It's been on the verge of closing for a few years, but this latest development seems like it could be the end of the Route 70 Auction & Flea Market in Lakewood.

The property was sold in 2017, and at that time the Lakewood Township Planning Board approved 166 townhouses. However, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection denied a permit, saying the Lakewood Township Municipal Utilities Authority couldn't prove its water supply would meet demand of the proposed development.

Now, the Utilities Authority says they signed a contract to purchase more water from New Jersey American Water, which should be the last hurdle to clear for the project that will include 166 townhouses with basement apartments (for a total of 332 housing units), a nearly 12,000-square-foot retail building and a 10,000-square-foot community building.

The Flea Market will remain open for the 2019 season, but 2020 is in serious doubt.

The APP says there are ways for the public to make their voice heard, but residents will have to do so by July 5th;

Call NJDEP at (609) 633-2289

Email Ryan.Anderson@dep.nj.gov

Write to Coastal Regulation Bureau Chief, Division of Land Use Regulation, Mail Code 501-02A, PO Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420

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