WOOLWICH TWP. – The developers AutoZone Northeast and McDonald’s USA, LLC were approved as designated developers by the Woolwich Township Committee at their Aug. 3 meeting.
This is the first step in McDonald’s and AutoZone’s approval process before they can begin construction. Because the properties are in the Weatherby Town Center Redevelopment Area, developers had to receive approval by the Township Committee as the official developers.
With this approval, the developers must then submit their formal applications to the Joint Land Use Board for final approvals. A public hearing will be held at a JLUB meeting for each property before members give final approval for each plan.
The McDonald’s and AutoZone properties are located on Auburn Road at the entrance to the ShopRite grocery store parking lot. The township committee’s designated developer approval had been held up because the committee was requesting exterior designs to blend into the adjacent shopping center.
Residents on social media were commenting on wanting other businesses in those locations. But according to Woolwich Township Mayor Natalie Matthias, the township committee cannot select a specific business to build there. “The township sets the rules for the area; private property owners and businesses decide whether or not to invest and submit an application that meets those rules,” she added.
“We are mindful of the types of businesses and services resident would like to see in Woolwich, and we will continue working with property owners and developers to encourage investment that benefits the community,” stated Matthias.
As of this writing, the JLUB has not listed AutoZone and McDonalds on their agenda to start their approval processes.
By Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher
2 Responses
Where are the proposed McDonald’s and AutoZone properties specifically located?
On Auburn Road where you turn in to the ShopRite parking lot. The lots are across from Franklin Bank.