The meeting began with an in-depth review of the proposed warehouse development on Campus Drive. The application sought preliminary and final major site plan approval, including a major soil-moving permit, to construct a 128,500-square-foot warehouse. The project, represented by Johnny Gino, aims to transform a large vacant office building into a revenue-generating warehouse facility, aligning with the township’s redevelopment goals. The applicant noted the warehouse would create jobs for the local community, emphasizing the economic benefits of the development. The proposed warehouse includes office space, loading docks, trailer parking, and surface parking facilities. However, certain reliefs from the Redevelopment Plan standards were requested, particularly regarding maximum turning radii for improved circulation and safety, and height limitations for a proposed fence.

The board discussed the warehouse’s impact on local traffic, with a traffic impact analysis presented by the applicant’s traffic engineer, Betsy Dolan. The analysis compared the new warehouse’s expected traffic to that of the previous office use, highlighting a significant reduction in traffic volume. The proposed development did not exceed the threshold of 100 trips per hour, as outlined by traffic engineering standards. Nevertheless, the board expressed concerns about truck traffic routing, preferring that trucks use Dryden Avenue instead of Littleton Road to minimize congestion.

The board also examined the environmental and noise impacts of the development. The site’s stormwater management system, which includes bio-retention basins, was designed to treat runoff from parking areas. While generally compliant with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations, there were minor discrepancies in post-development stormwater runoff. The applicant expressed confidence in collaborating with the board engineer to resolve these issues. Additionally, noise concerns were addressed by Benjamin Mueller, an acoustics expert, who stated that the site’s layout provided a buffer between truck operations and residential areas.

In parallel, the board reviewed two study areas for potential redevelopment: Forgate Hall Drive and Two Silen Way. Forgate Hall Drive, with a deteriorating occupancy rate of 8%, demonstrated significant structural and safety issues, including cracking parking lots, hazardous walkways, and malfunctioning elevators. The board determined that the site met four of the eight criteria for redevelopment under the local Redevelopment and Housing law, prompting a recommendation to the council to declare it an area in need of redevelopment.

Similarly, the Two Silen Way property, a 54,000-square-foot commercial office building with a brutalist architectural style, faced substantial functional obsolescence and an occupancy rate projected to fall to 18% by year-end. The building’s roof and HVAC systems were nearing the end of their useful life, necessitating replacement. This site also met four criteria for redevelopment, and the board voted to recommend it for redevelopment designation.

Residents expressed frustration over increased water accumulation and flooding, citing changes in topography and inadequate stormwater infrastructure. The board acknowledged these concerns and tasked the township engineer with further investigation to address potential improvements in stormwater management.