At the October 8, 2024, meeting of Avalon’s Planning and Zoning Board, Wawa’s application requesting a setback variance to accommodate a walk-in refrigerator was reviewed.

Applicant’s attorney stated that after Applicant’s appearance at the September 10th Board meeting, Applicant met with those members of the public who had expressed concerns about Applicant’s plans. As a result Applicant made several amendments to the preliminary and final site plans. The current plan still calls for the removal of the shed on the property and replacing it with a 7 by 13 foot extension of the building. This addition requires a setback variance which would be a little less than that of the current shed. Also, the height of the building would be less than that of the shed.

Among other changes to the plan were:

• Fencing to keep people from congregating behind the building;

• Maintaining the mature evergreens which provide screening for an adjoining property owner;

• Providing some additional plantings on the property;

• Installing privacy slats in an existing cyclone fence to enhance the screening of stored milk crates.

Applicant’s professional planning expert testified that in her view the proposed building addition improved the overall appearance as well as its function, which are criteria on which a variance could be granted. She contended that the benefits of granting the variance outweighed any detriments.

After discussion, the Board granted the requested variance.