EDISON — For some township residents, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine on Amboy Avenue is over the limit of what they see as acceptable for the area.
At the June 15 Planning Board meeting, Dr. Suresh Mody, a radiologist, sought variances that would enable him to build a second story and install an MRI machine at Prime Radiology, 1036 Amboy Ave. The site also houses a dental practice.
Mody said the MRI machine is the only piece of equipment missing from his practice, and it’s something his patients need. Installing that machine requires more space at the facility, he said.
“I don’t want patients to go somewhere else and have a hassle,” he said, adding that many of his patients are senior citizens.
Mody said his practice would take all the necessary precautions and follow all procedures and protocols to minimize risk and maximize compliance. If the board approves the MRI machine, the application would still need approval from the state Department of Health.
While some of Mody’s neighbors spoke in support of the project, a handful of residents spoke against it, citing concerns about the nature of MRI and the impact of a larger building on Amboy Avenue. Residents referred to a chemical spill at an MRI facility earlier this month in Manchester as an example of something that could go wrong.
“I just don’t want one of them in my neighborhood,” Tony Eggert said, adding that he has concerns about environmental risks associated with the machine. Eggert said he’s also worried about the collective impact of different variances approved for the neighborhood.
Esther Nemitz echoed his sentiments.
“This is asking for too much,” Nemitz said, adding that she and her neighbors have been working on recommendations for improving the Clara Barton area, and this goes against the type of environment they’re trying to create. “I’m in favor of denying it.”
Lois Wolke said she feels the township has been granting too many variances, going against the master plan.
“This is not what we intended for that neighborhood,” Wolke said. “My fear is this is going to set a precedent for Amboy Avenue. It’s not good for the neighborhood.”
The board postponed a vote on the project until Aug. 10 to give Mody time to develop a revised plan and obtain a required new survey.