QuickChek said it dropped its proposal to build a 24-hour, 5,700-square-foot gas station and convenience store because it could no longer fit it into the proposed site.
Quick Chek (File photo) BRIDGEWATER -- QuickChek has withdrawn its application to build a combination gas station and market on Route 22 East at the site of the former Tectonic property, the company announced in a news release Friday.
The company said the many site alterations needed to build the store, including the removal of a driveway connecting to Route 28, would not enable them to service their customers in a way they have come to expect from the chain, the release said.
Opposition from local residents caused QuickChek to amend its initial site plans in an effort to ease concerns, but residents continued to fight the proposed project.
QuickChek wanted to build a 24-hour, 5,700-square-foot gas station with 16 fueling stations and convenience store on a triangular 5.47-acre site that formerly housed Tectonic, an architectural and engineering firm, on the eastbound side of Route 22 east of the Route 28 intersection. The site also houses the Melick's Town Farm.
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In November, an open public discussion attracted more than 400 residents and the meeting became contentious.
Because the area isn't zoned for gas stations and food stores, QuickChek was seeking 22 use variances from the township's Zoning Board of Adjustment.
During that meeting, residents complained that the site plan didn't meet township codes. They voiced concerns about gas fumes, potential fuel spills, lighting, crime, traffic and water runoff.
The Whitehouse Station-based company had been seeking to build a second location in the township to go along with its existing one on Union Avenue, according to the release.
QuickChek currently has 142 store locations throughout New Jersey, New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.