The Lamar Advertising of Penn LLC’s proposal to erect a 50-foot billboard has faced scrutiny from the Edison Zoning Board, with board members and local residents raising concerns about its visibility and potential impact on the community. Despite a reduction in both the height and size of the billboard from initial proposals, the discussion centered on the necessity of such a structure and its potential implications for the township’s entrance. The applicant provided detailed information in response to the board’s queries, including the billboard’s maintenance schedule, tree clearing, and replacement plans, the Department of Transportation (DOT) bridge work, and compliance with lighting ordinances.

The billboard application, initially proposing a 60-foot height, has been revised to 50 feet in response to feedback. However, this change has resulted in the need for additional tree clearing, with the applicant committing to planting 18 new trees and working with board professionals to meet tree replacement requirements. During the discussion, the board also learned that more trees had been cleared than authorized near the proposed site, which will be factored into the tree replacement calculations.

The proposed billboard’s impact on sight lines between Fox Road and a residential area was a point of contention. The board requested information on the height of surrounding buildings, trees, and a diner to assess the appropriate visibility level for the sign. A lighting expert was called upon to address concerns about light pollution, presenting the design of the proposed LED fixtures intended to minimize spillage and ensure compliance with township codes.

Further, the applicant discussed the billboard’s static lighting, which would adhere to an ordinance requiring lights to be turned off at 11:00 p.m. and reactivated at dusk. The proposed LED lighting fixtures, described by the lighting expert, are designed to reduce light spillage and sky glow. The applicant also detailed how the sign’s lighting would comply with the township’s code, as per the opinion of Mr. Docker.

A traffic expert, Justin Taylor, presented a site visibility study, focusing on the safety of billboards and their visibility for both northbound and southbound traffic. The study did not cover the potential impact of the billboard’s lighting on nearby residences. The board debated the necessity of the billboard’s proposed height, taking into account its visibility from the highway and potential effects on the community.

Aside from the billboard discussion, the meeting addressed other applications within Edison. One such case involved property on Sagamore Avenue South, where the owners sought bulk variances to reconstruct a fire-damaged home with an addition on the rear. Attorney Steven Pinsky and architect Mr. Deipa presented the application, which faced no significant opposition from the board.

Another application discussed was from Patrick Amaral for an addition to a dwelling on Moo Road. Amaral cited a medical need and the age of the home as reasons for the expansion, which involved updating sewer and water lines. Despite the proposed building coverage exceeding the allowable limits, the board approved the application unanimously, considering it a minimal request with no detriment to the neighborhood.

The meeting also touched on the future use of a building on the proposed billboard site, previously employed for automobile repair. The applicant confirmed ongoing renovations for leasing as a permitted use. Additionally, the meeting covered the required loading space for billboard maintenance, with the applicant indicating that a single van parking stall would suffice.

Lastly, the discussion included the conditions and stipulations for a Quick Check property in the PB Zone. A representative for Quick Check outlined the court-ordered conditions, with the board reviewing and discussing each condition in detail. Public comments raised issues concerning the project’s impact on traffic and housing, leading to the addition of a sign related to diesel fueling to the approved conditions.