Several applications receive time extension from board

JACKSON - An application for a three-lot subdivision near Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst has received a one-year time extension from the Planning Board.

The action came at the board's July 16 meeting.

Attorney Richard Tomasik represented Sarama Homes, whose property is near the military base.

Project engineer Charles Rush said the air base is within 2,000 feet of the subdivision's property line and said it is 7,000 feet to a runway.

Planning Board Chairman Kenneth Bressi said the proximity of the base will affect residents who purchase a home in the planned subdivision.

Planning Board Attorney Gregory McGuckin said the deeds should state that the property is within 2,000 feet of the base.

The discussion then moved to a requirement for sidewalks and Rush said Ocean County officials did not want sidewalks.

"If we are required to have sidewalks, we must also have curbs," he said. "If we have curbs, then we have to profile a cross-section of the area of Route 571, which has not been repaved, as it is one of the oldest sections."

Rush said if it does not meet the current design criteria then the applicant will have to reconstruct a portion of Route 571.

"That seems like a little over the top for a three-lot minor subdivision," he said, suggesting that the applicant could make a payment in lieu of providing sidewalks.

He noted that the nearest sidewalks are 5 miles away in the vicinity of Route 528.

"We're hoping the board would consider a financial arrangement," the engineer said.

Board member Dan Burke said he would encourage that.

The extension of time will allow for these items to be addressed.

In other business, extensions of time were given for 13 residential lots to DVT Enterprises (Maplewood Estates), Toms River Road; and to Pine Knoll Manor, a 16-lot residential community on Toms River Road.

Board members approved two resolutions - a 7-0 vote for an annex building at the Metedeconk National Golf Course and a 7-0 vote for an eight-lot subdivision at Metedeconk National.

An application for Jackson Mews (2,506 multifamily units containing affordable housing and a 25-lot subdivision) is scheduled to be heard on Aug. 6.

Finally, newly appointed board member Rich Cohen resigned from the panel saying he may have a conflict and he did not want to compromise the board.

- Dave Benjamin