OK for McDonalds redo in West Milford expected

Photo/Ann Genader

McDonalds Restaurant at 41 Marshall Hill Road in West Milford (circa 1981) will be replaced by a modern McDonalds eatery.

Preliminary and final site plan approval - needed for the new restaurant construction proposed by the McDonalds Corporation at 41 Marshall Hill Road - was expected to come from the West Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) on Tuesday, Feb. 19. A necessary use variance and associated bulk variance approvals for the project were also expected to receive board sanction.

The proposal being considered includes installation of a freestanding sign and other improvements that are needed because there were other pre-existing nonconforming site conditions associated with the application, ZBA meeting agenda notes said.

The agenda reported that the application was carried from the Dec. 18, 2012 meeting. Revised plans were received in response to board questions, continued the agenda note.

It said the application was carried from Jan. 22 and the board professionals were given the opportunity to have all conditions ready (for approval) ahead of Tuesdays meeting.

"This will make it possible for the application to be approved and memorialized at the same time at the Feb. 19, meeting," the agenda noted.

McDonalds professionals said at earlier ZBA meetings that the present building will be replaced by a new restaurant with the new updated design that other McDonalds newer and refurbished restaurants have. They said over time the present 1981 building has become aged and outdated.

The company professionals said McDonalds restaurants have a softer tone now in comparison to the original design. Since most of the business is through the drive-through section the seating inside is being decreased from 103 to 54 seats.

ZBA Attorney Stephen Glatt said at the Jan. 22 meeting that ZBA professionals wanted to take a final look at the application before a final vote was taken. All indications were that otherwise the approvals would be forthcoming.

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OK for McDonalds redo in West Milford expected