BY SANDI CARPELLO
Staff Writer
Since February, west side residents have questioned the propriety of a Monmouth Street condominium project in Red Bank.
Last week flooding, water pressure problems, and pet policies were added to a roster of their concerns that already included traffic and garbage.
Building and Land Technology, the developer of the site, planed a five-unit townhouse and 24-unit condominium complex on 1.2 acres.
An Oct. 2 site plan hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment was the ninth time this year the project has been considered by the panel.
In January, Building and Land Technology received a use variance that allows development at more than double the density permitted in the borough’s master plan.
During the public comment portion of last week’s meeting, John Dacker, owner of Graman’s Vacuum and Appliance Parts Co., 156 Monmouth St., said there is an "extreme flooding problem" in the area — so much so that the water surges through the streets and often deluges his store.
"It’s weird. [the borough’s Planning Board] denied a bank last year because of the severe amount of flooding on the street," Dacker said. "This little bank gets denied, and all of a sudden — Whoa! A skyscraper’s here. I don’t get it."
Due to the already low water pressure in the vicinity, Pat McCalary said approving the project could ruin his chances of taking a decent shower.
"I already can’t flush the toilet and take a shower at the same time," he told the board. "I’m an architect — I love development and I love building, but before I was an architect, I was a plumber and I know if there was a fire on the third floor of that building, there wouldn’t be enough water [to put it out]."
Board engineer George Whalen told the residents there was no need to worry.
While the condominium and townhouse project comes complete with a state-of-the-art storm drain system, the borough requires all buildings to get tested for fire permits, he said.
"If the application is approved, the flooding will be no worse," Whalen said. "But I can’t quantify it will be any better."
Licensed planner Richard Lipinski of Perth Amboy testified on behalf of the project protesters, telling the board that the project’s scope and size would be a detriment to the neighborhood.
Zoning Board member Josephine Lee wondered if the two sides could reach a compromise.
"The residential use for that area seems very beneficial. It would really upgrade that area," she said. "How outrageous is it to require a scaled down project? Is that something that could be reasonably done?"
"Yes," Lipinski answered. "And the board has the authority to do that."
The next hearing will be Nov. 6.