HAMILTON: Recycling center receives approval from planners

Approval made amidst noise concerns from residents

by Megan Morreale, Special Writer
HAMILTON — The township Planning Board has approved plans to build a warehouse and recycling center in Hamilton on the site of an East State Street asphalt plant, renewing some of the industrial sector of town that is often neglected when it comes to new development.
   Developers CJ&M will be constructing a 39,000-square-foot Troil Warehouse and recycling center, which will be built at the site of the Trap Rock asphalt plant, according to Russell Smith, civil engineer for the project.
   The plant would be constructed in two phases, the first of which consists of a 26,325-square-foot construction of two floors. Phase II two encompasses a 10,800-square-foot additions to the warehouse, according to the application.
   Mr. Smith laid out the plans for the site, showing an area that contained a large warehouse building, an area for oil and lubricant tanks and an accessory utility building to be used for more storage.
   Around the site, there is ample parking and room for trucks to make deliveries to the warehouse.
   Some residents were concerned about the noise created by a crusher that would be on-site in rare intervals, and had caused noise problems for the neighborhood bordering the old asphalt plant.
   ”The noise the crusher produces is well over 80 decibels,” Charles Rouse, 22 Hamilton Lakes Drive, said. “Where will the crusher be placed? The sound travels very well across that lake and disturbs us.”
   Mr. Rouse was assured by Mr. Smith that the crusher on site is portable, and wouldn’t cause noise problems for the neighboring homes.
   ”The noise and dirt pollution from the crusher when it was there was absolutely horrible,” said resident William Howard. “We tried to get it stopped before, to give the neighborhood a break.”
   The plant would operate between 5 a.m, and 5 p.m, another noise concern for those who live in the neighborhood, Mr. Rouse said.
   The board enthusiastically approved the construction of the site.
   ”It’s a real improvement to the area,” David J. Kenny, Township Council liaison, said. “I am happy to see this.”