The board’s deliberation on the Bunker Fitness Center application was marked by a complex discussion regarding zoning buffers. The proposed site, a 1.5-acre area on the boundary between residential and commercial districts, required the board to interpret whether the Farmland buffer should apply. The applicant argued that the buffer was designed to protect farming areas from residential development, which did not pertain to their commercial project. Board members examined this interpretation, considering that the site was commercially zoned but adjacent to residential properties. This discussion set the stage for a broader debate on the application of zoning regulations and their implications for future developments in similar zones.

Further complicating the proceedings were requests for several variances, notably concerning setbacks, parking lot configurations, and the number of trees required on the site. The fitness center’s operation as a 24-hour facility raised additional concerns about the impact of vehicle headlights and lighting on neighboring residential properties. Despite assurances from the applicant that the building would lack windows facing homes, board members were cautious about the potential for disturbance, especially at night. The applicant proposed measures to mitigate these concerns, but the 24-hour operation remained a contentious point.

The exterior design, featuring metal panels, also sparked debate. While the applicant defended this as a modern aesthetic choice, some board members highlighted township standards that generally disfavor metal exteriors. This discussion reflected broader community values and expectations regarding architectural consistency and appeal in new developments.

Public comments introduced further complexity to the board’s considerations. A resident named Jason noted that the property’s northern boundary, designated as Highway Commercial, should influence the current buffer discussion. He referenced a previous application for a Dollar General that led to the board’s determination that certain buffers were unnecessary between properties zoned as Highway Commercial. This precedent prompted the board to reevaluate their stance on the buffer requirements for the fitness center.

The meeting also addressed technical aspects of the site plan, including fire truck circulation, with the applicant committing to address all engineer review comments. The board scrutinized the proposed entrance and exit on Woodland Avenue, debating whether it should be one-way to facilitate better traffic management. Concerns about potential damage to landscaping during emergency vehicle access were considered.

Additionally, the applicability of a 2020 ordinance encouraging agricultural use across all zones was questioned. This raised further discussions about the necessity of buffers and whether current ordinances adequately reflected township goals. The board’s exploration of these issues highlighted the evolving nature of zoning laws and their impact on development.

As the meeting progressed, potential solutions for managing traffic and ensuring safety were explored. A suggestion to restrict exit access from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM was proposed to alleviate traffic concerns. The board also emphasized the importance of clear communication with neighboring property owners, particularly regarding shared driveway access.

The board’s final vote to approve the application was contingent on several stipulations, including the planting of tree lines for privacy and the installation of signage to manage traffic flow.