The meeting’s central topic was the board’s review of an ordinance amending various sections of the Old Bridge Township Land Development ordinance. The proposed change was to rezone the K. Hovnanian section of The Oaks one development, which had been an overlay zone for nearly 25 years. This overlay zone was not included in the zoning map, which left homeowners in a predicament where they could not make modifications, such as adding decks or patios, without seeking approvals from the zoning board.

During the meeting, it was explained that the underlying zones, namely the SSD (industrial zone) and EDO-3 (Economic Development Zone), did not permit single-family homes. The new ordinance was introduced to eliminate this confusion and to align with the recommendations from the master plan re-examination report from two years prior. The board unanimously agreed that the ordinance was consistent with the master plan and approved it, thus simplifying the process for residents to make home improvements.

Additionally, the Planning Board passed two resolutions concerning PSEG Fairway Fairway Lane Property LLC and Wood Haven Village Incorporated. The former involved amending a preliminary and final major site plan to change a sound wall to a landscaping berm, while the latter dealt with an amended preliminary subdivision with extended vesting, which was previously approved by the board but had been delayed in adoption.

The meeting also touched upon upcoming applications that will soon increase the board’s workload, as well as the land use element of the master plan, which will be presented to the Planning Board in the near future. Finally, the attorney reminded members to review transcripts and recordings of past hearings for the Rd management matter to ensure familiarity with the case.