Residents voiced their concerns regarding ongoing flooding problems attributed to stormwater runoff from the Costco property. A particularly severe incident in 2021 resulted in emergency evacuations due to flooding on Gatzmer Avenue. Residents expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability and action from Costco representatives, who reportedly claimed they were not responsible for water once it left their property. Affected residents called for collaboration between Monroe Township’s engineering department and Costco’s engineers to address the issue, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of spillways and waterways.

During the meeting, it was acknowledged that while Costco had previously undertaken measures like cleaning and lining the channel with stone, there was a lapse in consistent reporting to the township about the channel’s condition. This led to a broader discussion about the responsibilities and potential liabilities in the event of future flooding. Residents, including Barber Bushman, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current monitoring practices and questioned who would provide assistance if another flood occurred, citing past damage to homes.

Costco representatives assured the board of their commitment to a nationwide program for pond maintenance, but residents and board members alike called for more immediate, localized action to prevent future flooding. Suggestions included enhancing existing detention pond systems to better manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding risks.

Parallel to the stormwater discussions, the board reviewed Costco’s application for site expansions and improvements. The proposal included a 3,739 square foot addition to the cold storage building for new chillers, a new truck entrance lane with guardhouses to improve delivery efficiency, an expanded employee break room, and a mezzanine for packaging operations. These expansions aimed to enhance operational efficiency without increasing employee count or traffic volume.

The planning board scrutinized the proposed expansions. However, concerns about impervious coverage and the need for additional parking spaces were raised. The board discussed a nominal reduction in impervious coverage from previous approvals, with the current application proposing a slight decrease to 64.99%. Despite the application indicating a shortfall of six parking spaces, Costco representatives maintained that the expansions would not lead to increased traffic or workforce size.

The board also considered the environmental impact of the expansions, particularly the transition to environmentally friendly refrigeration systems as part of Costco’s broader sustainability initiatives. The proposed move from R22 refrigerant to a glucose-based alternative, R513A, aligns with these goals.

Public comments further highlighted historical assurances made to the community regarding water management at the site, with residents urging Costco to uphold these commitments. In response, board members emphasized the importance of past approvals carrying forward, particularly concerning inspection reports for drainage systems approved under previous applications.