Residents push back against proposed warehouse in Nutley
The property on Washington Avenue has been vacant since the credit union relocated last year. Now, developer Galaxy Invest is proposing to build a nearly 27,000-square-foot warehouse.
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A proposal to redevelop the former Proponent Federal Credit Union property in Nutley into a warehouse is drawing opposition from residents who say the project doesn’t belong next to their neighborhood.
The property on Washington Avenue has been vacant since the credit union relocated last year. Now, developer Galaxy Invest is proposing to build a nearly 27,000-square-foot warehouse featuring four loading docks, 19 parking spaces and a building just over 32 feet tall.
Residents of the nearby Cambridge Heights gated community say they only learned about the proposal after a notice was shared on the community’s resident website.
“We were never notified individually by the town,” said resident Lisa Goldfeder. “Someone posted the letter online, and that’s how many of us found out about the meeting.”
Neighbors say their biggest concerns include increased truck traffic, health, noise, lighting and the warehouse’s proximity to homes and schools.
“There are about 600 homes here with families and children,” said resident Lonnie Goldfeder. “People walk to school, ride their bikes and use the pool. Putting trucks in and out of a warehouse right behind homes is going to impact everyone.”
Residents say Washington Avenue is already heavily traveled, with nearby shopping centers, a movie theater, Target, supermarkets and schools contributing to congestion. They worry truck traffic would only make conditions worse.
Some also questioned what type of business would ultimately occupy the warehouse, saying the plans do not specify a tenant.
"God knows what they're putting here," said resident Ray Camiscioli. "Could be radioactive waste for all we know."
The proposal has also raised safety concerns. Residents pointed to the massive warehouse fire in Belleville earlier this year, saying the incident highlights the risks of industrial buildings located near residential neighborhoods.
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“That warehouse fire happened near homes,” Lisa Goldfeder said. “If something like that happened here, it would be in our backyard.”
The Goldfeders said they would prefer to see another small-scale commercial business, similar to the former credit union, rather than an industrial warehouse.
A petition opposing the project has already been launched, with organizers hoping to gather signatures before Wednesday’s zoning board meeting.
The Nutley Zoning Board is expected to hear the application during its meeting Wednesday evening, where residents and the developer will have the opportunity to voice their positions.
