Great Creek and Pitney Roads Project Part of Development Talk in Galloway

A new development is on its way to Great Creek and Pitney roads, and the sale of a restaurant along the White Horse Pike seems to have put an end to a proposed gentleman’s club in the township.

The Great Creek and Pitney roads project calls for the development of six acres of land, Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola said. Four corners in that area would be developed, and one corner would be set up for a convenience restaurant If some kind, Coppola said.

“You have the church on one corner, the Pitney Pub on another corner, the car wash and then there’s an undeveloped piece of land,” Coppola said.

The plans have already been approved, but the developers made adjustments based on resident feedback they encountered when they went before the Planning Board two weeks ago, including assuring the distance between the development’s fencing and the residents was acceptable for both sides.

“Some people had concerns, but they were able to work them out,” Coppola said. “It was a great example of how two sides can work well together in the community when each side gives a little bit.”

One of the issues centered on the marshy area by Deer Creek Road, according to Coppola. The developer agreed to incorporate capacity for storm water management in the area that would allow it to be drier, Coppola said.

“It’s a large parcel that went through the Planning Board and the sides were able to come to a good agreement,” Mayor Don Purdy said. “It will be done in three phases. It will bring in more ratables and more relief. It looks promising.”

Additionally, Christina’s Bar and Restaurant has been put up for a quick sale. The bar and restaurant is adjacent to the Vienna Inn Banquet Hall, and both were owned by Perry Stamelos.

Last summer, Stamelos was set to bring a gentleman’s club to the banquet hall, but that proposal was met by a backlash from residents throughout the town, including those who live across the street from that site. Residents threatened to boycott Stamelos’s businesses, which included the Galloway Diner.

The Galloway Diner is now under new management. It has been temporarily closed and will reopen as the Star Diner.

The gentleman’s club never came to fruition.

“I drive around Galloway and I’m encouraged by everything that I see,” Coppola said.

During a council meeting on Oct. 9, Coppola noted that the Wawa on Pitney Road was beginning to install gas pumps.

Mayor Don Purdy also referenced two companies that are looking at “real estate” in the township and two additional developers are looking at bringing in “large projects,” but couldn’t name the companies or projects because it was too early in the process.