Zoning Board Rules on Outdoor Dining at Moorestown Mall

Enjoy a side of fresh air with your dinner and drinks? Then the latest Moorestown Mall news should please you. 

The township zoning board OK'd Tuesday night the mall's request for outdoor seating at three new restaurants: Philly chef Marc Vetri's Osteria, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Corner Bakery. 

The mall had applied for variances for all three establishments—which are expected to open later this year—because alfresco dining is restricted in the SRC (Specially Restricted Commercial) zone. The board has approved variances in the past for other restaurants, including Chipotle and Pei Wei Asian Diner. 

Chairman Mike Locatell said the zoning board approved the mall's request by a 6-0 vote, but with conditions—primarily related to traffic safety measures and lighting issues, which the mall agreed to consult with the township engineer on.

As a result of the approval, the bus stop located just outside Firebirds future location—just across from Chipotle—will be moved to the other side of the mall, by Boscov's, Locatell explained. 

Construction is already underway on Osteria and Firebirds. Both are scheduled to open before the Christmas holiday (possibly November), according to PREIT spokeswoman Judy Trias, as is the new Regal Cinemas theater that's been under construction the last several months. 

"(The openings) should be all within weeks of each other," she said.

As for the other two restaurants—which will use the other two liquor licenses purchased by PREIT—Trias said a "very exciting announcement" is coming soon regarding at least one, and possibly both, along with more retail.

Stay tuned to Moorestown Patch for more details as they become available.

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