Wanaque residents oppose proposed Taco Bell

<p>Some Wanaque residents are saying &ldquo;no way&rdquo; to a proposal to build a Taco Bell in town.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 8, 2017, 12:16 AM

Updated 2,717 days ago

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Some Wanaque residents are saying “no way” to a proposal to build a Taco Bell in town.
The proposal entails building the restaurant at the intersection of Greenwood and Union avenues, on a property owned by Wanaque Mayor Daniel Mahler. The property is zoned for commercial use, but there are homes located right next door.
Several neighbors say that they oppose the plan because they are worried about the amount of traffic and noise from customers and deliveries.
“It's not a very good idea from a traffic safety standpoint. From what I understand, they want to have the entrance right here on Greenwood Avenue,” says neighbor Pete Palmer.
Mayor Mahler tells News 12 New Jersey that he bought the property four years ago as an investment and always intended to sell it.
“As mayor of a town, you’re allowed to buy property and sell property,” Mahler says in a statement. “I want to start redevelopment in this area and I think this will do it.”
The mayor says he has recused himself from planning or zoning decisions related to his property.
Residents plan to contest the sale before city officials next month.