Howell Zoning Board Approves U-Haul Facility Amid Variances

Overview: In a development, the Howell Zoning Board approved the U-Haul Company of New Jersey’s application for a use variance and a combined preliminary and final major site plan with bulk variances. The approval came with several conditions, including the consolidation of two lots to construct a sizable 17,280-square-foot portable storage unit facility. This decision was among the key outcomes of the recent Zoning Board meeting, which also tackled a variety of other proposals and applications.

Deal Lake Commission Tackles Grants, Goose Remediation, and Supports Student Research

Overview: The recent meeting of the Deal Lake Commission brought to light various topics, including the challenges with the 319 grant payment process, the commission’s involvement in supporting a high school student’s environmental research, and ongoing efforts in goose remediation and lakefront education. Furthermore, the commission recognized July 2024 as Lake Appreciation Month and discussed the need for additional support due to staffing shortages in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Bradley Beach Land Use Board Denies Garage Expansion

Overview: In a recent Bradley Beach Land Use Board meeting, a proposed garage expansion on Pacific Avenue took center stage as the board ultimately voted to deny the application, citing the expansion of nonconformity and potential negative impact on the neighborhood. The applicant sought to enclose the area under the existing second-floor canopy and expand the garage to accommodate two cars and storage for bicycles, along with converting the two-bedroom apartment above into a one-bedroom unit. Despite efforts to improve the property aesthetically, the board was divided, with some members expressing reservations about the nonconforming structure’s enlargement and its implications for the community.

Fair Haven Borough Council Seeks State Exemption Amid Waste Contract Woes

Overview: In a special session held on June 19, 2024, the Fair Haven Borough Council discussed issues surrounding solid waste and recycling services in the community, seeking a path forward as they confront an appropriations cap challenge. The session highlighted ongoing negotiations with state representatives and the borough’s current waste management company, which could lead to an interim month-to-month service continuation while seeking a state exemption for a longer-term solution.

Red Bank Explores Historic Preservation and Technological Integration

Overview: In a recent Red Bank Borough Council meeting, discussions focused on historic preservation, particularly the potential for using technology to highlight historic elements within the town, such as “ghost signs. The council deliberated on integrating these elements into a Red Bank History app, discussing ideas for a virtual walking tour that would include these signs even if they were no longer physically present.