Central to the discussion was the presentation of the proposed billboard’s specifications. Measuring 14 by 48 feet and illuminated by LED lighting, the billboard would require variances due to its height and the zoning restrictions in place. The applicant’s representative, Mr. Robert Falcon, highlighted the billboard’s design, which included measures to control light spillage and ensure minimal impact on the surrounding properties. He assured the board that lighting adjustments could reduce the spillage to zero at the property line, adhering to local ordinances requiring illumination to cease by 11 p.m. or at the close of business. Despite these assurances, board members expressed concerns over enforcement and sought further documentation to support these claims.

The meeting also delved deeply into the regulatory framework governing billboard placement, particularly the role of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT’s regulations, including spacing requirements and restrictions on digital billboards, were scrutinized, with questions about whether the proposed static billboard would meet these criteria. The engineer on the project confirmed that variances were requested to address any deviations from municipal standards, emphasizing that the billboard’s design complied with DOT standards.

Safety concerns were a recurring theme throughout the evening. Board members raised issues regarding the potential for driver distraction due to the billboard’s proximity to a busy highway exit and other nearby signage. Traffic engineer Mr. House provided testimony referencing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) studies, which suggested that both static and digital billboards have similar safety profiles, with glance durations averaging 0.3 seconds. However, skeptics on the board questioned whether these studies accounted for modern driver distractions, such as GPS devices and mobile screens, which were not prevalent when the studies were conducted.

The board also scrutinized the structural integrity of the proposed billboard. The installation process would necessitate road closures and the use of heavy drilling equipment, raising concerns about traffic disruptions and safety during construction. The engineer assured board members that the sign’s foundation would comply with stormwater management regulations due to its limited footprint, and monthly inspections were planned to ensure ongoing structural safety.

An additional point of contention was the classification of the roadway adjacent to the proposed site. A planner questioned the engineer’s assertion that the road was part of Route 4, citing discrepancies in DOT mapping. This classification was significant because it could influence the applicability of certain regulatory requirements. The board requested further clarification from a surveyor to resolve the issue.

Beyond the technical and regulatory discussions, the board considered the broader implications of approving the billboard. The applicant’s planner argued that the billboard would serve as a valuable communication tool for local businesses and could potentially display public service announcements. However, the planner admitted that the zoning ordinance does not currently permit billboards in any zone, necessitating a D1 use variance. The board weighed the potential public benefits against the need to uphold the integrity of the zoning plan.

The members grappled with balancing the applicant’s rights and intentions with the community’s safety and aesthetic concerns. The session concluded with plans to continue the discussion at the next meeting, scheduled for January 14, allowing time for further testimony and evidence gathering.

The meeting also briefly touched on other topics, such as the approval of a variance application for a home addition on Berkeley Road, which was passed without objections. Discussions about the classification of a roadway and the potential impact of a property expansion on stormwater management were also noted, although these issues were overshadowed by the lengthy debate over the billboard proposal.