Politics & Government

519-Unit Apartment Complex Nears Board Vote

Testimony offered on application to build complex across from Municipal Building

A 500-plus unit apartment complex diagonally across Route 37 from the Municipal Complex on Colonial Drive may be approved when the Planning Board meets next month.

The board heard testimony Tuesday from applicant Presidential Gardens LLC, its engineer and traffic engineer but took no action during a special meeting that was marked by a concern for parking, traffic, trash disposal and more. The application was carried to the board's Sept. 4 regular meeting, when the township planner and emergency management coordinator's concerns are expected to be aired.

Developer Kenneth Pizzo proposes to build 519 largely 1- and 2-bedroom units within 26 buildings on a 5-acre tract of land off Route 37. A portion set aside to meet affordable housing regulations would feature three bedrooms, Pizzo said.

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The complex would not be age-restricted and would be fully rental units, Pizzo said.

The complex also would feature an 1,800-square-foot clubhouse, would make use of existing greenery for screening and would service renters with 1,038 parking spaces.

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The project would be a conforming use, with variances only needed on the placement of directional signs that do not comply with setback requirements.

"This is a project that meets the zoning ordinance," applicant attorney Harvey York said.

"Although the size of the signs is permitted, we are putting them closer to the highway than the ordinance allows," he said. "They really have no impact on the neighborhood."

Project engineer William Parkhill testified that the signs proposed for Colonial Drive and Route 37 "would not be visible" to motorists if located within setback requirements.

However, questions Monday largely dealt with trash collection and parking.

Pizzo proposes two trash compactors on site, instead of numerous Dumpsters throughout the property.

Dumpsters become "total eyesores," he said. 

The compactors would be visible to management staff via cameras, and a keycard would be necessary for residents to access them. A private hauler would remove the trash periodically, at which time management would power-wash the area.

"It's all automated," Pizzo said.

However, board members and residents alike were concerned that just two compactors would mean a long walk for residents. Engineer Parkhill testified that a walk of up to 800 feet would be necessary for some residents.

Pizzo said the majority of residents actually would drive their trash to the compactors, although he offers a valet service for a charge for those unable or unwilling to make the walk.

"We do feel these two larger areas for trash removal are adequate," Parkhill said.

Pizzo, who developed the Fairways at Bay Lea complex in Toms River, also said the proposed clubhouse is a "loss leader," in that it's rarely used by residents in non-age restricted complexes.

"Nobody uses them," he said in response to questions about parking at the building. "We do them because it's eventually where the leasing office will be."

Board member Sanford Krasky was concerned that parking spaces are 9" by 18," saying "9 feet is a very tight squeeze."

However, board attorney Edward Liston explained that the board would not be able to change the size due to state regulation.

"We are stuck with 9" by 18" because of the state of New Jersey," Liston said.

Parkhill and applicant traffic engineer James Vena both testified that the complex's traffic flow, with numerous turns and stops, was designed to discourage motorists from using the complex as a cut-through as they travel down Route 37. They both agreed to work with board engineer Albert Yodakis on methods to calm traffic on the complex's Alexander Avenue side, which would retain its greenery to shield nearby residents from the complex.

Vena also said Department of Transportation approval is needed to allow an entrance off Route 37. Should that be denied, Liston said the entire project would have to come back before the Planning Board.

The board will continue the application and possibly vote at its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 4, at the 1 Colonial Drive. York and Pizzo are expected to address fire suppression concerns as well as input from township planner Tom Thomas. 

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