Deal Road, Route 35 Development Update

Generally, industrial development is not a popular land use for residents living near the proposed site due to increased pollution, local and trucking traffic as well as other environmental concerns.

Ocean Township residents are concerned about the proposed 28 acre development project on the corner of Deal Road and Highway 35 in the Oakhurst area, which would include a Wawa gas station/convenience store, LA Fitness, 125 room Marriott Hotel, Chic-fil-A restaurant, 40,000 square feet of retail space for a variety of personal services, private schools (which needs to be clarified) and 70 residential townhomes. The projected cost to own one of the townhomes is $500,000 with a 3 or more bedroom unit measuring at approximately 1,500 square feet.

One item of consideration is the resource intensity of the development project, which may place an excessive burden on the community’s water and electricity accessibility. Another concern is the routine trucking traffic to service the gas station, hotel, gym, restaurant and other retail needs in addition to the increased traffic volume and stress on public transportation systems.

Deal Road and other adjacent residents are particularly concerned about the negative spillover effects from the Paramount Realty plan. Click here to see the plan. Although the public was turned away from making comments at the November 27^th Planning Board meeting, they will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions in the new year.

What do you think about the development project?

Check back with 94.3 The Point for future updates on this proposed industrial project.