Board approves one application for two new homes in Freehold

Second proposal for
new units is rejected

By clare MARie celano
Staff Writer

Second proposal for
new units is rejected
By clare MARie celano
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD — Two streets in the borough will see the construction of two new homes as a part of a plan presented by the Indian Spirit Development Company at a Planning Board meeting on Jan. 22.

The board approved two of the four lots the development company was applying for in two separate applications.

Representing the applicant, attorney Todd A. Cohen introduced Michael Fleigler, a managing partner of the Indian Spirit Development Company, of Toms River, who told board members the company was interested in developing property in the borough for resale.

He said that in the past year the company purchased five existing homes and five vacant lots. The existing homes were sold after being renovated and the lots now have new construction under way. One is currently up for sale.

"The goal of Indian Spirit Development is to provide affordable housing for residents of the borough," said Fleigler, adding that the proposed homes would sell from about $186,000 to $220,000.

The homes will be constructed to have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a one-car garage, according to Fleigler.

"We are trying to help preserve the housing stock in the borough and discourage absentee landlords," he said.

He told the board his company has already built homes on First, Center, Conover and Bond streets.

The first application placed before the board last week proposed the construction of two 1,600-square-foot homes on property at Factory and Second streets.

Difficulties with the application arose when several board members noted that the homes were proposed to be built on undersized lots. One home was proposed on a 4,375-square-foot lot where 4,800 square feet is required. The second home, on a corner, was proposed on a 5,000-square-foot lot where 7,200 square feet is required.

Cohen said his research revealed that most homes on Factory and Second streets were built on lots that were 40 by 125 feet (5,000 square feet). He said the proposed homes would not be out of character with the neighborhood.

"We want to create a desirable visual effect in the neighborhood and preserve the housing stock," Fleigler said.

Planning Board Chairman Michael Buchalski said if board members approved this application they would be allowing homes to be built on lots "unheard of" in the borough.

"I understand that this is good housing and that they are well constructed, but I have a real problem with the size of the lot. We’re not encouraging downsizing in the borough, we’re trying to upgrade the housing," the chairman said.

He noted that the existing homes on Factory and Second streets were built under different zoning regulations years ago.

The application for the two homes was denied by a 4-3 vote. Voting against the project were Buchalski, June Vawter, Jerry Hammer and Lillie Hendry. Voting in favor of the project were Hank Stryker, Joseph Copeland and Laura Mulroy.

Cohen then presented a second application for the development company which proposed a minor subdivision for two lots on Bennett and First streets. One variance was sought. The application had one conforming lot and one nonconforming corner lot, where a home will be built on a 5,970-square-foot lot. This application met with the board’s favor and was unanimously approved, including the variance.