Parsippany Board Faces Community Concerns Over Proposed Warehouse
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
02/26/2024
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Recording Published:
02/28/2024
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Duration:
161 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Parsippany-Troy Hills
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board meeting, a proposed warehouse development took center stage amidst strong community concerns. Residents and the Mazda Brook homeowners association representative voiced significant unease over potential noise, traffic, and quality of life degradation. The discussions drew attention to the project’s nighttime operations, with the board and citizens debating the need for expert sound analysis and the impact on residential areas. Although the board recognized the potential advantages of the project, they opted to continue the case to a later date to gather further expert testimony and public opinion.
The warehouse development proposal, which included floor plans, elevations, and renderings, was a primary focus. The applicant’s team, consisting of an architect, civil engineer, project traffic engineer, and project planner, testified on various aspects, from acoustic concerns to traffic patterns. The project planner examined the requested variances and the appropriateness of the warehouse, discussing the efforts to address buffer zone concerns and sound mitigation. Adjustments in response to feedback from the fire department and parking counts were also presented.
Residents raised issues regarding water runoff, light pollution, and potential crime rise due to the warehouse. One resident cited a recent incident with a warehouse truck causing traffic issues as indicative of potential future disruptions. The board fielded questions about outdoor storage, hazmat materials, tenant occupancy, and construction-related controls, while also addressing concerns about noise and visual impacts on the community.
Another agenda item involved application number 23527 by Alpha Investments LLC, seeking approval for a minor subdivision with a C variance. The proposal aimed to divide an oversized property into two lots for single-family dwellings. Concerns about the development’s impact on water runoff were discussed, with the board addressing regrading and dry wells to mitigate potential issues. The architect, Keith Chambers, presented floor plans and highlighted compliance with zone standards and neighborhood harmony. The project planner characterized the application as a C2 case, focusing on the benefits of the application, such as improved neighborhood compatibility.
During the meeting, there was also an examination of a distinct property on Navajo Avenue, where there was debate over subdividing a conforming lot into two non-conforming lots. Despite reluctance, the board approved the application, with conditions related to engineering and design. The approved subdivision emphasized considerations of lot area, width requirements, and the potential impact of constructing two smaller buildings rather than one larger house.
Technical aspects of the proposed constructions were discussed in detail, including water runoff management, building coverage calculations, and compliance with zoning standards. The board and participants worked to ensure developments would harmonize with the existing neighborhood and minimize adverse effects on surrounding properties.
The landscaping plan for the warehouse property was also scrutinized, with a focus on evergreen plantings to improve the site’s buffering. Photo simulations and renderings were used to demonstrate the landscaping plan’s effectiveness over time. The board considered the division of permitted sign area, loading dock spaces, and wall sign height variances. The planner concluded by affirming the application’s minimal impact on zoning standards and traffic, and underscored the sensitivity to neighboring homes.
The community’s opposition to the proposed warehouse due to concerns about noise, traffic, and overall quality of life prompted the board to defer a decision. The request for expert testimony and additional public input was acknowledged, with the board setting a continuance to allow for further review and community engagement.
James R. Barberio
Planning Board Officials:
Barberio, Anil Dadheech, Michael de Pierro, Tom Dinsmore, Dominic Mele, Gordon Meth, Nick Napolitano, Ted Stanziale, Jennifer Vealey, John Von Achen, Stuart Wiser (Board Planner), Andrew Cangiano (Board Engineer), Dan Lagana (Board Attorney), Nora Jolie (Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
02/26/2024
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Recording Published:
02/28/2024
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Duration:
161 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Parsippany-Troy Hills
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