Bellmawr Holdings plans to build a three-story mixed-use building on Ventnor Avenue.
VENTNOR – The Planning Board is scheduled to hear an application Wednesday, May 8 for a mixed-use development on a vacant lot on Ventnor Avenue in the City Commercial District.
Bellmawr Holdings, LLC of New Hope, Pa., is seeking C and D variances along with other variances and waivers to build a three-story complex featuring five commercial stores on the ground level with five, two-bedroom residential units above. The property is located on the 6500-block of Ventnor Avenue between New Haven and Newport avenues, next door to Sapore restaurant.
According to documents filed at the Ventnor City Planning and Zoning Office, the applicant is seeking a D variance to allow residential units at the site, which is currently zoned for commercial development only. C variances are needed for parking, lot coverage, side yard setbacks and landscaping.
Principal uses allowed in the commercial zone include retail stores, restaurants, tearooms, barber shops and beauty parlors, banks, florists, professional offices, funeral parlors and painting and decorating shops.
Current regulations require two parking spots for each residential unit, and one parking space for every 200 square feet of commercial space, for a total of 42 spaces. The applicant is proposing no on-site parking.
Bellmawr Holdings is also seeking a variance for 88% lot coverage, where 60% is the maximum allowed. It is proposing a 1.1-foot side setback on the east side where 4 feet is required, and no plantings where up to 55 shrubs are required. Regulations require eight street trees, but the applicant is asked for a waiver of the requirement. The two existing street trees will be the only trees on the property.
According to a narrative submitted to the board, Bellmawr Holdings noted that deviation from zoning requirements was approved in 2009 when the prior owner, Dani-Jo Properties, LLC, was unanimously granted several variances, including for zero parking spaces and 100% lot coverage.
Submitted plans will “fit harmoniously” with current development in the area and a mixed-use development is appropriate for the site, the applicant states.
The buildings that previously sat on the property were destroyed by fire and never had an east side yard setback, on-site parking or lot coverage below 100%, according to the previously approved resolution passed by the board in 2009. Although Dani-Jo received all the necessary approvals to build on the site on Aug. 19, 2009, construction never commenced.
Property tax records indicate Dani-Jo Properties sold the site to Bellmawr Holdings in March 2017 for $299,000. The land is currently assessed for $233,200.
Bellmawr Holdings is being represented by Stephen Hankin of Sandman, Palladino, Weintrob and Bell, PC.
The hearing will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 at Ventnor City Hall, 6201 Atlantic Ave.
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