The meeting commenced with the board’s consideration of a 10-year protection period for a large-scale development project. The applicant, represented by Salvatore Alfery, requested an extension from the standard two-year protection to ten years due to the project’s magnitude and the ongoing demand for approvals. Emphasizing that no land disturbance would occur until all necessary approvals were secured, Alfery reassured the board that “nothing has been cleared out there” and there was no immediate intent to commence physical work. The board conducted a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous approval, except for one abstention from a member who had been absent from prior relevant meetings.

Next, the board deliberated on an amended site plan for a daycare facility proposed by Bennett Mills Realty LLC. Donna Jennings, representing the applicant, addressed concerns from property owners across from the daycare site regarding access from Johnson Lane. The amended plan removed the secondary access point from Johnson Lane, while still allowing emergency responders access to the rear of the building. Jennings noted that “secondary site access for daycares is not a requirement under any New Jersey statute or Township ordinance,” and cited approval from the Bureau of Fire Prevention District Number Four.

Graham McFarland, a professional engineer and planner, provided testimony on the changes to the emergency access lane. Public comments followed, with residents from Johnson Lane expressing concerns about the project’s impact on property values and the new emergency access plans. The applicant confirmed that the fire department had approved the revised plans and clarified that the new access road would be approximately 25 feet wide, accommodating two-way traffic for emergency vehicles. Despite addressing these concerns, residents continued to voice their apprehensions about the daycare facility’s impact on the neighborhood.

The board also reviewed an application for converting a residential dwelling on Aldridge Road into a house of worship. The application followed prior hearings before the zoning board and complied with the town’s ordinances. The proposal included two entrances, a social hall, and areas for prayer. The board professionals highlighted the need for clarification on a parking area setback and confirmed no environmental issues requiring an impact statement. The applicant agreed to several adjustments, including relocating parking spaces and addressing landscaping and lighting concerns to meet township regulations.

A discussion ensued about the revised architectural plans, particularly regarding safety features. Concerns were raised about emergency egress from the basement area of the proposed building, prompting the board to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. The applicant agreed to install fire-rated doors and confirmed that the building would be fully sprinklered. Additionally, the board reviewed the expected congregation size, with weekday services typically attended by 25 to 30 people and Saturday services by around 60 member families, most of whom would walk rather than drive.

The meeting also covered traffic analysis related to the proposed house of worship. The analysis, adhering to Ocean County planning protocols, projected traffic volumes to 2034 and determined that the site driveway to Aldridge Road would function at a level service C. The applicant confirmed that sidewalks would be included along the entire frontage on both roadways, and no changes were anticipated for the surrounding roadway infrastructure. Public comments focused on pedestrian safety, particularly regarding crosswalk usage by congregants.

In the concluding part of the meeting, the applicant discussed the Mikvah’s drainage and maintenance, confirming that it would typically require annual draining into the sanitary sewer system. The board ultimately approved the application, recognizing the applicant’s cooperation with recommendations and adherence to outlined conditions.