FREEHOLD – The Freehold Borough Planning Board is scheduled to hear a proposal from an applicant who wants to establish a micro-brewery in a vacant building on South Street.
During a meeting scheduled at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 in Borough Hall, board members are expected to hear an application that has been filed by 32 South Street Realty, LLC, which is seeking minor site plan approval and bulk variance relief for a property at 32-38 South St.
According to a notice from the Planning Board, the property is in a business zone. The first floor of 36 South St. is a nail salon and the second floor is used as office space. The first floor of 38 South St. is vacant and was previously occupied by Freehold Glass & Mirror.
32 South Street Realty is seeking municipal approval to renovate the first floor and a portion of the second floor for micro-brewery and restaurant operations.
The applicant is also seeking approval to install a first floor outdoor patio area on the southern side of the restaurant, a second floor outdoor patio deck and a valet staging area. The existing nail salon will remain at 36 South St., according to the notice.
32 South Street Realty is seeking bulk variance relief because the project does not meet the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces.
As stated in the notice, the proposed uses require 73 off-street parking spaces. The property provides two off-street parking spaces and 37 grandfathered parking spaces, for a total of 39 spaces – a deficiency of 34 spaces.
To satisfy the parking demand for the project, the applicant is proposing to use public parking and off-site parking leases in lots in the borough, according to the notice.
As stated in the notice, in late 2019 the Borough Council declared the property on South Street to be an area in need of rehabilitation.
