Rahway Zoning Board Finalizes Contested Main Street Application, Approves Used-Car Lot With Upgrades
November 19, 2025
The Rahway Zoning Board on Monday advanced a long-running Main Street application following the threat of a legal challenge. The board also approved a series of upgrades and operating restrictions for a used-car dealership on St. Georges Avenue.
The board voted to fully approve a resolution for an application filed late last year by Edward D. Hogan Jr. for 1118 Main Street. The application went through months of hearings and postponements. It sought a Use “D” variance and minor site plan approval and first appeared before the board in early 2025.
Before Monday’s vote, officials openly said the matter had become serious.
Board Planner Kevin O’Brien told commissioners the board was “facing a possible lawsuit.” He added that such a challenge was expected. He said the board wanted to send a message about meeting requirements. The applicant had previously failed to meet two key requirements but now had compliance, O’Brien said.
Board Attorney Malcolm Thorpe recommended approval, saying he did not see a way for the board to win if the dispute continued. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
The board also discussed a letter from the applicant’s attorney. Chairman William Hering described it as an “I could sue you but I won’t” message.
Hering added that the city must be more careful about working with the Planning Board to ensure applications are handled promptly.
Used-Car Lot Receives Approval With Conditions
The board then heard an application from Car Planet Corp. seeking approval for a used-car dealership at 270 St. Georges Avenue. The property has operated as a car lot since the 1960s but requires several variances.
The applicant’s attorney called the parcel “somewhat unusual” because it is “sandwiched” between St. Georges Avenue and Remsen Street.
O’Brien said many of the site’s unmet requirements were “preexisting conditions.” He noted there was no record of auto sales ever being formally approved for the lot despite decades of operation.
An executive for the company testified that sales would occur by appointment only, with customers encouraged to enter through Remsen Street. Only light maintenance would be performed on-site, with most repairs handled at the company’s Linden facility. Several board members reacted when the executive estimated storing as many as 100 vehicles on the lot.
The parcel falls short of zoning requirements by roughly 10,000 square feet. Some board members expressed concern about whether the new owner would have enough space for the high volume of vehicles and required upgrades, like a larger landscaping buffer to help reduce flooding.
Traffic flow was another major focus.
Commissioners opposed left turns into and out of the St. Georges Avenue driveway, urging a right-in, right-out pattern. An engineer for the applicant said fully closing the driveway would require state Department of Transportation authorization, a process he described as lengthy.
The application was approved with conditions, including:
- No sale or storage of commercial vehicles
- Right-in, right-out access on St. Georges Avenue
- Parking lot improvements
- Trash removal via Remsen Street
- Reduction of impervious surface by 25 percent for flood mitigation
- Coordination with PSE&G to reduce lighting intensity and limit building lights and signage to no later than 9 p.m.
- Environmental and flood plan approval for a new sign
- Only light vehicle maintenance permitted
- Maximum of 100 vehicles
- Submission of a revised site plan—showing landscaping, traffic flow, and parking layout—by December 5
Board Remembers Former Chairman
Near the end of the meeting, the board paused to honor former chairman William “Bill” Rack, who died last month at the age of 91.
He was Treasurer of Merchants and Drovers, Member of the Knights of Columbus, Member of the Rahway PBA, Planning Board, Parking Authority amongst other organizations in his community, according to his obituary.
Hering described him as “Mr. Rahway”.
Board Recognizes Veteran Commissioner
Commissioners also recognized Roy L. Smith, who served in Vietnam and attended Rahway’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. O’Brien, also a Vietnam veteran, complimented Smith for still being able to fit into his uniform.
Hering praised Smith’s service and took a moment to honor the memory of his late brother-in-law, who was killed during the war.
Then the entire board honord Commissioner Smith with a round of applause.
The next board meeting is scheduled for December 17.