By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – In a bid to create opportunities for new businesses to come to Plumsted, the Township Committee has introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, rezone residential land for commercial use.
At their meeting on Oct. 5, committee members voted 5-0 to introduce an ordinance to create a new commercial zone on the east side of Route 539 between East Millstream and Hopkins roads.
In commenting on why officials are taking this action, Mayor Jack Trotta said, “After the recent review of the master plan, it was suggested that we should expand our commercial zones on the eastern side of Route 539 between East Millstream and Hopkins roads since there are some existing businesses in that area.
“It was further suggested that this area should be zoned the same so we could have consistent zoning in that area and be in a better position to attract commercial ratables,” he added.
The current zoning is RA5, which is designated as rural agricultural.
“The land is currently RA5 which requires a minimum of 5 acres to build a home. Since (Route 539) is one of the major roads through town, it makes more sense to zone this as commercial property,” Trotta said. “Because of the traffic volume on Route 539, some mixture of small retail shops and farm/lawn equipment sales/service would be examples of businesses we would like to see in that area.”
The mayor said land that is being used for farming will be encouraged to remain as farm property.
The rezoning ordinance will have a public hearing and second reading at the committee’s 7 p.m. Nov. 2 meeting. Members of the public who wish to comment on the ordinance may do so at that time. Committee members may vote to adopt the ordinance following the public hearing.
In addition to Trotta, committee members Herb Marinari, Mike Wysong, Vince Lotito and Eric Sorchick (by phone) voted to introduce the ordinance on Oct. 5.