The most compelling topic discussed was the ongoing application from the First French-Speaking Baptist Church, which sought approval for a major site plan involving a new house of worship at 2795-2797 Asbury Avenue. A primary issue was the traffic study presented by the church’s traffic engineer, which analyzed the anticipated flow of vehicles and the proposed right-in, right-out driveway configuration. This setup was designed to enhance safety by reducing left-turn conflicts but would require congregants to take a circuitous route involving Green Grove Road and Route 66. The engineer provided detailed projections, indicating that the church would accommodate a congregation of 450, necessitating 194 parking spaces. The plan included 206 spaces, exceeding the requirement.

Public concerns about traffic were significant, with residents questioning whether congregants would adhere to the suggested routes or use shortcuts like Sharon Drive, which could impact local traffic patterns. The board debated the installation of “no through traffic” and “no U-turn” signs to deter such behavior, but these measures would require township approval. Residents voiced apprehensions about potential traffic increases during events, like Christmas services, and the accuracy of traffic studies conducted outside peak summer months. The board acknowledged these issues, emphasizing the need for township cooperation in addressing potential traffic disruptions.

Another major focus of the meeting was the variance application for a property expansion on South Edgemere Drive in West Allenhurst. The applicants, Abraham and Margaret Moser, proposed a two-story addition and a raised rear patio on a corner lot that already presented non-compliance with zoning regulations. This proposal involved several variances, including significant reductions in required setback measurements. A public commenter named Roger argued against granting the variance, highlighting the drastic reductions in setback requirements and suggesting that the application lacked the necessary hardship to justify such deviations. He emphasized that variances should be reserved for exceptional situations and cautioned against compounding overdevelopment in the community.

Nancy Flanigan, another resident, opposed the expansion by contrasting the applicants’ desires against community needs, stressing the importance of preserving Deal Lake and criticizing the property owner’s environmental stewardship. Flanigan’s concerns about potential flooding were addressed by the applicant’s engineer, who assured that stormwater runoff would be managed appropriately. However, Earl Jackson raised further objections, citing increased coverage and existing non-conformities, and presented exhibits to demonstrate the detrimental impact on the neighborhood, arguing it would deprive the community of light and air.

The board also reviewed another variance application for a front porch on Monroe Street, which involved a zero-foot setback for a slate patio in the front yard. Despite the deviation from the 30-foot required setback, the board displayed a willingness to approve the application, noting the dead-end nature of Monroe Street.

Finally, the board addressed the application by Saleem 55 LLC regarding five air conditioning condensers placed within the side yard setback. The discussion revolved around prior approvals and the visibility of the units, with the applicant asserting they were guided by a former zoning officer. Despite these claims, the board underscored its authority to enforce zoning compliance, regardless of past misguidance.