Franklin Commission Debates Impact of Proposed Self-Storage Facility
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/22/2024
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Recording Published:
05/02/2024
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Duration:
66 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Gloucester County
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Towns:
Franklin (Gloucester County)
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Franklin Environmental Commission meeting, the most discussion centered around a zoning board application (ZB 24-04) to convert an existing dwelling into an office residence and add a self-storage facility. Commission members raised several concerns, emphasizing potential environmental impacts such as light and noise pollution, the absence of landscaping, and the necessity of a lighting plan. Furthermore, the commission scrutinized the issue of impervious cover on the property and the importance of including a soils map in the plan.
The debate on the self-storage facility was marked by the commission’s careful consideration of the project’s environmental ramifications. The potential environmental issues were not taken lightly, and the commission’s insistence on a lighting plan and a soils map underscored their commitment to review and due diligence. The discussions also touched upon the need for more greenery to mitigate the visual impact of the development, with the lack of landscaping being a sticking point.
The commission also reviewed a second zoning board application (ZB 24-05), which was met with less controversy. This application involved a request for a 428 square foot addition to an existing residence, alongside a variance for minimum lot frontage. The commission’s queries revolved around the purpose of the addition and the existing structures on the lot, although this discussion did not reach the same level of intensity as the earlier debate.
Another topic that surfaced during the meeting was the proposed addition to a property on Fourth Avenue. The commission deliberated on whether the property was within township limits or on a paper street, which had implications for setback requirements. While there was some uncertainty regarding the property boundaries, the commission suggested that the addition might not contravene any regulations.
The commission also addressed a zoning board application concerning the construction of a single-family home on a lot that did not meet the standard size requirements. The details of the lot size and the proposed construction were examined.
The members recognized the importance of scheduling cleanups at Piney Hollow and Malaga Lake. The potential involvement of the Girl Scouts and Public Works was discussed, along with the replacement of posts and the setting of a date for these activities. The willingness to engage external parties such as the Girl Scouts and Public Works highlighted the commission’s collaborative approach to environmental stewardship.
Additionally, the commission discussed administrative and logistical matters, such as the need to document missing numbers on certain objects, signing up for “bird Quest,” obtaining cleanup supplies, and considering the installation of a mailbox specifically for the commission’s use. They also grappled with the process of appointing a new member to the planning board. The commission briefly touched upon the preparations for Community Day and the scheduling of future meetings, which are essential for public engagement and ongoing commission operations.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, yet there were mentions of other meetings scheduled for the same evening and a resolution that was passed.
John “Jake” Bruno
Environmental Commission Officials:
Jason Brandt, Giovanni Cavone, Evan Duerr, Margaret Duerr, Mark Fiorella, Jonathan Keen, Frank Kohute, Jeffrey Link, Suzanne McCarthy, William Petravich, Jon Stippick
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/22/2024
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Recording Published:
05/02/2024
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Duration:
66 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Gloucester County
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Towns:
Franklin (Gloucester County)
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