The plan calls for the residences to sit atop the retail component, rising a total of 70 feet. According to published reports, that height was one of the sticking points for the committee, led by Mayor Ronald Francioli, as well as for local residents in attendance for the vote. Other concerns, according to reports, include traffic and noise issues, as well as signage.

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

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