HOWELL — The Planning Board has approved an application for a four-lot subdivision that will include an existing home and three new building lots in the area of Schulte Avenue, Hollywood Avenue, Catalpa Avenue and Willow Avenue.
A motion for a preliminary approval was passed on Sept. 3, for the applicant, North Smith Street LLC.
In June, the applicant proposed six new building lots, but revised the application to address the board’s concern regarding lot sizes and septic systems. The revised application proposed three new building lots, each one 30,000 square feet (approximately 1.5 acres).
“The lot sizes demonstrate required separation distances between proposed septic systems and proposed wells and will meet all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) septic standards,” said engineer Michael Geller, representing the applicant.
“The lot does call for a variance for the extension of Hollywood Avenue (which) is currently a 10- to 13-foot-wide gravel road from the intersection of Willow Avenue and Hollywood Avenue. The proposal of this application is to widen Hollywood Avenue to a minimum width of 20 feet and a 40-foot radius turn-around on the northern end of Hollywood Avenue. That would provide access and circulation for emergency vehicles. Our proposal calls for the road to be widened and paved.” Geller said.
The applicant also sought a design waiver for sidewalks.
“We had talked about that in June, that sidewalks do not exist in this area, and we do not think a subdivision of this nature requires a need for sidewalks. We are asking for the exception,” Geller said.
“We understand there is a question as to wetlands east or across Hollywood Avenue from the property. We have had discussions with the engineer, they have done a wetlands investigation and they have advised me the property is absent of wetlands. We will get an official letter of interpretation that the property is absent of wetlands,” he testified.
The applicant also sought to implement a cross drain to pipe and discharge the cross drainage to the easterly side of Beechwood Avenue, to collect and discharge water.
James Barry, of Hollywood Avenue, objected to the application and said he was concerned about having the road paved and water run past his house.
“I am worried about water coming back at me. Moving water down way behind my house will not help because it is still wetlands, the land is all flat. Any kind of additional water, or wet season, will create real water issues. When they level (the land) and put in new homes, it will create that much more water. I do not want to have to put in a new septic system because of water coming at me,” Barry said.
Geller said the developer would run drainage past Barry’s property as much as possible and that there are enough safeguards in place to be respective of Barry’s situation.
“I have spoken to Richard the
DiFolco, engineer, (and) his environmental (expert) has reviewed that there are no wetlands on the property. Only the DEP can justify whether there are or not are wetlands, which will be done,” Geller said.
The board’s planner, Jennifer Beahm, also addressed Barry’s concerns.
“The applicant cannot discharge in an inappropriate location. They have to submit documentation. They have to prove not just to (the board’s engineer) Laura Neumann, but