The primary focus was the application concerning Littleton School on Brooklawn Drive. Architect Scott Monroe presented a proposal to expand the school by 9,300 square feet, incorporating seven new classrooms and additional amenities like single-use restrooms and storage space. The application included a plan to improve parking by adding 31 new spaces, raising the total capacity to 135. This proposal follows an earlier expansion phase and is part of a broader strategy to manage the district’s educational facility needs.

However, concerns emerged regarding the potential loss of playfields, which are vital for community activities. A board member, with personal ties to the school, emphasized the importance of these fields for local Little League teams and other community interactions. The member recounted personal experiences with the school, highlighting the fields as a community staple.

The conversation also delved into the adequacy of the proposed parking capacity. Questions were raised about whether 135 parking spaces were necessary, with suggestions to possibly landbank some spaces, deferring their construction unless future necessity is demonstrated. This would allow for continued use of the fields, balancing the expansion with community needs. The parking plan is designed to meet a standard of one space for every five students.

Stormwater management was another critical component of the discussion. An engineer confirmed that the project would adhere to strict stormwater regulations, designed to handle the 210-year storm event. The project includes a bio-retention basin to manage stormwater while maintaining accessibility for students who walk or bike to school.

Lighting plans for the new construction were discussed, noting the absence of additional lighting proposals at present. Concerns from another school, Northvale, were cited, where poor lighting design led to light pollution issues. The board stressed the need for future lighting plans to be mindful of neighboring properties, to prevent similar problems.

In addition to the expansion details, the board briefly discussed the relocation of pre-K classrooms to Littleton School. This move aims to optimize space usage across the district, allowing Littleton to accommodate the pre-K program and freeing up capacity in other schools. Plans for further phases include adding a gymnasium and additional classrooms.

As the meeting progressed, board members considered a plot of land across from Littleton School, raising safety concerns due to its proximity to wooded areas. The presence of wildlife, such as coyotes and bears, was noted as a potential risk for students and parents, requiring careful planning for the parking lot layout.

The session concluded with a light-hearted exchange about the layout of sports fields, acknowledging the diverse uses of the space and the importance of safety, particularly concerning foul balls from nearby athletic activities. The board was reminded of the need to align the school board’s plan with the township’s master plan, addressing issues like stormwater management and lighting.