The most prominent aspect of the meeting was the discussion over the signage for the new self-storage facility. The applicant requested variances for three wall signs, totaling 582 square feet, exceeding the maximum allowed by ordinance. The board scrutinized these requests, emphasizing concerns about visibility, compliance with existing signage regulations, and the visual impact on the surrounding area. Board members debated the necessity of multiple signs, considering the building’s location and the traffic patterns of nearby roads. A straw poll was proposed to gauge board opinions on the signage variance, with suggestions to balance size and visibility, especially on high-speed roads like Bartles’ Corner Road.

The signage variance was contentious, with some board members suggesting that reducing the size of the signs could help them align more closely with township ordinances. One proposal involved allowing larger signs on two sides of the building while adhering to a compliant size for the sign facing Bartle’s Corner. The importance of a cohesive color scheme, favoring earth tones, was reiterated to ensure the building’s appearance remained consistent with community standards. Concerns about the brightness and color of the signs were also voiced, with a proposal to set a limit on illumination levels in collaboration with the board’s engineer.

The applicant’s representative justified the signage request by pointing to the building’s unique size and configuration, arguing that the additional signage was minimal given the circumstances. The board’s attorney clarified that they could either deny or modify the variance request, emphasizing their authority over ensuring compliance with earlier discussions on aesthetics and standards. Ultimately, conditions were included in the approval motion to scrutinize aspects like the color scheme and lighting design further.

In addition to signage, the board addressed several other topics during the meeting. The discussion on stormwater management was significant, with the board’s engineer confirming that the applicant would address conditions related to stormwater runoff and bio-retention basins. The applicant noted the importance of vegetation maintenance in the basins to ensure effective stormwater filtration and compliance with state requirements.

The board also considered the condition of the access road, Old River Road, associated with the property. Concerns about its current state prompted discussions about potential repaving and widening, with an emphasis on meeting county standards. The applicant agreed to these improvements as part of a maintenance agreement.

The meeting touched on parking requirements, with a focus on ensuring the proposed facility’s parking provisions met the needs of a self-storage facility rather than those of a warehouse. This reevaluation aimed to align parking standards with the building’s intended use, considering its operational needs and minimizing excess parking space.

A notable addition to the discussion was the board’s emphasis on pedestrian safety, particularly concerning the removal of overflow parking to improve safety for those traveling between the site and nearby facilities. The board discussed the need for fencing to secure pedestrian pathways.

The final decision to approve the preliminary site plan came with conditions that would guide the project’s development.