A primary concern was the proximity of the proposed warehouse to a pipeline easement, which mandates a 100-foot setback for safety reasons. The developer sought a variance to reduce this distance, proposing a mere 43 feet. This request was met with opposition, as the board emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety standards, particularly given the warehouse’s anticipated truck traffic and its location near residential areas. One member highlighted the risk of exacerbating safety issues due to the building’s operational nature, which involves significant truck activity.

Traffic patterns and their implications on local roads were also a major topic of discussion. Board members expressed skepticism about the proposed truck routes, noting that certain roads have a four-ton weight limit, raising questions about the legality and practicality of large trucks accessing the warehouse. Concerns were voiced about the intersection of New Brunswick Road and Davidson Avenue, with suggestions that truck traffic could lead to increased congestion and safety hazards in the area. The board stressed the necessity of an engineering assessment to evaluate the intersection’s capacity to handle such traffic, with one member insisting on seeing plans before any approval could be considered.

In addition to safety and traffic concerns, the board scrutinized the environmental implications of the project. Discussions centered on stormwater management and the adequacy of proposed bio-retention basins. The developer’s plans included improvements to the existing site, such as increasing the building’s setback from the street and enhancing fire safety regulations. However, the board remained unconvinced that these measures sufficiently addressed the potential environmental impact, particularly in light of past contamination issues associated with the site when it was a retail mall.

The meeting also featured significant public participation, with residents raising their own concerns about the warehouse proposal. One resident questioned the feasibility of truck traffic using one-lane roads, referencing a recent incident involving an 18-wheeler that caused a traffic backup. The potential for noise pollution from continuous truck operations was another issue, prompting the board to consider imposing restrictions on lighting and operational hours to mitigate disturbances to nearby residents and facilities such as a nursing home.

Another point of contention was the developer’s request for a waiver on sidewalk construction along New Brunswick Road. Advocates for a complete streets policy argued for pedestrian and cyclist safety, emphasizing the need for sidewalks to connect the development with nearby amenities. The board member opposing the waiver stressed that the site’s connectivity to surrounding commercial and residential areas necessitates safe pedestrian pathways, which were not adequately addressed in the proposal.

Despite the developer’s assurances of compliance with local regulations and efforts to address feedback from previous meetings, the board concluded that further testimony and engineering evaluations were necessary.

Public comments from the meeting highlighted the community’s apprehension about the proposed warehouse’s impact, with calls for transparency and examination of the development’s potential effects on traffic, safety, and the environment. The Planning Board scheduled a follow-up meeting for March 19, extending their timeframe to act on the application until the end of March to allow for continued public input and comprehensive review of the issues at hand.