LED on Wheels, a company specializing in mobile outdoor advertising, gained approval for a 6,325 square foot commercial building intended to serve as the home base for their fleet of LED advertising trucks. The CEO underscored the business’s minimal traffic impact, with operations causing negligible changes to the current flow due to the nature of the mobile ads. The discussion revolved around the construction plans, the anticipated low volume of traffic and loading operations, and the company’s plans to comply with environmental standards, such as provisions for electric vehicle parking.

In line with environmental considerations, the meeting also touched upon the broader topic of groundwater contamination. Although Old Bridge Township does not currently have any documented contaminated sites, the issue underscores the board’s cautious approach to environmental stewardship in reviewing new projects.

Another item addressed was the proposed amendment to the Old Bridge Township Land Development ordinance, particularly concerning cluster zoning options. The proposed changes aimed to streamline the ordinance by eliminating the density transfer option and raising the threshold for cluster zoning eligibility.

A business owner presented plans for a new two-story building in the economic development opportunity 3 Zone. Despite the property being undersized and having a nonconforming lot frontage, the proposed development included a by-appointment showroom and second-floor office space, along with a 15-space parking lot. The owner acknowledged the need for setback variances and was receptive to complying with any supplementary stipulations by the board. The project’s engineer discussed site-specific issues such as parking space calculations, compliance with state electric vehicle parking codes, and coordination with local fire districts for emergency access.

Technical aspects of various projects were a focal point, with discussions on traffic engineer reports and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) access permits due to the state highway location. The low trip generation of the proposed uses was a recurring theme, potentially qualifying for a minor access application from the NJ DOT. Additional deliberations included “Make Ready” parking for electric vehicles, minimum lot sizes for septic systems, and stormwater management, particularly in relation to a nearby gas station and previously removed oil tanks.

The board also reviewed a planning analysis for a proposed architectural project, addressing the need for setback relief and the project’s alignment with the township’s development objectives. The board’s engineer assured that most of the environmental resolutions and technical comments could be complied with, emphasizing the project’s anticipated benefits.

Further discussions included the stability of a runoff collection point in a parking lot, pre-treatment requirements for a basin, and the influence of business activities on local traffic patterns. Design waivers concerning site aesthetics such as benches, trash receptacles, and sidewalk dimensions were also scrutinized.

The meeting concluded with a public comment session where community members voiced their concerns over signage, setbacks, and truck parking related to business operations. The board members underscored the importance of adhering to the stipulated conditions for approval, which included compliance with the board’s professional reports and jurisdiction over specific uses of the property.