Falls Village Approved by Tinton Falls Planning Board

While the former  site in Tinton Falls remains empty, the property across the street is slated for a new office and retail complex.

The Tinton Falls Planning Board approved an application at its Sept. 14 meeting for the on a 3.3-acre lot on Sycamore Avenue adjacent to MJ's Restaurant.

"The town is very excited to have the project," said Fred Lomangino, vice chairman of the planning board.

The project will consist of three new retail commercial buildings on an irregular-shaped lot that sits behind the . According to Lomangino in a phone interview on Thursday, the owner of the owner of the deli was opposed to the project.

Falls Village also has the endorsment of the borough's, said Lomangino, and the applicant made numerous concessions in signage and materials to address members' concerns and reflect the historic nature of the site.

According to a letter from the engineering firm Gravatt Consulting Group posted on the borough's Web site, the three separate buildings will form a horseshoe along Pine Brook. Building 1 is a 3,250 square foot, one-story structure to be used for storage and mechanical equipment. Building 2 is a 10,000 square foot, two-story structure to be used for office and retail space. Building 3 is a 3,265 square foot, one-story structure used primarily for office and retail space.

Lomangino said he hoped the project attracted community shops and businesses.

Borough Council President Gary Baldwin said at Tuesday's council meeting that the project "improves the employment picture in the area."