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Politics & Government

50 Years in Business, Ben's Service Station Expanding

With approvals from the zoning commission, The Grape & Press will also add takeout service and outdoor seating.


The owner of Ben’s Service Station, 115 Boston Post Road, Orange, received approval for two additions Tuesday from the Town Plan & Zoning Commission.

The site plan application of Ben’s owner, Ben Santamauro, includes a new emission-testing bay and a waiting room at the 50-year-old service station.

Most of the commission’s discussion focused on sorting out Santamauro’s previous applications, including one last summer that was withdrawn after the commission ruled it incomplete. Based on that information, the commission waived two-thirds of the application fee for the latest plan.

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Between the withdrawn application and this latest one, Santamauro also received approval for a small storage addition at the rear of the building, which contributed to the confusion.

Following a public hearing, the commission also gave zoning approval to the owner of The Grape & Press restaurant for takeout service and outdoor seating. The restaurant is located in the Firelite Shopping Center at 35 Old Tavern Road.

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Owner Anthony Urbano’s two special exception applications were unopposed at the public hearing.

The commission also approved the construction of an elderly in-law apartment requested by Nora Cody and John B. Lipsky at 548 Halliwell Ave.

[Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version to correct the name of the owner of Ben's Service Station.]

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