Some Evesham residents troubled by apartment proposal; continued to next Planning Board meeting.

Several Evesham residents near the Marlton Crossing Shopping Center expressed concerns at the Planning Board meeting last week about traffic and noise that may result from a proposed 325-unit apartment project planned behind the center at Centre Boulevard and Old Marlton Pike.

Marlton Crossing Dev AMS LLC of Fort Lee wants to demolish the existing Marlton Crossing Garden Offices and build the apartment complex, which would include a parking garage.

The application was heard at the Planning Board meeting last Thursday and was continued to the November 6 meeting to allow the developer time to provide more information.

"The development will cause a severe degradation of quality of life on weekends, specifically...and increase safety hazards on Centre Boulevard," Michael Giangreco, a James Court resident, testified before the board. "The project creates a massive Saturday congestion."

A traffic analysis by the developer's consultant, Shropshire Associates LLC of Atco, states that traffic during the Saturday peak hour (12:45 to 1:45 p.m.) would total 131 in and out trips — more than triple the current estimated 41 in/out trips at the office complex. 

Michele Parreott of Tudor Court also spoke of concern over the impact on water pressure for existing residents and other potential consequences of the project.

Traffic now in the neighborhood and in the future was brought up by Jennifer Miller of Tudor Court. She said she was worried by the increased traffic in the neighborhood, saying that some drivers already speed on the roads near the office complex.

Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, a Planning Board member, said she would direct the police and engineering departments to look into current speeding on the streets in the neighborhood.

Previous 70and73.com coverage:

Project for 325 apartments behind Marlton Crossing Shopping Plaza in Evesham goes to Planning Board.