Evesham zoning board denies latest plan to add stores to ShopRite plaza on Route 70.

A proposal to change traffic flow and for final approval for some building plans at the ShopRite/Kohl's shopping center on Route 70 in Marlton was denied Monday night by the Evesham Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Members voted down the proposed changes by Marlton UE LLC in a 4-3 vote, with the four members against the application saying they were concerned about traffic patterns in an already-congested parking lot.

"The traffic in this particular shopping center is already horrible," said member Michael Thompson, who was one of the four against the application.

Thompson also noted the owner's application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to add an entrance to an exit-only driveway at the far west of the site on Route 70 has yet to be approved by the state.

The shopping plaza owner in 2021 received preliminary major site plan approval to demolish the former Friendly's and construct a new building that plans show would hold a First Watch breakfast and lunch restaurant, a CAVA Mediterranean-style restaurant and other tenants. No changes are planned for ShopRite or Kohl's.

The owner also reduced the number of parking spaces in front of the shopping center and added more in the rear of the building, where employees would be directed to park.

"I'm totally uncomfortable with the traffic situation there," added member Jack Lynn after he voted to deny the application.

The other two votes against the plan were from Sean Masson and Jason Repsher. Voting in favor of the plan were Vinita Ganju, Rochelle Thomas and Patrick Carragher. 

Sandy Student, who was a member of the zoning board for 22 years, spoke as a member of the public and said he had watched many presentations during his years on the board. "This is one of the most confusing ones I've ever sat through," said Student, who asked the applicant several questions about the plans.