The meeting’s most discussion centered on the proposed digital billboard by Bergen Concepts LLC. The application sought to place a digital LED billboard on a property currently housing a gas station and Mini Mart. The proposal required variance relief due to zoning restrictions and the presence of dual principal uses on the lot. The attorney for Bergen Concepts, Jason Tuvel, outlined the need for this variance, emphasizing compliance with local ordinances and state regulations, such as the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJ DOT) prohibition against blinking, flashing, or scrolling messages.

Marty Judge, representing Bergen Concepts, provided testimony regarding the operational aspects of the proposed billboard, asserting its alignment with local ordinances by ensuring message changes occur every 30 seconds. He detailed the billboard’s use for community messaging and emergency alerts, highlighting its potential to serve local businesses and nonprofits. The board’s scrutiny extended to the billboard’s energy efficiency and lighting characteristics, with assurances that it would operate within the NJ DOT’s lighting standards.

Addressing safety and visibility concerns, a civil engineer presented technical details about the billboard’s site, confirming its positioning would not impede driver sightlines or traffic flow. The billboard’s proposed height of 65 feet, though surpassing the township’s ordinance limit, was justified by the area’s topography. However, some board members voiced concerns about the potential distraction posed by the billboard, particularly given its placement near a busy intersection known for accidents.

Public comments echoed these safety concerns, with residents raising issues about light pollution impacting migratory birds and the distraction risk for drivers. Despite these apprehensions, the board decided to continue the discussion to a future date, allowing time for further review and expert testimony on the proposal’s implications.

The meeting also addressed an application for a training facility for electric vehicle repairs on Marbor Road by TR Properties. The facility intends to offer training for technicians on new electric vehicle models, operating within an existing building formerly used as a dance studio. Discussions focused on site improvements, operational details, and compliance with county and environmental regulations. Witnesses presented plans to incorporate electric vehicle chargers and maintain existing site characteristics, such as drainage and parking, with minimal exterior modifications.

Board members raised questions about pedestrian accessibility and the preservation of trees along Marbor Road, expressing the need to balance infrastructure improvements with environmental conservation. The facility’s operations were clarified as a non-public training center, with vehicles supplied by manufacturers for educational use.

Lastly, a proposal for a lot line adjustment related to a chemical manufacturing site drew significant public and board attention. The adjustments aimed to realign property boundaries within a superfund site while maintaining compliance with redevelopment plans. The board clarified that the application was strictly for lot line adjustments, with no immediate development proposed. Residents voiced concerns about potential environmental implications, such as soil contamination and impact on local water supplies.

The board reiterated that the application was a technical adjustment and assured residents that ongoing remediation efforts would not affect the township’s water supply. Public comments highlighted the emotional and community stakes involved, prompting the board to schedule further discussions to ensure comprehensive evaluation and transparency.