Salem County approves planning‑fee updates; Route 77 signal moves closer to DOT approval

The Salem County Board of County Commissioners on March 5 adopted a revised fee schedule for the Salem County Planning Board and discussed progress on a long‑pending traffic signal project at the Route 77/Glassboro Road intersection in Upper Pittsgrove Township.

Commissioners said the updated planning board fee schedule was written to allow annual adjustments so that routine re‑submission costs for developers can be charged to applicants rather than borne by taxpayers. The board approved the fee schedule as part of a package of resolutions at the meeting; no members of the public addressed that item during the reading and vote.

On the Route 77/Glassboro Road project, county officials described the cost‑sharing agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation as the final step before DOT issues its approval. Commissioners said they expect construction to begin in late summer or early fall if DOT signs off; the timing remains contingent on NJDOT review and scheduling.

Why it matters: The planning fee change shifts administrative resubmission costs to applicants and is intended to streamline permit processing and recover county administrative expenses. The traffic signal at Route 77 and Glassboro Road addresses a long‑standing safety concern for residents of Upper Pittsgrove Township; county staff said the county will return to DOT for final approval and expects construction if DOT issues the final stamp of approval.

Context and next steps: The planning board fee schedule will be applied by county planning staff going forward; the Route 77 signal requires NJDOT final approval and subsequent contractor scheduling. Both items were adopted as part of the F‑1 through F‑5 resolutions the board approved unanimously at the March 5 meeting.

Ending: Commissioners noted ongoing follow up will be handled by county departments and that specific construction and implementation schedules depend on external approvals.