The application presented by a property owner engaged in plumbing services seeks approval to rent out parts of their property to third-party vendors, which would necessitate a use variance. Board members expressed concerns about the environmental implications of the proposal, particularly regarding potential leakage from vehicles stored on the property’s gravel surface. In response to inquiries about the site’s surface composition, the applicant’s representative clarified that the area is currently covered with stone, but specifics about depth and environmental safeguards were deferred to technical experts.

Environmental safety was a central theme as board members questioned how the property would manage potential contaminant leakage. The applicant asserted that no hazardous materials would be stored on-site, emphasizing an intention to maintain the property as a clean and organized facility. They also confirmed that the site would not include utilities or living accommodations.

Another major topic was the need for enforceable conditions to mitigate the risks associated with the proposed rental arrangement. Board members stressed the importance of formalizing restrictions to ensure compliance, rather than relying solely on verbal assurances. Suggestions were made to document these limitations in a formal resolution, with the applicant expressing willingness to incorporate such conditions into lease agreements with tenants. Questions about the nature of businesses interested in utilizing the space revealed interest from sectors like repossession and excavation, yet the applicant could not specify how many businesses might operate on the property.

Safety and access were also scrutinized, with discussions on emergency routes and site plan specifics. Concerns were raised about potential obstructions due to fencing, which could hinder emergency services. The applicant was prompted to provide a clear site plan outlining designated storage areas and emergency access routes. An engineer on the team highlighted proposed improvements, such as grading and stormwater management systems, to address these concerns. However, the lack of concrete aprons and curbing due to the site’s gravel nature brought additional scrutiny, with board members advocating for these elements to ensure environmental safety.

Traffic implications were another concern, especially with proposed access routes via Sterling and Edison Avenues, as opposed to the originally approved Faraday Avenue. The side roads were described as semi-improved and not intended for increased traffic, prompting discussions on whether the applicant should be responsible for upgrading these roads to accommodate the intensified use. The applicant’s representative noted that improvements to Sterling Avenue should fall under the applicant’s purview rather than the township’s, a point the board did not dismiss lightly.

Further complicating the matter, an engineer revealed that gravel and site modifications had been made without necessary permits, leading to discrepancies in the application. The board emphasized the need for comprehensive site plan details to proceed with the application.

The meeting also addressed the operation of a proposed mobile concrete batch plant, where discussions focused on environmental safeguards, traffic impacts, and compliance with state regulations. Concerns about dust control, noise, and waste recycling were voiced, with assurances provided regarding measures to manage these issues. The applicant reassured the board of compliance with the New Jersey Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NJPEDS) requirements and the installation of a dust collection system to minimize environmental impact.