Hearing on church expansion continues

RED BANK — The First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank continued last week to present witnesses in support of its application to build an addition, while neighbors opposing it expressed reservations and concern.

In March the church, located at 255 Harding Road, came before the borough’s Zoning Board of Adjustment for a major site plan approval and a number of variances to permit the construction of an approximately 32,000-square-foot addition on a 11,000-square-foot footprint.

The proposed addition would have three floors, one of which would be only partially above ground, due to the grade of the lot area, and a functional basement.

The addition, according to church officials, would consist of classrooms, a multi-purpose room, seminar rooms and a parlor area. These additional rooms would be used to accommodate the church’s various activities, including its school, adult programs, religious education and community programs.

The church operates the Tower Hill School, also located on the eight-acre property.

The Tower Hill School is a cooperative preschool established in 1963. Recently the school added a first and second grade, and would use the additional space to include a third-grade class.

The church’s plan is being opposed by the Elkridge Condominium Association, whose 68 units it represents abuts the church’s property.

The association contends the addition, and the added activity that it will bring, will negatively affect the quality of life for the residents, as well as reducing property value.

David G. Roberts, an engineer with Schoor DePalma, of Manalapan, who represents the church, cited court decisions and a borough ordinance stating, not only is a house of worship a permitted use in that area but also a beneficial one.

"At minimum there are two inherent benefits, a house of worship and a nursery school," Roberts said.

Roberts also said the borough’s master plan contains a provision concerning preserving historic sites and landmarks, which he said this plan does.

"This is a gateway to Red Bank," Roberts said. "We’re taking an existing building and expanding it in a way that makes sense."

But Zoning Board member James Erving asked why not build the proposed addition more toward the front of the existing structure, instead toward the rear, thus keeping the addition farther away from the condominiums.

"Have you considered that simple solution?" Erving asked. "Slide the building north."

Erving said he has been involved with construction management for 25 years and said he believes that would be feasible.

But Peter S. Falvo Jr., attorney for the applicant, said, while feasible, that proposal would greatly increase the cost of the project.

According to the Rev. John L. Musgrave, the church’s pastor, the cost of the project as proposed would be approximately $4 million, and would take about two years to complete.

The project, contingent on approval of the application, could begin in the spring, Musgrave said, noting it would be completed in 2002 for the church’s 150th anniversary and 50th anniversary in its current location.

This also would be the last renovation of the structure possible due to constraints of the property, Musgrave said. "This plan will take us into the next 50 years," Musgrave said.

Steven Straus, of Ambassador Drive in the Elk Ridge development, said he was echoing the sentiments of his neighbors, when he said he was fearful of this expansion.

"This addition is absolutely enormous," Straus said, adding he believed this project would result in a loss of privacy, a decrease in property value, and an increase in debris and congestion, and a diminishing of open space.

"I don’t deny the church’s right to expand," Straus said. "But when do you stop granting variances? What’s the magic number?"

The board will once again address this application on Sept. 7, at an earlier time of 5 p.m.

— John Burton