Aaron Rassas, seen at his car dealership shortly before it closed in April, wants the public to examine plans for a Walgreen’s on the site. (Click to enlarge)
By SARAH KLEPNER
Seeking to reverse a tide of opposition, the owner of the Red Bank property slated for a giant Walgreen’s pharmacy is inviting the public to come kick the tires on the plan.
Aaron Rassas, owner of the now-closed Rassas’ Buick – and before that, Pontiac – is inviting neighbors and the public in general to an open house September 10 to inspect plans for the former dealership’s one-acre lot, and to meet the developer behind them.
The parcel, at 395 Broad Street, is under contract to developer Mark Steinberg, who plans to build a 14,200-square-foot Walgreens on it.
The idea for an open house grew out of Rassas’ and Steinberg’s responses to community objections to the proposal, which is expected to go before the planning board on September 16, Rassas said.
“We’ve been in this neighborhood for a long time,” Rassas told redbankgreen last week. “I want to leave on a good note.”
Toward that end, the project’s planner, architect, civil engineer, and traffic consultant will all be on hand to answer questions, as well as Steinberg and Rassas.
Residential neighbors in adjoining Red Bank and Little Silver have mustered opposition to the plan. Red Bank officials last month introduced, but have not yet voted on, a proposed ordinance governing drive-thrus that would effectively kill Walgreen’s application for one.
Tuesday’s event is scheduled for from 6 to 8 p.m.
