Bedminster Land Use Board Deliberates on Signage Modifications and Club Expansions
- Meeting Overview:
The Bedminster Land Use Board meeting involved discussions on proposed signage changes for the SK Bed One Associates LLC site and expansion plans for the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. The board tackled issues surrounding sign aesthetics, traffic flow, and site accessibility, while also reviewing modifications to club dining facilities and infrastructure.
The most notable topic of the meeting was the proposed signage modifications for SK Bed One Associates LLC, presented by attorney Nicholas Whitaker. The revised site plan and signage proposal sparked a discussion, with the board scrutinizing the necessity and impact of various signs. Todd Shapiro, director of architecture and interior design for KRE, provided insights into the adjustments made following prior feedback. Notable changes included the removal of pole banners and branding on facades, responding to concerns about visibility and road traffic safety.
Shapiro highlighted the site’s complexity, involving multiple use groups such as commercial offices, retail spaces, and residential units. With nine entry points and a speed limit of 45 mph on Burnt Mills Road, clear signage was deemed essential. The proposed plan featured several monument signs, with adjustments for a unified look across the site.
A critical aspect of the discussion was the scale of the proposed monument signs. The board debated reducing the proposed height from 8 feet to a more agreeable 55 inches, considering the local traffic dynamics. Concerns were also raised about the illumination of signs, with a decision made for non-illuminated wayfinding signs and halo lighting for monument signs to prevent light pollution.
Further discussions delved into vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding signs. The board examined the need for eight new wayfinding signs, each eight square feet in size, to guide visitors across different site areas. Some members questioned the number of signs. The pedestrian wayfinding signs, reflecting a cohesive design, aimed to enhance connectivity between buildings and guide traffic safely.
Another focal point was the expansion plan for the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, presented by Lamington River Farms GP. The proposal included building an addition to the pool building and a 120-square-foot shed, with expert testimonies detailing the site’s improvements. The expansion would increase the pool building from 16,000 square feet to 27,967 square feet, incorporating a basement for storage and food preparation, a dining area, and office space. Despite the loss of four parking spaces, the club assured that operations would remain unaffected, emphasizing the addition of electric vehicle charging spaces.
The board also reviewed stormwater management and landscaping plans. Concerns about relocating trees and shrubs were addressed, with commitments to replace any that do not survive. Additionally, a design waiver for the club’s non-residential floor area was discussed, with the proposal reducing the area from a previously approved maximum.
Adjustmentsttention was given to the dining facilities at the club, with plans to introduce a new family-friendly dining area. This expansion aimed to provide a mid-range dining experience, offering a year-round option exclusively for members. The club’s existing dining spaces would be complemented by this new facility, increasing total seating capacity significantly.
As the meeting progressed, the board approved the signage modifications for SK Bed One Associates LLC, with conditions to adhere to professional reviews. The discussion concluded with a motion to approve the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club’s amended site plans, emphasizing immediate filing for permits.
The announcement of a resignation from the township committee also marked a transitional point, with efforts underway to fill the vacancy.
Lawrence F. Jacobs
Land Use Board Officials:
R. Colin Hickey, Carol Guttschall, Louis DiGiovine, Tim Walter, George Rodelius, Anna Orabona, Jeffrey Leonard, Steven Fuerst, Vincent DeMartino, Janine DeLeon (Land Use Board Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
Land Use Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/09/2026
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Recording Published:
07/11/2026
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Duration:
134 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Somerset County
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Towns:
Bedminster
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