Plant preservation, runoff focus of latest testimony
Hovbilt proposing 965 age-restricted homes on Jackson property
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Testimony resumed before the Planning Board on Oct. 16 on an application filed by Hovbilt for Jackson Valley, a development of 965 age-restricted condominium homes.

The 650-acre development parcel is in the Cassville section of Jackson, bordered by Perrineville Road, Cassville Road (Route 571), West Veterans Highway and Prospertown Road, with access into the Colliers Mills wildlife preserve; and to the north, Interstate 195.

Attorney Donald Daines, representing the applicant, presented testimony from Dr. Stephen J. Souza of Princeton Hydro. Souza discussed storm water management and the hydrology of the project.

Souza said the focus of his efforts has been on storm water elements. He said it is his aim to ensure that what is being proposed for the development provides a very high level of protection for Jackson's surface water and ground water.

He also said he is concerned with the swamp pink, an endangered species of plant life which occurs within and adjacent to the project area in the Cedar Branch waterway.

"[We want to] ensure that the storm water that will be generated from this site, both in terms of quantity and quality will not adversely effect the condition of the swamp pink colony," said Souza.

Souza described what are referred to as best management practices (BMP). He described how the project will control water runoff generated by Jackson Valley by using wet ponds (formerly called retention basins) and natural retention areas.

The plan also calls for specially designed swales which will be used to manage storm water by spreading the water over the entire site to several small basins.

"We're collecting that runoff and treating up to a 100-year event (flood)," said Souza. "We're using a combination of all of these."

Soil testing was done to identify suitable areas for infiltration of large quantities of water and areas suitable for the construction of wet ponds.

He said there is a 250-foot-wide buffer off the wetlands which was deemed to be appropriate by fish and wildlife officials. Souza said road runoff will be channeled into larger BMP areas.

Board member Blanche Krubner asked if there were any plans for mosquito control.

Souza said all of the swales were designed to give up all standing water within 72 hours.

"We want these to be naturalized areas," he said.

Krubner asked how the swamp pink will be protected.

Souza noted the 250-foot buffer that will prevent encroachment on the plant's habitat.

"Thank you," said Krubner. "You are actually the bearer of good news."

During the public comment portion, Denise Garner, a township environmental commissioner, had questions regarding the hydrology of the area.

Souza said there will be no diversion of any of the water for other uses that will have an effect on the wetlands or the streams. He said the project's water supply is independent.

"There is no discharge of any pollutants into any of the streams of the wetlands," said Souza. "I feel very positive about this design."

Mark Lesgo, of Perrineville Road and Oak Leaf Street, said he lives across from where the pond is and his basement frequently gets flooded. He was told that the new development should have no effect on his property.

Resident Ellen Weissfeld wanted to know if Jackson Valley will have lawn sprinklers and if municipal water will be used. She was told that the landscape expert will address those items in future testimony.

Concerns expressed by other residents and discussion follow-ups included the use of pesticides, the effect of the project on nearby wells, bullfrogs and other wild life. It was noted that several of the topics are expected to be discussed during future expert testimony.

In other business, after additional testimony from traffic engineer John Rea, an application for Cooks Bridge Plaza, a commercial shopping complex with three buildings at the intersection of Bennetts Mills and North Cooks Bridge roads, was approved by a 6-2 vote.

Board members Robert Hudak, Dan Burke, Kenneth Bressi, Angelo Stallone, William Cook and Joseph Riccardi voted in favor of the application. Board members George McKay and Eileen Tobasco voted not to approve the project. Krubner abstained from the vote.