The Chick-fil-A proposal, which has been under review over several meetings, was a focal point of the discussion. The applicant presented a revised site plan addressing previous board and professional feedback. Key changes included replacing a partial bypass lane with an escape driveway for alternate egress, aimed at improving traffic flow. Wayfinding signage at the Route 202 intersection was introduced to encourage right turns, alleviating congestion near Town Center Road. Additionally, a grass paver with a rollover curb was added to enhance emergency access in the southwest corner of the site. The applicant expressed gratitude for the board’s constructive feedback, which had helped refine the site plan.

Board members, including Councilman Kers, engaged in discussions about the revisions, expressing overall approval but raising concerns about the escape driveway’s signage and striping to deter public use. The board also deliberated on the implications of the grass paver installation, questioning its maintenance requirements and potential impact on landscaping aesthetics. A decrease in parking spaces was noted, but the applicant assured compliance with parking requirements despite this reduction.

Traffic management emerged as a concern, with local resident Penny Wolf voicing her experiences with existing congestion at the shopping center. She highlighted the potential exacerbation of traffic issues due to the drive-through, particularly during peak hours. Wolf detailed the heavy traffic patterns, emphasizing the difficulty of accessing the shopping center and the dangers posed by current traffic conditions. The board acknowledged these concerns, discussing the need for possible traffic control measures, such as an officer on-site during the restaurant’s initial opening weeks.

Pedestrian safety was another issue, with board members debating the optimal placement of crosswalks to ensure visibility and minimize traffic disruptions. The board considered additional signage and speed bumps to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings, while a representative confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would oversee signal upgrades and crosswalk installations. Despite assurances, board members expressed apprehension about pedestrian safety and the potential for traffic congestion at the busy Town Center Road entrance.

In a separate agenda item, Avanos Inc. presented their proposal for a direct air capture (DAC) unit on Miltown Road. The application included installing a two-story, 1,000-square-foot structure designed to capture carbon dioxide and produce distilled water. The project, known as Project Brighton, is backed by the United States Navy and aims to advance carbon capture technology. The presenter emphasized the unit’s capability to operate continuously without human intervention, with remote control options available. Discussions highlighted compliance with noise regulations and the absence of hazardous byproducts, focusing on the DAC unit’s potential environmental benefits.

Board members explored zoning implications, debating whether to classify the DAC unit as a principal or accessory structure. Regardless of classification, future expansions would require additional board approval. The board reviewed the DAC unit’s operational logistics, including staffing plans and safety measures. The conversation underscored the significance of technological advancements in carbon capture and their potential impact on environmental sustainability.