Planners consider application for age-restricted community
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

HOWELL - Representatives of the Boulder Ridge II at Howell age-restricted community are expected to continue making their case for Planning Board approval when a hearing on the application resumes on Feb. 7.

The 172-lot development that would be built on Route 33 was the subject of a Jan. 10 hearing. Attorney Gerald Sonnenblick is representing the applicant. The development would be built on a 72-acre parcel on Route 33, about 1,350 west of the intersection with Route 34.

In addition to the homes, the applicant is proposing to develop a commercial lot that will include two retail/office buildings (total of 54,400 square feet) and parking for 269 vehicles, according to a report prepared by Ernest Peters, the engineer for the Planning Board.

The applicant is also proposing to build a 7,000- square-foot clubhouse for the residents of the adult community. The clubhouse and related amenities would include a pool, tennis courts, a horseshoe and bocce area, a putting green and parking for 41 vehicles, according to the report prepared by Peters.

Engineer Rob Yuro, representing the applicant, said the adult community's recreational complex will be developed on 3.5 acres and will be "the focal point of the development."

Neighbors of the proposed project include U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle and the Angle Inn mobile home park.

During the meeting Peters advised the applicant's representatives to give full disclosure to potential homeowners about the neighbors.

"The weapons station must be disclosed to homeowners," he said.

According to the report prepared by Peters, the applicant is not requesting any variances, but is requesting some design waivers.

For example, "All main driveways into commercial areas shall be a minimum of 30 feet wide. On commercial applications, a 30-foot wide circulation aisle must be maintained for emergency purposes," according to information provided by the report.

The applicant is providing a 25-foot wide aisle throughout the commercial component of the development.

In addition, "retail buildings shall provide a minimum of one loading space per 10,000 square feet of building area plus an additional space at 20,000 square feet."

According to the report prepared by Peters, the applicant is not proposing any loading spaces. He advised the board to stick to the design standards for the streetscape.

"These design standards are where we put our stamp on this. They will determine what this will look like," he said.

Testimony on the Boulder Ridge II at Howell application will continue at the Feb. 7 meeting.