Cox's Corner building to house stores, offices

UPPER FREEHOLD — A plan for the construction of a 12,000-square-foot building at the Cox's Corner professional center received preliminary and final approval at the Dec. 11 Planning Board meeting.

All-Star Properties and Development LLC requested and was granted a variance for front setback from Route 524. The developer has a 65.6-foot setback where 75 feet is required, according to board secretary Susan Babbitt.

David DeLeon, a principal in All-Star Properties, said the building would eventually house seven retail stores or offices.

"It's an A-1 building, with a beautiful design," he said.

DeLeon said he has had tentative talks with a Dunkin' Donuts franchisee and a luncheonette owner about renting space in the building, but said nothing is definite yet. His wife may open a beauty salon on the premises.

DeLeon, a Millstone resident, said he has been watching the area and thinks it will be great for businesses, especially with a proposed Tractor Supply Company going up nearby.

The Planning Board may hear the Tractor Supply Company application this spring.

"I hope Tractor Supply goes up across the street," he said. "It will be good for the town."

Joe Poliseno, who owns a farm abutting the property, had his attorney attend the

meeting. In 2005, Poliseno asked the developers of Cox's Corner, Doug Walsh and Eugene Paul, to put a barrier or buffer up to protect the valuable horses on his 30-acre parcel. At that time, he said his business has suffered because owners do not want to put expensive racehorses in a situation where they could be injured. Poliseno said he may appeal

the application's approval because he wants a berm installed and trees planted before anything is built on the neighboring 2- acre site. He said he is not concerned with the building that was approved, but is concerned about the expensive horses, and does not want them getting hurt. One of his horses, Bettor Sweet, has won over $700,000 this year.

According to Walsh, a future meeting will be set up with All-Star Properties and Township Engineer Glenn Gerken to discuss the possibility of a split rail fence along the Route 524 side.