Neighbors Worry Proposed 7-Eleven Could Impact Property Values

Some residents near a proposed Fischer Boulevard convenience store are concerned that the building's distance to the property line may impact their home values. 

The 3,000 square foot 7-Eleven store, which would replace a former gas station site on the corner of Fischer Boulevard and Bay Avenue, requires a setback variance since it is proposed to be built closer to the property line than township ordinance allows. Some nearby residents worry that could cause problems for them. 

"That's going to have a detrimental impact to the people's property values and their quality of life," said Edward Liston, the attorney representing five property owners near the site, after Toms River Planning Board members heard a portion of the applicant's testimony during a Wednesday night meeting. 

The applicant, TCAT Properties, is requesting a variance since the plan calls for a 30-foot setback when 60 feet is required by township ordinance. 

But the plan presented by the applicant addresses concerns — the five lights at the site will be mounted lower than usual and a six foot tall fence on the property line would provide shielding from light spillage, said applicant engineer Robert Freud. Additionally, a 20-foot tree buffer will be left in between and supplemental trees would be added. 

"We know how light travels and bounces off fog, and they're a 24/7 operation, which while it may be allowed, shouldn't be allowed when you're next to a residential area like this," Liston said.

The site, which is an irregularly-shaped .66-acre lot, is zoned for business uses. Other businesses already surround the residential properties. The rear of the 7-Eleven and residential properties would adjoin, according to plan. 

"It's too small a site for that use. It's an allowed use, but they couldn't build it if they had to variance-free, because it wouldn't fit," Liston said. 

Pavement on a county right-of-way on the property near the Bay Avenue and Fischer Boulevard would be torn up and replaced with grass, improving the site, the applicant said.

The applicant's architect Jose Santos testified that a parapet on the roof of the over-18-foot-tall building would be tall enough to provide nearby residents with shielding from roof-top equipment sound. 

The application will continue to be heard on June 5, 6 p.m. in town hall, when a traffic expert is expected to provide testimony, the board announced.