Wayne board delays decision on 7 Brew drive-thru

The Wayne Planning Board postponed a vote on a proposed 7 Brew Coffee location at the Packanack Wayne Shopping Center on Oct. 26. Officials continued the hearing to Dec. 14 to address questions about traffic flow and site operations.

The application seeks approval for a new coffee stand at 1474 Route 23. Documents filed with the township describe a 510-square-foot kiosk and a 260-square-foot refrigerated storage unit. The business would function as a drive-thru only, featuring two ordering lanes where staff take orders from customers in their cars.

The design does not include indoor seating or on-site food preparation. The applicant estimates the operation will hire 40 to 50 part-time employees. Proposed hours run from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The township's consulting engineer reviewed the project on Oct. 19. The report flagged potential conflicts in vehicle movements near the proposed stand. The engineer suggested removing a driveway along Cedar Place closest to Route 23 to improve circulation. The report noted that the project is not expected to have a major impact on traffic on surrounding roads.

A township planning official stated that the application generated substantial comments regarding circulation and operations at the shopping center. The board will reconvene on Dec. 14 to consider the proposal.