Business & Tech

Teaneck Zoners Approve Cedar Lane Walgreens

The Teaneck zoning board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a developer’s proposal to build a Walgreens pharmacy with a drive-through in place of three adjacent properties on Cedar Lane.

The developer, Win Development LLC, plans to tear down the former Louie’s Charcoal Pit, Larry’s Friendly Service station and a former Curves gym to build the 10,000-square-foot two-story Walgreens and parking lot, near the corner of Elm Avenue. Walgreens needed a zoning variance for the drive-through among other approvals.

Win Development faced opposition to the project since it was announced in February, with residents saying the chain store would change the character of Teaneck’s large shopping district, bring another pharmacy to an already crowded market and expressed worries over traffic.

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ZBS Realty, LLC, which owns property across the street that includes a CVS Pharmacy, argued the project was out of step with the town’s zoning regulations and master plan, which calls for the section of Cedar Lane to be pedestrian-focused, according to a report on northjersey.com. While the master plan seeks to have businesses with residential space above, Walgreens wants to have offices on the second floor. 

A traffic expert hired by the group also said the project would lead to back-ups in the area.

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The developer changed the project’s design over the months-long hearing process, including moving the controversial drive-through window from the side to the rear of the pharmacy.

Some township residents, however, argued the project could lead to more business development on Cedar Lane

A traffic expert hired by Win Development also maintained the Walgreens drive-through window would bring minimal traffic and the majority of the company’s new stores included the convenience.


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