Walgreens, Dunkin Donuts Planned at Herold's Farm Site

A developer has controversial plans to construct a pair of commercial buildings at the current site of Herold's Farm on the border of Glen Rock and Fair Lawn.

The proposal calls for a 14,820-square-foot Walgreens and a second building, with a 2,720-square-foot Dunkin Donuts and a 4,000-square-foot space for a third retail business, according to plans on file with local officials. There would also be 90 parking spaces.

The majority of the Prospect Street property is located in Glen Rock and both of the proposed buildings would be built on the borough's side of the border. About 13 parking spaces and a secondary entrance/exit onto Naugle Drive would be built on Fair Lawn's side.

The property is located in residential zones in both towns. The farm dates back to 1915, before modern land use laws were enacted.

"This just looks terrible for Fair Lawn," Deputy Mayor Ed Trawinski said. "They're dumping it out onto our street in a residential zone."

The plans have drawn criticism from residents nearby who see the farm, which sells food, plants and gardening supplies, as less intrusive than the chain stores.

During a meeting Wednesday, the Glen Rock Council withdrew the ordinance which would have rezoned the property for commercial use and potentially paved the way for the project. The withdrawal means the developer would need a use variance from the zoning board in order to proceed with the project.

Despite being partially in Fair Lawn, the project isn't currently in the borough's jurisdiction and may never be, Mayor John Cosgrove said at a council meeting last week. Officials promised to do whatever they could, but also encouraged residents to attend any hearings about the project and voice their concerns.

"We're going to be vigilant to protect our residents and make sure things are done correctly," Cosgrove said.