Lack of parking waived for pizza place

BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - The borough's Land Use Board last week waived parking requirements for a pizzeria that has been proposed at 27C East Railroad Ave.

At the board's Sept. 14 meeting, pizzeria owner Al Schickler testified in his request the waiver, saying he does not expect that his 28-seat establishment will be at full capacity at any given time, and that most of his business will be take-out and delivery.

Under borough ordinance, 11 parking spaces is required for the 28 seats. But the pizza place is only providing eight shared spaces behind the building, as well as any available parking on both sides of the street.

The restaurant, which will be called Jamesburg Pizzeria, will be situated next to Fiddleheads restaurant, which is a 50-seat establishment. Fiddleheads shares the eight spaces in the rear of the building, with patrons also parking along the street.

The boarding house located upstairs from the pizzeria is being rebuilt after being damaged by fire. Currently, nine or 10 rooms are occupied. Borough Zoning Officer Bernie Long said there will likely be about 18 studio-style apartments once the renovations are complete.

This does not pose a need for concern, as many of the occupants there do not drive, said Land Use Board member Brian Wright.

While some board members voiced concerns about the lack of parking because of other nearby businesses, Mark Wyzykowski said the bulk of the pizzeria's business will be done on Friday and Saturday nights, when most of those businesses are closed.

Councilman John Longo, who also sits on the board, pointed out that if the downtown area is going to be improved and expanded, it will become necessary for business patrons to park and then walk to the business district. Land Use Board Chairman Patrick Connelly agreed, citing the borough's goal to become more of a walking community.

"If we're asking businesses to come into town, we're going to have to accommodate them and give out some waivers," Longo said.

Schickler said there will be three employees, excluding the delivery driver, on any given shift at the restaurant. Conditions of the waiver are that employees must park in the rear of the building, and Schickler must consult with borough professionals regarding signage.

The pizzeria is expected to open at the end of October.