At the forefront of the meeting, discussions centered on Anor Academy’s anticipated move. The religious school sought approval to occupy a currently vacant section of an office building for its kindergarten through fourth-grade operations. With an expected enrollment of 150 to 170 students, the academy also aimed to coordinate with a future adult daycare center on the same site. Despite a parking space deficiency, the attorney for Anor Academy argued that the actual parking need would be lower than the required 331 spaces due to the expected use by faculty and staff.

A representative of Anor Academy, Shamal Malik, discussed the school’s need for expansion and detailed the logistical aspects of student pickup and drop-off, including the potential use of school buses and the timing of deliveries. Board members inquired about various operational aspects such as lunch arrangements, medical staff, special events, and exercise facilities.

Further testimony was provided by a professional engineer, Miss Bullock, who outlined the site improvements tailored to the school’s use. The improvements were to be completed in two phases, focusing on parking reconfiguration, traffic control, and the addition of a drop-off lane with bypass capabilities. The board discussed the reduction of parking spaces and the need for modifications to the landscape plan as per Township staff recommendations.

Traffic expert Mr. John Ray analyzed the traffic and parking situations for the proposed academy and the adult daycare center. Traffic counts were taken to ensure accuracy, and projections were made for the year 2026, anticipating 260 students at the academy. It was projected that the level of service at the nearby signalized intersection would remain satisfactory during peak morning and afternoon hours once the academy and daycare center became operational.

The board addressed the projected traffic volumes and access to the property, with the applicant confident in their ability to comply with town requirements and make necessary adjustments. A board member asked about staff assistance with the drop-off process, which was explained as a means to manage traffic flow. Concerns were also raised about access permits from the state due to the property’s proximity to Route 18, a state highway. An application for a letter of no interest had been submitted, and the applicant was confident in meeting the state’s requirements.

A planner testified regarding the need for a use variance for the school, emphasizing the inherently beneficial nature of educational facilities and the belief that the public interest would outweigh any potential negative impacts. The planner suggested that there would be no detrimental effects, particularly regarding traffic and parking.

The potential negative impacts of the proposed elementary school were also considered, including potential nuisance factors such as noise and light. The applicant’s representative argued that the school would not create any additional nuisances and noted property improvements such as preserving mature trees and adding landscaping. The representative assured that the school’s operations during normal business hours would minimize disruptions.

The applicant agreed to various conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts, including providing EV charging stations and restriping the parking lot. The board members discussed specific requirements related to affordable housing compliance, grading plans, fire commissioner approval, and revised plans. The representative expressed a willingness to comply with all specified conditions.