The Lakewood Township Zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday night granted Use Variance approval to legalize the operations of weddings at Lake Terrace.
The approval comes after numerous public hearings held over 14 months. Lake Terrace's industrial neighbors attended each public hearing and presented professional opposition to the requested variance.
The use variance only pertains to weddings and fundraising events up to 815 guests. Noting the heavy objections to the concerts which were previously held at the site, as well as the fatal shootings and stabbings that have occured at concerts, the operators of the site have now agreed to not resume concerts which have been shut down by court order since December 2021.
The use variance application was submitted to the Zoning Board as a result of litigation initiated by Lake Terrace's industrial neighbors on the basis that the wedding and concerts uses were never approved by the Board. It is anticipated that the neighbors will return to court to contest the use variance approval.
The Board noted that traffic flow to and from the site has been enhanced by the traffic directors which were previously imposed by Judge Ford. Accordingly, the Board's approval requires that they continue to be utilized for weddings.
The Board further stipulated that the developers install a sidewalk with street lighting from Bnos Brocha to Lake Terrace due to the use of their parking lot by Lake Terrace patrons.
Board member Judah Ribiat recently recused himself from voting on this contentious application after his daughter's wedding was booked at this venue. Attorney Rob Shea who is representing the objectors argued that aside from Mr. Ribiat simply recusing himself, an entirely new board should rehear the past 14 months worth of hearings on the application.
The Board rejected this argument. It is anticipated that Mr. Shea will bring this argument to court.
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