7-Eleven may be allowed on Springfield Avenue

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
The Maplewood Planning Board is expected to decide Sept. 14 whether to permit a 7-Eleven convenience store on Springfield Avenue to settle a lawsuit the property owner brought against the board.
The owner, 1712 Springfield Commons LLC, sued the board in April 2009 after its application requiring three variances was denied. The Planning Board won the initial round in court, although the case is being appealed.
But the two sides met in closed session during which 1712 Springfield Commons showed changes in the proposal, said Tom Carlson, chairman of the Planning Board.
Carlson called it “a significant difference to what they presented before.” He said no variances are required.
The site of the proposed 7-Eleven is a former Jiffy Lube repair and service shop. Unlike earlier plans, the store will stay within the existing building footprint and not require an addition.
Harold P. Cook III, a member of 1712 Springfield Commons, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Kathleen Ses Spinelli, a Maplewood resident who lives near the proposed 7-Eleven, said she didn’t oppose the building of a convenience store.
But she expressed concern about the noise and the potential crime associated with a store open 24 hours a day. She cited the armed robbery Aug. 31 of a QuickChek, also on Springfield Avenue, as an example of her concerns.
“I’m still not happy about it,” said Spinelli, who intends to be at the hearing.
Based on local laws, Maplewood allows businesses to be open around the clock. A superior court judge ruled in the Planning Board’s favor and Springfield Commons appealed.
If the board approves the proposal, it would be the second 7- Eleven in the township. One opened this year on Irvington Avenue.
Philip Sean Curran can be reached at 908-686-7700, ext. 116, or at newsrecord@thelocalsource.com.