Fixing Up Eatontown: Sands Motor Lodge Site

Driving along Route 35 in , it's hard not to notice the big, Vegas-style sign for the Sands Motor Lodge.

But upon closer inspection, the motel sitting on a little more than four acres on the north side of the highway, with listing fencing and outdated buidlings, has seen better days.

The property was at the top of Eatontown Economic Development Advisory Committee's Feb. 3 agenda, as members discussed a possible conversion of the site into a gas station and convenience store. The idea for the switch, which would require rezoning of the property, was brought to the committee's attention by the property owner, who would like to sell the site.

"It's the perfect location for that type of use," said Colleen McGurk, Eatontown's zoning officer, at the meeting.

Committee member Ron Wollner also supported the idea, explaining that drivers exiting Industrial Way have no nearby gas options if headed north along Route 35.

The property is zoned PB088, which is for professional office space and would need to be converted to a B2 zone to accommodate the new business.