A commercial development application that is expected to propose the construction of five warehouses on Randolph Road in Howell was not heard as scheduled by the Planning Board on June 16.
Instead, the agenda for the June 16 meeting indicated the Monmouth Commerce Center application is now scheduled to be heard during the board’s Aug. 4 meeting.
As of this time, the Planning Board has not resumed in-person meetings following the coronavirus pandemic. A board official told the Tri-Town News on June 14 it has not been determined if the Aug. 4 meeting will take place in person or in a virtual manner.
Monmouth Commerce Center is expected to seek preliminary and final major site plan approval to construct five one-story warehouse buildings with office space at a property on Randolph Road. The project totals 1.19 million square feet.
Off-site work would include improvements at the intersection of Randolph Road and Lakewood-Farmingdale Road (Route 547), to include the installation of a traffic signal, according to the information provided by the township.
The Monmouth Commerce Center has a history that dates back several years. A previous application proposed the construction of nine warehouses totaling 1.2 million square feet on the 99-acre parcel on Randolph Road. Warehouses are a permitted use at the location.
On Jan. 31, 2020, following public hearings during which representatives of the applicant described the project and residents objected to the proposed use in their neighborhood, Planning Board members voted to deny the Monmouth Commerce Center application.
The Ocean County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a bond ordinance authorizing the construction of a traffic signal at Diamond Road and Route 526 (West Commodore Boulevard), Jackson, and has appropriated $1.5 million to fund the project.
The total appropriation includes the issuance of $1.425 million in bonds or bond anticipation notes and a $75,000 down payment.
According to a legal notice published by the county, the down payment has been made available by virtue of provision in the Capital Improvement Fund of the county in one or more previously adopted budgets. The bond ordinance was adopted by the commissioners on June 1.