Schools ask town to keep
2-acre lots on airport land
MARLBORO — The Board of Education would like to see 2-acre residential zoning remain in place on the Route 79 property that formerly housed the Marlboro Airport.
According to information provided by the Marlboro School District, at a recent meeting the board accepted a recommendation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. David C. Abbott that calls on the Township Council to leave that zoning in place.
The council is considering a recommendation from the Planning Board to change the zoning on the former airport property to an age-restricted adult community zone.
Abbott and the school board were responding to a request from council President Paul Kovalski to review a portion of the town’s master plan that concerns the airport property and to provide input.
Developer Anthony Spalliero recently told the News Transcript he wants to build 240 single-family age-restricted homes on the airport property and two adjacent parcels. Spalliero has filed a lawsuit against Marlboro citing the state’s affordable housing laws in a bid to secure approval for his plans. If the site eventually requires the construction of so-called affordable housing, the number of units to be built could rise significantly.
In an analysis of the situation, according to the information provided by the school district, Abbott determined that while the construction of an adult community would not result in an influx of children into district schools, it would severely increase vehicular traffic, which is a concern because the airport property is located near the Marlboro Early Learning Center. Abbott said the increased traffic would have a significant impact on students’ travel time on school buses.
In addition, he determined that the wealth factor of the town would increase, making it more difficult for the school board to secure federal funding, which he said is often based on a town’s wealth.
If the airport property remains unchanged, the superintendent determined, approximately 68 homes on 2-acre lots could be built. This would bring an additional 34 to 46 school-age children into the district, which Abbott said would not significantly impact the district with regard to cost.
The board members agreed with Abbott’s findings and resolved to inform the council of their decision.
In other action at the Oct. 22 meeting, the board approved the Marlboro Middle School and Marlboro Memorial Middle School jazz bands, show choirs and string ensembles to engage in fund-raising and to participate in the Disney Magic Music Days and the Heritage Music Festival in Orlando, Fla., from April 30 to May 5.
The board approved the school violence and vandalism report for 2001-02, as required by the state Department of Education. Administrators said the school district had no incidences of violence or vandalism to report.
The board accepted the retirement of Andrea Haft, learning disabilities teacher/consultant, Marlboro Middle School, after 21 years of service.