The property in question spans 101,000 square feet with a 125-foot frontage on the roadway. The owner, Mark Boo, shared his intentions to utilize the middle third for the landscaping business, with the remaining areas dedicated to his residence and mature tree coverage. Boo’s plans included the construction of a pole barn for equipment storage, the installation of a fence along the property lines, and the planting of staggered evergreen trees for screening.

The board and the applicant’s team, including planner Kate Keller, discussed the suitability of the lot for the proposed dual residential and commercial use, citing its size and location as advantageous. The discussions detailed the proposed site improvements, such as additional landscaping and fencing, aimed at mitigating any negative impact on the neighborhood.

One of the primary concerns addressed was the potential for increased traffic and the need for a traffic engineer’s analysis to assess the impact of commercial vehicles on the residential area. The board also inquired about the specifics of outdoor storage, stormwater management, and the proposed height of the fence.

The meeting also explored the environmental aspects of the proposal, debating the water quantity requirements and the need for a retention or water quality basin to manage runoff effectively. The board considered whether the property’s unique setting and the presence of other non-residential uses in the area justified the mixed-use concept.

Furthermore, objections were raised by the attorney representing the Commons at Oldbridge, who highlighted the concerns about the increase in business activity and its repercussions for the neighborhood. The attorney reserved the right to object to any future site plan application, emphasizing worries about water runoff and the placement of a detention basin.

Despite these concerns, the idea of modernizing and upgrading the property to enable the landscaping business was posited as a potential positive development.

In a separate discussion, the board approved a variance for a sunroom enclosure on an existing porch of a property on Red Shore Boulevard. The applicant, Sha DeLuca, and project manager Dominic Ronco presented the case, describing the sunroom as a non-conditioned space intended for family relaxation. The board’s approval followed a debate on the safety, design, and neighborhood impact of the sunroom.

The meeting also touched on other applications, including adjournments for a self-storage facility at Pension Road and a 40-room motel on Highway 9, rescheduled for future dates. Additionally, the board approved three resolutions from the previous meeting, involving a C variant relief for a deli, a design waiver, and a C variant for the legalization of a shed and gazebo structure.

The board recognized the need for additional information and further analysis on various issues surrounding the landscaping business proposal. As a result, they scheduled a continuation of the discussion for August 1st, acknowledging the fully booked calendar for the year. The attorney for the landscaping business requested an earlier date, but the board maintained that they were constrained by the schedule and would notify if an earlier opportunity arose.