May 8th Planning Board Meeting: Target Expansion Approved

Town of Monroe Planning Board, May 8, 2025.

The board granted conditional final site plan approval for Target Corporation’s planned expansion at Harriman Business Park. Representatives from Kimley-Horn, on behalf of Target, confirmed that all outstanding engineering and planning comments had been addressed. The Planning Board Engineer confirmed, “The applicant had satisfactorily addressed our comments at the last meeting, so I think they're in a position for conditional final approval this evening.”

The resolution, read into the record by Ashley Torre, the board’s attorney, outlined several conditions, including a final engineering review, updates to the site lighting plan, adherence to architectural standards, and compliance with local zoning codes for signage and lighting. Notably, the project will result in the elimination of five parking spaces, but 71 excess spaces will remain available after accounting for this and a separate Tesla application.

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution, moving the project forward.

Tesla’s application to install four electric vehicle charging stations in the Target parking lot was also approved, following referral to Orange County and review of landscaping comments from the board’s landscape architect. Tesla representative Franz Gerdes assured the board that all landscape recommendations would be followed, including the replacement of certain shrub species.

The board’s findings highlighted the project’s public benefit, architectural compatibility, and compliance with environmental regulations. The approval is contingent on final engineering and landscape consultant sign-offs and will result in the removal of three parking spaces. As with the Target project, sufficient parking remains available.

The board reviewed Walmart’s proposal to expand its building and pickup area, as well as its request to place 38 seasonal storage containers at the rear of the store. Donald Flood of Dewberry Engineers, representing Walmart, responded to board and consultant comments regarding parking variances, architectural details, and operational notes.

Key concerns included ensuring that dangerous or perishable items would not be stored in the containers, clarifying the seasonal timeframe for trailer placement and removal, and verifying that adequate screening and access are provided. The board also discussed the need for Walmart to specify employee routes and pedestrian safety features for the expanded pickup area.

The board requested additional information and plan revisions, including clear notes on storage container use, timing, and access, before moving forward with approvals.

Residential and Subdivision Matters

• Accessory Apartment at 122 Ledlum Road: The board approved a special permit for an accessory apartment following confirmation that all technical requirements, including parking and septic capacity, were met. The applicant, Robert Kocich, agreed to add required notes and revisions to the plans.
• Raywood Subdivision Extension: The board granted a 180-day extension for the Raywood subdivision’s site plan and special use permit, setting a new expiration date of November 9, 2025. The applicant’s request to modify a condition related to a water agreement was also approved, as the necessary agreements had already been filed.