expects to see a planning application for in the near future, would be open around the clock and would feature gas pumps in addition to a convenience store.

“It would be good for senior citizens down there, a good ratable coming through, and it’s a 24 hour gas facility, which we don’t have in our township,” said Short.

Free Money

In addition to the township recently receiving a $37,500 grant, which will be at least partially used toward a new senior citizen bus, the township has recently received two other grants. One of the grants, worth $150,000, . The use of the other grant, worth about $10,000, has not been disclosed at this time.

“I can’t say what it is, but it’s another ten thousand dollar grant that is advantageous to the township,” said Short.

Ongoing Easement Issue

The mayor also addressed an issue that has recently popped up regarding conservation easements associated with property modification applications.

After one township resident was recently told he could not put a pool on his property, as it would have interfered with a conservation easement, he informed the township that his neighbors have all undertaken similar projects with no issues.

The township then investigated to see if any recent property additions were in violation of a conservation easement. In the end, Short estimated that “eight or nine” property modifications, in the form of objects such as sheds or swimming pools, came back as major violations.

The township has given the violators six months to address the violation before further action is taken. Short emphasized that the township would like to prevent fining residents for violations, if possible.

“It’s not a monetary issue; we’re not looking to penalize,” said Short. “We’re giving people six months to correct the issue.”