PROSPECT STREET RESIDENTS RETAIN ATTORNEY TO OPPOSE LAKEWOOD ZONING BOARD APPLICATION FOR LARGE DEVELOPMENT, LARGE TURNOUT EXPECTED

The Lakewood Township Zoning Board of Adjustment is set tonight September 8, 2025 to again consider an application for development at 1501 Prospect Street, the Cambridge Pavers site.

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.

Subsequently, the developer attempted to switch tracks and 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 project requires use variance approval as the area is zoned strictly for industrial use only not residential or commercial uses.

Large crowds from the neighborhood - represented by Attorney Joseph Michelini Esq. - came out repeatedly to oppose it.

The process dragged out over multiple meetings because the Zoning Board did not have enough members present to vote on the application. Residents had to come back three times until they were finally successful in knocking out the application.

Now, the developer is once again returning with a slightly revised plan. This time, he is seeking approval for 34 duplex units, 14 single-family homes, plus a shopping center. 

"While the number of homes is only slightly reduced, the addition of a shopping center increases the potential traffic burden dramatically, adding hundreds of more cars to Prospect Street, which is already overwhelmed," a joint statement from the surrounding homeowner associations states.

"It should be noted that residents in the area reached out to the developer, making it clear that they strongly oppose residential and commercial uses in this location but are open to sitting down and work out an agreement that fits within the intended industrial zoning. The developer sat with the neighbors but refused to listen to our objections and is pushing ahead with his residential application.

"Large crowds are once again expected to show up at the Zoning Board meeting this monday night to oppose this application and protect the quality of life in the Prospect neighborhood," the homeowner associations emphasized.

This sign has been sent around the Prospect Street neighborhoods.

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