The QuickChek proposed for Route 208 on Scott’s Corner, despite facing criticism and litigation for the past two years, finally pushed forward after the Town of Montgomery’s planning board approved the project’s negative declaration during Monday’s January 29 meeting.

John Furst, the applicant’s attorney, asserted that the developers addressed the board’s remaining concerns and requested its members to examine the project’s negative declaration.

“Our last appearance was in early January; at that point, we were finishing up some outstanding items. It’s my understanding that they’ve all been addressed,” Furst said. it’s also my understanding that the board has received a draft of a negative declaration that was just forwarded to me this evening. We’d like the board to consider it, and obviously, we’re here for any questions and comments.”

Dennis Jamat, the owner of the Mobil gas station on Route 208, reiterated concerns that he and others had with the proposed gas station, emphasizing the project’s size and potential traffic issues. He recommended that the board reconsider its decision.

“Neighboring businesses raise compelling concerns about a 6,700-foot structure with only a fraction designated for a convenience store,” Jamat said. “There’s a lot of other variances and traffic implications that they’re not completely sure about yet. And the emphasis on convenience appears to be overshadowed by the considerations for community cohesion and the vitality of local enterprises.”

“Given these complexities, a reevaluation of the QuickChek proposal is imperative for us to provide enlightening for general needs and interests of the Town of Montgomery and residents and businesses alike,” he added.

The planning board, after briefly discussing the project’s lighting, read and approved QuickChek’s negative declaration. Fred Reichle, the planning board’s chairman, stated that the project “would not have an adverse impact” on the community or environment and that the public hearing would remain open for the next few months as the town’s ZBA conducts its reviews.

“This hearing remains open and will be re-noticed at the time it’s deemed appropriate to re-notice it. It has to go through the ZBA process now that we adopted a negative declaration,” Reichle said. “At some point in the next few months, we could have this re-noticed so we can introduce this back to the public.