LARGE CROWDS EXPECTED AS LAKEWOOD ZONING BOARD TO CONSIDER PLANS TO ADD 350 CARS TO PROSPECT STREET TRAFFIC


Large crowds are expected to attend Lakewood Township Zoning Board of Adjustment's public hearing this Monday night as the Board is set to consider applications to add nearly 350 cars to Prospect Street traffic.


As previously reported here on FAA News, back in October 2023, the Planning Board approved plans for a 139,358 sq foot multi-unit warehouse and office building at the 6.38 acres site at 1501 Prospect Street, the existing Cambridge Pavers site.


The developer, Jonathan Rubin, has now submitted Appeal ZB No. 4325 to the Zoning Board seeking to construct up to 66 duplex homes plus 66 basement apartments at this site.



The property is located in the M-1 Zone. The Township's ordinances do not permit duplex homes in this zoning district, therefore use variance relief is being sought.


Additionally, density variance is also being sought as the UDO only allows clustering to be considered on properties with a minimum size of 15 acres and this site is much smaller.


The revised plans depict a shul with a simcha hall and a small play area.





Board Engineer Terry Vogt has noted that the architectural plans depict one basement entrance at the front corner of one unit, and a second basement entrance recessed in the front of the other unit. This could lead to multiple rental apartments in the homes.


Mr. Vogt is recommending that unit types be selected for each lot such that the front entrance locations do not conflict with proposed off street parking spaces.


Mr. Vogt has further noted that the total length of the Synagogue building (front to back including front entrance) is 56 feet, vs. the 50-foot-long building footprint depicted on the Variance Plan. Moreover, the proposed parking layout does not appear for pedestrian access to and from the front entrance, nor ADA access.


Additionally, the proposed lot layout provides for minimal on-street parking. How will visitors and deliveries occur to these properties?? Similarly, how will garbage and recyclables containers be placed on the street for pickup? Questions Mr. Vogt.


Neighbors of the proposal have retained Attorney Joseph Michelini Esq. to represent their vehement opposition to the application.


In addition, SK Prospect Cross Lakewood, LLC has filed an application to the Board seeking Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision approval together with use and bulk variance relief to construct 8 duplex structures to contain 16 duplex dwelling units (plus 16 basement apartments) and one single family dwelling unit, for a total of 34 families on the 3.01 acres parcel.



The proposed use is not permitted in the M-1 Light Industrial Zone, therefore use variance relief from the Zoning Board of Adjustment is required.


The application is also seeking variances for Minimum Side Yard Setback, Minimum Side Yard Setback (Aggregate), and Maximum Building Coverage; as well as design waiver relief from providing a buffer area of at least 30 feet in width as required for multi-family or townhouse adjacent to an existing single-family residential development or an area zoned for single-family residential land uses; and design waiver relief from providing a buffer area of at least 30 feet in width for proposed major residential subdivisions adjacent to an existing commercial use.


The Lakewood Fire District has reviewed the application and is requiring that 2 off-street parking spaces be removed to provide a minimum 20-foot wide access road (per NJFC 503.2.1) and that an additional Fire Hydrant be provided at the corner of Prospect Street and the new development.


Additionally, the Board Engineer has noted that proposed number of dwellings and layout as depicted on the Subdivision Plans provides for minimal off-street parking areas along the cul-de-sac, and parking will be also prohibited along the Cross Street frontage.


Together these applications could add nearly 350 cars to Prospect Street traffic.


The Zoning Board’s public hearing will be held at the Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood, beginning at 7:00pm.


These proposals come as a separate application is pending before the Planning Board for 74 homes plus 74 basement apartments at Prospect Street and Massachusetts Avenue.


All together, approvals of these applications could add 600 cars onto the existing Prospect Street traffic.


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