Vernon moves ahead with redevelopment plan for former D&S Mall

The Vernon Township Council on Jan. 25 passed an ordinance to introduce a redevelopment plan that will bring a gas station, convenience store, retail space, and apartments to the former D&S Mall site on Route 515.

The ordinance was introduced on a 4-0 vote, with council vice president John Auberger abstaining from the vote.

Auberger is a member of the Land Use Board, which on Jan. 13 recommended the Township Council accept the Redevelopment Zone for the proper.

Auberger said he has heard comments from people on both sides of the issue. Opponents have questioned whether the township needs another gas station, especially in the Town Center, which isn’t zoned for gas stations. He has heard others have indicated hope that it could help grow the Town Center and help keep water and sewer rates down.

“They’re investing in our township and I think we should move and help them, and any other business do what they want to do,” Auberger said. “I like to see the council working toward that.”

He said that since the council can’t control Sussex County and Vernon Township School District Taxes, it must do what it can to keep taxes in Vernon down.

Plans to improve the property include renovating and providing a facelift for the building and use a portion of the building as part of a Circle K convenience store and gas station. Burrell said the other unites in the building will be renovated to attract other businesses and a second story that will accommodate two two-bedroom apartments.

The same company also recently opened a Circle K in Hardyston Township on the corner of Route 23 and Holland Mountain Road.

“You have to start somewhere,” Councilwoman Kelly Weller said. “This is our opportunity to bring businesses into the town. They want to invest in this community and that will bring other opportunities into the community. You just have to see that big picture.”