The board examined the findings from the initial traffic study and an addendum with updated traffic counts that showed a slight increase in overall intersection volumes and peak hour counts. Discussions centered on the adequacy of the parking lot, designed to accommodate 109 vehicles during two prayer sessions, and whether this would suffice for the congregation’s needs, especially on Fridays. The board requested detailed justifications for the tandem parking spaces under the building and sought clarification on traffic control during services, including the potential use of police and monitors.

Further scrutiny was applied to the proposed parking arrangements, with the board’s planner advocating for the use of square footage as the standard for calculating parking requirements, while the applicant’s planner highlighted anticipated occupancy. The potential growth of the congregation and the sufficiency of future parking were also notable topics. Residents expressed concerns about the impact of insufficient parking on local traffic and raised questions about the adequacy of the proposed parking arrangements, including off-site parking.

Another issue was the peak hour factors used in the traffic analysis, with concerns that the factors might not accurately reflect actual conditions. The board delved into the possibility of redesigning the intersection of Bordentown Avenue and Chiefs Quake Road to better accommodate truck traffic from nearby warehouses and its potential impact on the intersection with Ernston Road.

The meeting also addressed concerns about the comparison of the proposed mosque’s size and parking needs with other nearby mosques, the relevance of historical data from other mosque sites, and the necessity for further analysis of traffic data during peak hours.

Residents voiced their apprehensions about parking spots facing their houses, the absence of a crosswalk near the proposed site, and the potential need for buses due to the presence of a school and recreational activities at the site. Questions were also raised about the accuracy of the client-provided data for wind speed requirements in building design and the verification process for such information.

The board acknowledged the public’s concerns about traffic flows, with residents questioning the traffic counts at a local firehouse and the potential impact of increased traffic flow due to the mosque’s construction. The demographic considerations for parking and traffic flow were also brought to the table, with the public highlighting the need for additional traffic studies during peak hours.

The board emphasized that overflow parking arrangements had been made with nearby facilities and that police traffic directors would assist with pedestrian safety during peak times. There was also discussion about adding more prayer sessions to alleviate parking overflow.