MANALAPAN – The Manalapan Planning Board has granted site plan and bulk variance approval to an applicant who proposed improvements to a commercial property on Route 33.
During a meeting on June 14, board members heard testimony from representatives of 391 Route 33, LLC. The applicant was represented by attorney Lawrence B. Sachs. Testifying on behalf of the application were Robert Palamara, managing partner of the properties where the improvements were planned, and engineer and planner Stephen Parker.
391 Route 33, LLC, was seeking approval to construct a 2,520-square-foot steel structure (pole barn) for equipment storage; partial clearing of a wooded area to construct a gravel parking area for equipment storage with new driveway access to Park Avenue; the construction of a new access driveway between the subject site and an adjacent lot; and the repaving and construction of new parking stalls near an existing 10,890-square-foot masonry building, plus associated site improvements.
The applicant was also seeking bulk variance relief related to setbacks, and pre-existing non-conforming conditions: minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage, minimum side yard setback, minimum improvable lot area and minimum diameter lot circle.
The property is in Manalapan’s Special Economic Development Route 33 Overlay zone. Atlantic Aerials occupies 397 Route 33. The business sells, rents and services construction equipment, according to Palamara, who said the new access driveway would connect 397 Route 33 and 391 Route 33, without having to bring equipment onto the state highway.
Testimony indicated an environmental cleanup is taking place at the property. Palamara said no major surface disturbance is anticipated. He said chemical injections into the soil will kill chlorinated solvents in the soil. The property will be tested and monitored after the cleanup has been completed, according to Palamara.
Parker said that as part of the planned improvements, no hazardous materials would be stored at the site and no noise will be produced. The permanent pole barn will store equipment associated with Atlantic Aerials.
A septic system is proposed for the site and is under review by the Board of Health. Planning Board engineer Brian Boccanfuso said he deferred to the Board of Health on matters concerning the septic system.
Township Committeeman David Kane, who sits on the board, said Manalapan’s zoning code requires a berm to be constructed on Route 33 to shield buildings from view. He asked for a berm to be created at the location.
The applicant’s representatives said a berm would be created if a licensed site remediation professional who is addressing issues at the property determines it can be done. If a berm cannot be created, the area will be landscaped, according to the applicant’s representatives.
No one from the public commented on the application.
A motion was made to approve the 391 Route 33, LLC, site plan and bulk variances. Voting “yes” were board Chairwoman Kathryn Kwaak, Vice Chairwoman Daria D’Agostino and board members Barry Jacobson, Alan Ginsberg, Todd Brown, John Castronovo, Barry Fisher, Mayor Jack McNaboe and Kane.