The most notable topic discussed during the meeting was the application for the parking garage expansion. Project engineer Mario Ionelli presented detailed testimony, confirming the proposal’s compliance with the previously approved redevelopment plan and bulk standards. The parking structure’s height is set to increase from approximately 48.5 feet to 55.7 feet, raising parking capacity from 402 to 491 stalls, including six handicap spaces. The board found these modifications consistent with earlier approvals, accentuating that they would have no adverse effects on the project’s scope or compliance with established guidelines.

Ionelli explained that the garage would be repositioned approximately six feet north to better align its entrances with the main building. This adjustment would increase the setback from Silven Road from 257.4 feet to 263.8 feet, a change considered beneficial as it positions the garage further from the road. Accompanying this shift were minor adjustments to landscaping and site circulation, as well as the relocation of the fire department connection, which is being coordinated with local authorities. The board approved waivers related to these changes, emphasizing that many were tied to previously sanctioned documents with no significant alterations.

Board members raised questions regarding the adequacy of parking, particularly focusing on the accessible parking spots and the overall parking ratio for the health club. The proposed rate of approximately 5.72 spaces per thousand square feet was considered sufficient for the anticipated demand, especially given the longer stays of health club patrons, a trend observed across other Lifetime Fitness locations.

Traffic control during construction emerged as a concern. One board member shared an experience involving a near-miss with a concrete truck due to inadequate lane closure measures, prompting commitments from representatives to address these issues with contractors to ensure road safety on Silven Way. The board also sought clarification on the status of the parking deck’s construction, confirming that while site work had commenced, the actual building of the parking levels had yet to begin.

John Corak from Stonefield Engineering and Design testified on the traffic and parking implications, noting that the addition of a fifth parking level would not necessarily increase traffic. Instead, it would provide a buffer for peak usage times, particularly during January’s high-demand period when fitness resolutions drive attendance. The board confirmed that the data on customer behavior reflected trends across the Lifetime Fitness chain, not just this specific site.

Public concerns were also addressed, notably from Camille Pesha, a nearby resident, who raised questions about the potential effects of construction on the buffer zone and water drainage. The board reassured that the residential building’s location would remain unchanged, with alterations confined to a minor internal shift of the garage. It was emphasized that these adjustments would not impact regulated areas or drainage patterns.

Fire safety was briefly discussed, with questions about response times for fires on the fifth level compared to the fourth. It was estimated that response times would differ by about 15 seconds, given the absence of sprinklers in the parking deck.

The meeting’s evidentiary portion concluded with an architect from Oness Associates outlining the parking garage’s design, which includes six handicap spaces and 25 electric vehicle-ready spaces. The architect confirmed compliance with the township’s zoning and construction department requirements, including electric vehicle signage. The board approved the application unanimously, with conditions discussed during the meeting, signaling community support for enhanced user experience through increased parking capacity.