TOWNSHIP ISSUES POST OFFICE DEMOLITION/RENOVATION SCHEDULE AND ADVISORY

As part of its new Construction Mitigation Committee and informational website, the Township issued a planning schedule for the rest of the Maplewood Village Post Office development plan that is likely to disrupt Maplewood Village for the next year.
 See it below:

Current Project Activities

An initial demolition and construction plan was presented to the CMC on January 25th and is being revised based on comments made by the CMC. IT will be made public when it is finalized. The demolition plan is a required part of the Building Department's application for a demolition permit. All submitted plans must comply with the Building Codes, federal occupational and safety laws (OSHA) and state regulations.

In preparation for demolition, asbestos remediation was completed on January 31st. The next step is to disconnect all utilities.
Construction Sequence

The developer has provided the Township with the following rough outline of construction:
Prior to demolition and after the Township issues a demolition permit, safety fencing will be installed around the perimeter of the construction site. A pedestrian pathway will be constructed to connect Maplewood Avenue with the south tunnel under the train tracks. The south tunnel will remain open during demolition and construction, except when necessary on a short term basis for public safety needs. The developer must apply and receive approval from the Township before obstructing or closing any public right of way.

After demolition the building's footings and foundation will be installed. After underground utilities are installed, the building construction will begin. Curbing, sidewalks and landscaping will follow construction. The last part of the project will be the final paving and parking lot striping. 

Parking

During demolition and construction, some parking spots in the Village Coffee and Ricalton parking lots will not be available. The exact number of spaces lost and the duration of the loss will not be determined until the final demolition and construction plans are approved. Parking will also be limited in front of Kings between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM to allow for deliveries (see below).

The Township asked the Maplewood Country Club for use of its parking lot. It is unavailable because of the renovation to its pool house. Similarly, the Township asked Morrow Church about parking availability, but its lot is fully utilized throughout the day by users of its church programs and activities.
The Township has authorized a loading zone for King's deliveries in front of the store from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Monday through Fridays.
Pedestrian Tunnel

The NJ Transit South Pedestrian Tunnel will remain open and there will be a covered walkway between Dunnell Road and Maplewood Avenue in close proximity to the existing walkway. If this tunnel needs to be briefly closed for public safety reasons, the developer must request advance permission from the Township before doing so.
Traffic Circulation

Periodically, there may be changes to traffic circulation, and traffic will be re-directed. The developer will hire off-duty police to direct traffic and enforce traffic laws during the demolition and construction.
Signage

The Township will place signage related to parking and circulation. A sign will be installed on the Dunnell side of the pedestrian tunnel letting people know the tunnel is open and they can access the Village.
Retail Enticement

The Township is working with the JGSC Group, its retail consultant, on strategies to entice shopper interest during demolition and construction.