Red Bank Zoning Board Approves Garage Reconstruction on South Street Amidst Parking and Privacy Debates

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Zoning Board voted to approve the reconstruction of a residential garage on South Street, with a focus on providing off-street parking for tenants. The approval, which passed with six in favor and one against, was not without its fair share of debate and conditions. The meeting addressed the garage’s structural concerns, the necessity for variances, and the potential impact on tenant privacy and security.

Tinton Falls Borough Council Grapples with Landfill Odor Issues and Solid Waste Management Challenges

Overview: The Tinton Falls Borough Council meeting on January 16th, 2024, was dominated by discussions surrounding the persistent odor problems emanating from the Mammoth County Reclamation Center and the complexities of managing landfill operations. County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone and Waste Management representatives, including area director Scott Parin, addressed the council with updates on the landfill’s current state and potential solutions. The council also debated the effectiveness of the Solid Waste Advisory Council (SWAC) and the complaint process, the need for improved communication and transparency with residents, and the impact of landfill odors on local communities and businesses.

Howell Planning Board Approves Development Project with Affordable Housing Component and Discusses Environmental Compliance

Overview: The Howell Planning Board recently approved a substantial development project, which includes a significant affordable housing component in compliance with the township’s obligations. The project, designed to blend aesthetically into the ml14 Zone, features 138 affordable units and proposes a boulevard leading to 58 three-story apartment units as well as market-rate townhouses. Complementing the residential development, the board also tackled environmental compliance, with discussions on stormwater management, the preservation of significant trees, and green infrastructure initiatives such as porous pavement.

Fair Haven Planning Board Appoints Professionals for 2024

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Fair Haven Planning Board conducted its reorganization, including the administration of oaths to new and reappointed members, and the appointment of professionals for the year 2024. The appointments followed a closed executive session where the received proposals for board attorney, planner, and engineer were reviewed. The board decided to retain Kenny Gross Kovats and Parton as the planning board attorney, Clark Caton Hintz as the planner, and Richard Gardella as the board engineer. Additionally, the board adopted a new process requiring the planning board chair to be notified before work on applications begins and reviewing bills before the borough issues payment.

Red Bank Plans to Strengthen Historic Preservation Efforts

Overview: The Red Bank Planning Board recently convened a meeting to discuss significant proposed changes to the town’s historic preservation regulations. The meeting aimed to align the language in the master plan with the preservation goals of the community, reviewing a comprehensive 32-page ordinance that would affect how historic sites are managed and preserved. A consultant who contributed to the master plan clarified the intent to maintain the 2009 historic preservation element as part of the land use section. The board also debated the implications of the ordinance on property owners, including concerns about potential safety hazards and repair costs.