Timing of bike path construction divides WW builder, planners

West Windsor Business Park West seeks extension of approval

By: Nick Norlen
   WEST WINDSOR — West Windsor’s Planning Board decided to delay its vote on an applicant’s extension request Tuesday after disagreement over when a bike path will be constructed.
   The six board members present decided Wednesday to meet again April 25 to discuss the one-year extension requested for a new building at Windsor Business Park West at 186 Princeton-Hightstown Road that’s currently in the preliminary approval stages.
   Neighbors of the property urged the board to deny the extension request.
   After attorney Thomas Letizia’s testimony stating that his client was requesting the extension because of the state of the "business climate," discussion turned toward the requirement of a bike path and sidewalk to be part of the development — a condition of the board’s previous preliminary approval.
   However, Mr. Letizia said the board’s request to begin construction of the path was unreasonable because the development project had not yet begun.
   "You might want to resolve the issue by perhaps moving up the implementation of this condition prior to construction," said board Chairman Marvin Gardner to Mr. Letizia.
   Mr. Letizia said he couldn’t commit to doing so without consulting with his client.
   "I’ll convey the desire of the town to have that improvement in to my client," he said. "But if you’re saying he has no vesting unless he puts in a sidewalk, I have to object to that."
   Board member Heidi Kleinman said she was concerned about the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists at the corner of South Mill Road and Route 571.
   "It’s the connection from there to get the light that is really something that was a key part of your proposal," she said.
   Mr. Letizia said that although the sidewalk plans were "triggered by the development," the township could construct the path by alternate means.
   "There are other ways to get the sidewalk built, if it’s that critical at that time. The point being, it’s a condition of our approval," he said. "We acknowledge that and we’re not trying to get out from under it, but it is part of the redevelopment plan."
   The board decided to delay its vote on the extension after Mr. Letizia said he would discuss the issue with his client.
   Planning Board Attorney Gerald Muller said the extension, if granted, would be retroactive to Jan. 26.
   During the public comment session that followed, South Mill Road resident Patricia Phillips urged the board not to grant the extension.
   "I hope that this thing expires and goes away," she said, before reading a letter written by her husband that said the development will adversely impact the quality of life for nearby residents.
   Fellow South Mill Road resident Joseph Cirafici offered similar comments.
   "If it is possible to move heaven and earth and make this expire, I would be thrilled," he said.
   Mr. Gardner responded by saying that preliminary approval had already been granted.
   "While this may not be an appropriate time to discuss these issues, I permitted each of you to speak and express your views, and there was a reason why I did that," he said. "We have our township professionals sitting here, and as these plans are developed — I know that they were taking notes — and hopefully they will retain that and at the appropriate time they will consider some of the issues that you raised."
   Mr. Letizia indicated he would discuss some of the issues with his client.