A significant portion of the meeting focused on the planned development’s stormwater management system. The board and applicant discussed the design of the basins, intended to manage stormwater from the site effectively. The basins were designed to handle significant storm events, with a specific focus on their ability to infiltrate water and comply with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations. The applicant assured the board that the stormwater management plan included necessary safety factors and maintenance protocols to ensure compliance and mitigate overflow risks, despite concerns raised by participants about potential contamination of local aquifers.

The board also examined the environmental impact of the proposed development, particularly regarding tree removal and replacement. The applicant outlined plans to remove 64 trees from the central property area while preserving perimeter vegetation. However, this raised concerns about meeting township requirements for tree replacement. The applicant proposed planting 138 new trees, resulting in a shortfall of 70 trees, and suggested contributing to the township’s tree fund as a compensatory measure. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining the existing landscape character and ensuring compliance with local vegetation ordinances.

Traffic and site accessibility were recurring themes throughout the meeting. The proposed development’s traffic engineer, Andrew Vishio, was introduced but did not provide testimony due to time constraints. The board planned to hear his insights in a special meeting scheduled for November 13th. Discussions touched on the need for adjustments to the driveway layout to accommodate emergency vehicles and the potential impact on local traffic patterns. The board stressed the importance of independent traffic engineering assessments to address safety concerns and ensure efficient traffic flow around the site.

Another topic was the operational logistics of the proposed synagogue and school. The board scrutinized the site layout, particularly the playground’s location and its compliance with township ordinances. The applicant confirmed that the playground would be situated on the south side of the upper parking lot, adhering to necessary setbacks. Residents expressed concerns about the playground’s capacity and potential expansion, which the applicant resolved without encroaching on parking spaces. The board also considered the site’s lighting plan, emphasizing the need to prevent light spillage into neighboring residential areas.

The board discussed the statutory 95-day period for application review, exploring options for extending the timeline if necessary. Public participants were reminded of their rights to question witnesses and provide testimony.