50:52A major topic of the meeting was the proposed relocation of Nissan and Toyota dealerships, which involved reducing the total square footage of the dealerships while increasing parking spaces from 474 to 484. The board questioned the need for such a high number of parking spaces, given the decrease in building size and typical vacancies. The applicant was asked to provide a detailed breakdown of parking utilization, including categories for service, customer, employee, and inventory parking. The board emphasized the need for a study to ascertain actual usage, which would inform a more accurate allocation of parking spaces.

01:42:24Simultaneously, discussions on the proposed lighting for the site revealed concerns about the height of the light poles, with the ordinance allowing a maximum of 20 feet, yet the proposal included 25-foot poles. The board requested a sightline drawing to ensure that the lighting would not adversely affect nearby residential areas, particularly in terms of visibility and glare. Members stressed that the rationale for exceeding the height limit needed to be clearly articulated, as financial considerations alone were insufficient for an exception to the ordinance. The board also suggested a tree inventory to assess the impact of foliage on light visibility and proposed a further study on ambient light conditions.

22:58The board also scrutinized the proposed signage for the dealerships, particularly the height and placement of pylon signs. The applicant proposed signs that would exceed the 25-foot height limit due to the site’s elevation relative to the curb line. The board postponed the signage discussion, opting to wait for more definitive details and a sightline drawing to assess the potential visual impact.

01:31:05In addressing stormwater management, the applicant presented a plan incorporating green infrastructure, such as porous pavement, to manage stormwater effectively. The board raised concerns about the maintenance of the porous pavement and requested detailed inspection and maintenance protocols. The applicant was required to submit logs to the township to ensure ongoing compliance with maintenance standards.

01:22:07Furthermore, the meeting addressed the logistics of transporting approximately 16,500 cubic yards of fill to the site, necessitating coordination with state police for traffic management. The board underscored the importance of a traffic management plan to mitigate the impact on local roads and emphasized the need for certified clean fill to prevent contamination.