The plan calls for the residences to sit atop the retailcomponent, rising a total of 70 feet. According to publishedreports, that height was one of the sticking points for thecommittee, led by Mayor Ronald Francioli, as well as for localresidents in attendance for the vote. Other concerns, according toreports, include traffic and noise issues, as well as signage.

Local officials and the Mountain Lakes, NJ-based Vision Equitiesdid not respond to requests for comment by deadline. "After hearingthe residents' concerns, it would take the earth to shake for me tochange my mind," says committee member Judy Iradi, in a preparedstatement.

The 10-acre site is currently zoned for retail only, andVision's application was to change that zoning to permit acombination of retail and residential. Vision's proposal alsocalled for the relocation of an existing township firehouse toanother portion of the property, which Vision owns. A smallindustrial building currently on the site would also be razed.