BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK – Residents came out in force again last week to voice opposition to a developer’s plan to build 90 age-restricted condominium units on Ryders Lane.
At the Aug. 2 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, residents questioned developer Arbor Ventures’ traffic expert, Harvey Yesowitz, about the impact the proposed development, known as Quail Cove, would have on road congestion and safety in the area. Some also argued that, despite its label, the age-restricted housing would have people under the age of 55 living there.
More than 100 residents have come out to protest the plan to build 90 housing units in a zone that would only allow 15 single-family homes on the 7.5-acre property at Ryders and Guernsey lanes. Residents said that allowing so many residences in a relatively small area is a recipe for traffic problems and would change the character of the neighborhood.
The plan for Quail Cove was changed since the first board hearing in May. All 90 units would now be included in three buildings, instead of four. The number of parking spots has been increased from 186 to 198. Plans also call for a swimming pool and tennis court.
Resident David Seiden argued that traffic counts conducted by Yesowitz were not taken at times of year when traffic is heaviest. The studies were done in July and December.
But Yesowitz said he relied on statewide assumptions about when traffic is heaviest, and did not determine when traffic specifically on Ryders Lane is at its worst.
Zoning board member Richard Klein said July would see less traffic because school is out and people are on vacation. Yesowitz said that is why the December survey was taken. He said even if the months studied are a little slower than other months, that would not alter the conclusions of his study, which states that the proposal’s traffic impact would be minimal.
“If [the months] were significantly higher, that might alter the conclusions,” Seiden responded, adding that Ryders Lane is a main thoroughfare to Rutgers University.
Another resident, Marylee Evangelista said that, if the proposal goes through, there would be new roads both in front and in back of her home. When she moved there, she assumed it would be a safe place for her children to play.
Resident Bob Dresnack questioned how age-restricted the development actually would be. Under federal law, such developments allow a person under 55 years of age to live in a unit if the other party residing there is 55 or over. Also, the occupants have a right to have adult children over the age of 21 living there. In such a case, Dresnack said, the number of car trips would be far greater than was estimated by the traffic engineer.
Yesowitz said that such developments draw people older than 55, specifically those who no longer want to care for large homes, and these residents usually have children much older than 21 years of age.
Resident Karen Goldstein said Arbor Ventures’ proposal and traffic study does not take into account all the school bus stops in the area.
The proposed development would have a right-turn-only exit onto Ryders Lane; its primary access and exit point would be on Guernsey Lane.
One resident produced a memo from the East Brunswick Police Department’s Traffic and Safety Division stating that it does not think drivers will avoid making the illegal left turn into the development. Board Chairman Steve Philips said the memo has been entered into the record. Yesowitz said the only way to stop drivers from making the turn is through police enforcement.
Seiden also felt that increased delays at local intersections would result in more accidents. He argued that longer delays lead to more impatient people, and they are more prone to drive poorly, but both Yesowitz and the township’s professional staff said they have not seen empirical data to back or contradict Seiden’s argument.
Seiden also noted how, in order to get the board’s approval, Arbor Ventures must show the development would benefit the community.
“I clearly see what the benefits are to the developer,” he said. “What are the benefits to the community?”
Arbor Ventures’ attorney, Kenneth Pape, said other witnesses, especially the planner, will address that at future meetings.
The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 30 at town hall.