In a subsequent presentation, Russell detailed the Brunett Avenue Redevelopment plan, which proposed an entirely residential area with townhome dwellings and multifamily housing, including affordable housing in compliance with the Township’s housing element fair share plan. The plan outlined bulk standards, design requirements, and the township’s increased control over development following the adoption of the Redevelopment plan.

Another topic during the meeting was the B Corporation’s application for a new development project that would include a five-story hotel building and a cannabis cultivation facility. The engineer for the applicant detailed revisions to the site plans, including ingress and egress changes, the addition of an ADA parking space, and reductions in impervious coverage. The proposed uses align with the Redevelopment plan for the area, with the final site plan subject to board review.

The board engaged in a review of the B Corporation’s hotel and cannabis facility plans, with specific attention given to lighting and setback deviations, stormwater management improvements, traffic impact, and landscaping enhancements. The discussion extended to technical details, such as the integrity of the sewer main and the need for a flood hazard area permit. The applicant confirmed that the township mandated a 12-month limit for the temporary use of the current Banquet Hall as a cannabis cultivation facility during the construction of the garage. Concerns regarding the discharge of roof drainage into the public system were also addressed, with the applicant providing assurances that the drainage would be properly managed.

Board members probed the environmental condition of the property, discussing the presence of underground fuel tanks and the plans for their removal. The requirement for written confirmations from relevant agencies and the need for further documentation of communications were emphasized, especially concerning the flood hazard area permit and the discussions with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Traffic engineer Mr. Kennedy presented a traffic report, addressing trip generation for the proposed site and the impact on Route 22. Kennedy also responded to concerns about driveway configurations and the impact on traffic operations.

The board also scrutinized the project architect’s plans, including the layout of the hotel and garage and the number of parking spaces. The discussion touched upon the security measures and the control of access to the garage, the management structure for the hotel and cannabis facility, and the approval processes required by the state and township.