Council eyeing townhouse ban

Ordinance would ban townhouses

in Weston, Claremont neighborhoods
By:Alec Moore
   To build or not to build, that was the question mulled by the Borough Council on Monday.
   During its meeting, the council introduced a newly amended zoning ordinance that, if approved, will ultimately curb development by prohibiting the construction of townhouses on the two largest lots in Manville.
   Councilman Martin Wierzba and Councilman Mike Polak voted against introducing the new zoning ordinance, saying they did not have ample time to review the proposal.
   "I just don’t appreciate getting an ordinance handed to me five minutes before the meeting," said Mr. Wierzba. "I don’t think the ordinance is good or bad, but we really need to scrutinize the way we’re handling our business."
   The new zoning ordinance, if approved, would prohibit the development of townhouses in zones S75 and S100 in the Claremont section of town and in the vicinity of Weston Road. A public hearing for the ordinance is set for Jan. 27.
   The proposed change to the borough’s existing zoning ordinance stems from a recommendation from the borough’s Planning Board, planning consultants Schoor DePalma, and former Borough Planner Betsy McKenzie. The recommendation was made after the borough’s Master Plan was re-examined in 2001.
   On a separate issue, the council addressed a question of potential development at the Central Jersey Regional Airport. Development rights at the airport are slated to be purchased by the state Department of Transportation.
   The discussion of the airport’s proposed fate was spurred by a letter the mayor and council received from the Manville-based grassroots organization T.I.G.E.R. (Truth In Government Expected by Residents), urging the borough to oppose the DOT’s acquisition of the airport development rights.
   Mayor Angelo Corradino and council members were divided over the matter.
   "As long as the airport stays the way it is and doesn’t expand, I’ll be satisfied," said Mayor Corradino. "If it expands though it could be detrimental to our residents."
   "I’m thinking of the safety factor," said Councilwoman Senga Allan. "I would rather see that property developed."
   By a split vote, the council voted in favor of sending a letter to state officials urging them not to allow any expansion of the airport to occur.
   Councilmen Ted Petrock and Tom Weiss and Councilwoman Senga Allan supported the measure, Councilwoman Susan Asher abstained, and Councilmen Wierzba and Polak voted no.