HOWELL — The Township Council has introduced an ordinance that would, if adopted, rezone two lots on Route 9 from Agricultural Rural Estate (ARE-3) to Highway Development (HD-1).
The ordinance was introduced on April 20 and is scheduled to have a public hearing at 7 p.m. May 18. The council may vote to adopt the ordinance after the public hearing.
The two lots targeted for the rezoning are between the Lanes Mill Crossing shopping center and adjacent to the Tropicana Power Retail Center (now known as the Greenleaf at Howell) to be located at 5313 Route 9 North and Lanes Mill Road.
According to the ordinance, the rezoning of the lots from ARE-3 to HD-1 recognizes them as not being used for any residential purpose and therefore makes them consistent with the HD-1 zoning of similar parcels along Route 9.
In addition, the proposed changes in zoning are consistent with many of the goals and objectives of former and current township master plan documents, according to the ordinance.
According to the master plan re-examination of 2014, recommendations were made to change the two lots to an HD-1 zone. The proposed Greenleaf at Howell retail center that is currently before the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been determined to be compatible with the other land uses found in the HD-1 zone.
In other business, municipal officials authorized the purchase of two type-three remounts to a Ford E-Series chassis for the Howell First Aid and Rescue Squad to be used as ambulances. On April 20, the council approved the purchase of the two vehicles at a total cost of $160,000.
According to the resolution, P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Company, Manasquan, has received the contract for the ambulances.