Proposal would require developers to place signs on their properties describing their plans.
By: Joseph Harvie
Several Township Council members said Tuesday that they would support rules requiring developers to place signs on their property describing their proposed plans for the site.
The proposal has the support of four members of council, but is opposed by Mayor Frank Gambatese. Mayor Gambatese said the signs could potentially bring people from neighboring towns to meetings to oppose development that township residents may support.
Supporters said the signs would be another way for residents to know what type of development is being proposed in the township. They said it would give people who don’t get written notice of applications a chance to know when and where to voice their opinions on the proposals in the township.
The proposed ordinance was unanimously introduced Nov. 9, and is scheduled for a public hearing and vote on Tuesday.
According to the proposed ordinance, the signs must be no larger than 64 square feet and no less than 32 square feet in area and must face a public street that the property sought for development abuts. The signs must be posted 10 days before a public hearing.
The signs must include the name of the applicant, the name and phone number of the board that the applicant is seeking approval from, and a brief description of the proposal, such as apartments, single-family homes or warehouses, according to the proposed ordinance.
The proposed ordinance also says the signs must have lettering that is visible to motorists and pedestrians and must remain up until whatever board the applicant is in front of grants or denies the application.
Mayor Gambatese said a similar ordinance in Franklin Township has prompted South Brunswick residents to attend meetings in Franklin because they oppose development near their homes located near the Franklin border.
"It creates the impression that South Brunswick is opposed to development," Mayor Gambatese said.
Other members of the Township Council said the ordinance is another way to let residents know what is going on in the township.
"We have an obligation to make residents more aware," Councilman Joe Camarota said.

