rite aid In a surprising turn of events, Spirit Halloween has decided not to move forward with its plans to open a store in the former Rite Aid building on Wilson Avenue in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. This decision, confirmed by Middletown Township business administrator Anthony Mercantante, stems from a decades-old zoning law that restricts the use of the property to only function as a pharmacy with a drive-through. Any deviation from this would require a lengthy review by the Planning Board, a process Spirit Halloween couldn’t accommodate in time for the Halloween shopping season.
Zoning Law Snags Spirit Halloween’s Plans
Initially, the shuttered Rite Aid at 200 Wilson Avenue was listed by Spirit Halloween as one of its new short-term lease locations for the 2024 Halloween season. However, the company was forced to abandon this plan after discovering that the property could only be utilized as a pharmacy with a drive-through, a stipulation placed by the Middletown Township Planning Board many years ago when the property was first developed as an Eckerd Drug store.
As Mercantante explained, “The Planning Board put a condition in the resolution of approval that says, in essence, the property can only be used as a pharmacy with a drive-thru. Any other use before being allowed to open there would have to come back to the Planning Board for further review and hearing.”
Timing Issues Force Spirit Halloween to Withdraw
With Halloween quickly approaching, Spirit Halloween determined that it would be impossible to navigate the necessary Planning Board review process in time to capitalize on the seasonal demand. The company officially pulled out of its short-term lease about two weeks ago, leaving the former Rite Aid location vacant for now.
Alternative Locations for Halloween Shoppers
While the Port Monmouth location is no longer an option, Halloween enthusiasts in the area still have nearby alternatives. Spirit Halloween has confirmed that it will open stores in the former Bed, Bath & Beyond in Aberdeen and the now-open former Barnes & Noble in Holmdel, ensuring that locals can still get their Halloween shopping done without too much inconvenience.
A Community Discovery
This unusual zoning restriction was first brought to light by Port Monmouth resident Shannon Ecklof, who noticed the caveat in the zoning law and alerted local news outlet Patch. The discovery underscores the importance of local regulations in determining how properties can be repurposed, even for temporary uses like seasonal retail.
The Future of 200 Wilson Avenue
As for the former Rite Aid building at 200 Wilson Avenue, its future remains uncertain. Any potential tenant or buyer will need to work within the constraints of the existing zoning law, unless they are willing to go through the process of seeking approval from the Middletown Township Planning Board for a different use. For now, the property will remain closed as the town and potential developers consider its next chapter.
