BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD – Initial steps for needed approvals to locate a Dollar Tree retail store at Belcher’s Run, 1592 Union Valley Road, are underway.
Kingwood Flex, LLC, of North Bergen, has submitted a request to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for a Highlands Applicability Determination, the first mandated step on the road to approval for its proposed project to upgrade and reopen the now mostly vacant shopping center.
The request, submitted by Dynamic Engineering on behalf of Kingwood Flex, LLC, asks for an exemption for proposed building improvements for a Dollar Tree retail store and associated site improvements at the existing mixed use building.
Past uses of the building have included retail, office and apartment locations at the site.
All of these uses are expected to be retained.
The application said the project will include modifications to the existing building, lighting, landscaping, grading, walkways, driveways, utilities, parking and associated items.
In the 1950s it was the location of the first ShopRite store in West Milford.
Documents provided to the township’s Environmental Commission said the plans include removal of the flat roof building at the south end of the complex to provide additional parking availability.
It also could be the location of a new wing for the discount store.
Once the Highlands approval is obtained the plans are expected to be presented to the West Milford Planning Department with board review and consideration then scheduled.
The Environmental Commission will have a look at the plans and its comments will be forwarded to the Planning Department.
The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, adopted in 2004, has a goal of protecting the Highlands Region of Northwest New Jersey by regulating development within the region under supervision of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
It protects the drinking water supply of over 5.4 million people and helps preserve open space.
The Township of West Milford is 100 percent in the preservation zone.
Carl Richko, who served on the Township Council in the 1990s, is currently the chairperson of the Highlands Council.
Dollar Tree is part of an American chain of 14,853 discount variety stores throughout the United States and Canada, according to the company.
Founded in 1986, it is based in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The wide variety of merchandise available, according to the company web site, includes national, regional and private label brands.
Items include products for health and beauty, food and snacks, party supplies, seasonal items, cleaning supplies, glassware, dinnerware and many more items, according to the company.