Central to the meeting was the testimony of William Voit Jr., a civil engineer contracted by the applicant, who detailed the technical aspects of the proposal. Voit, affirming his extensive experience with land use boards in New Jersey, outlined the proposed billboard’s specifications: a V-shaped design measuring 14 feet in height and 48 feet in width, supported by a monopole anchored into the ground. The billboard’s intended location is visible from New Jersey State Highway Route 4, requiring a variance due to its height surpassing the C2 zone’s 35-foot limit. This discrepancy was a focal point, as Voit explained that the height was necessary to ensure visibility for motorists without obstructing existing signage or structures.

Compounding the debate were discussions on the billboard’s setbacks, which diverge from zoning requirements. The proposed front yard setback of 10.78 feet falls short of the 30-foot requirement, while the side and rear yard setbacks also necessitate variances. The board’s scrutiny extended to the potential visual and environmental impacts, particularly concerning light spillage and shadow casting—issues for which Voit could not provide comprehensive studies. The board underscored the need for a shadow study to ascertain the billboard’s effect on neighboring properties.

The application also involved navigating state regulations, with Voit confirming that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) had granted an outdoor advertising permit for the site. However, he emphasized that such permits do not absolve the applicant from obtaining local approvals, a point reiterated in discussions distinguishing between state and local jurisdiction.

Opposition from adjacent property owners and their legal representatives added complexity to the meeting. Concerns were raised regarding the billboard’s proximity to neighboring buildings and the potential obstruction it might pose. A request for additional visual renderings from various angles, including from surrounding municipalities, sought to clarify these impacts.

Throughout the proceedings, questions arose about the classification of the billboard as a single sign with two faces versus multiple signs, given its V-shaped configuration. This classification influences zoning interpretations and the required variances, with the applicant’s position being that it constitutes one sign.

The meeting also highlighted procedural challenges, as the board grappled with scheduling constraints and ensuring quorum for future deliberations. The necessity of accommodating all stakeholders, including those opposed to the project, was emphasized, with potential dates for further review being discussed.