06:56At the heart of the discussion was the proposed expansion of the car wash facility located at 1111 and Main Street. The project aims to demolish existing structures to create a more streamlined car wash operation, complete with additional vacuums and improved site layout. The applicant, represented by attorney Jeffrey Beman, presented exhibits including site layout renderings and aerial maps to support their case. Traffic expert Elizabeth Waterberry provided insights into the historical and current site conditions, highlighting the need for improved traffic flow and safety measures.

30:07Central to the board’s deliberations were the environmental implications of the project. The board explored the benefits of regulated car wash facilities over residential car washing, which can lead to untreated pollutants entering storm drains and affecting local water bodies. Citing support from the Department of Environmental Protection, the proposal was framed as environmentally beneficial, aligning with broader goals to manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollution. The applicant emphasized that the car wash would serve a critical function in managing pollutants, thus fulfilling a community need.

01:17:13Traffic management was another topic, with concerns raised about the proposed driveway configuration and its impact on Main Street traffic flow. The board considered the practicality of the traffic design, particularly the one-way movement plan intended to enhance safety and separate property lines. However, potential issues with vehicle circulation, especially when vacuums are in use, were noted. The applicant addressed these by proposing a bypass lane to facilitate smoother vehicle movement and reduce congestion.

47:15Discussion of the use of porous concrete for stormwater management revealed differing opinions among board members. While the applicant touted its high permeability rate as beneficial for drainage, concerns about maintenance and potential failure led to suggestions of using traditional asphalt instead. The board’s engineer recommended against porous pavement due to its maintenance requirements and potential flooding risks. Ultimately, the decision was made to replace the proposed porous pavement with asphalt, eliminating the need for a maintenance operations manual.

03:02:06In addition to the car wash expansion, the meeting also touched on broader issues of affordable housing in Bradley Beach. A participant spoke about the iterative process of refining the affordable housing plan, stressing the importance of aligning it with the community’s master plan requirements and preparing for future housing rounds.

The board also addressed procedural aspects related to the affordable housing plan, including legislative updates needed for its implementation and the scheduling of meetings to ensure compliance with upcoming deadlines. The urgency of completing the plan by the end of June was underscored, with suggestions for special meetings to facilitate discussions involving both the council and the board. A member emphasized the importance of public input, advocating for workshops to encourage community engagement.