Parsippany planning board finds Symphony Soccer Club clubhouse plan consistent with master plan, sets conditions

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board on Jan. 13 found a proposed small performance/prep building, gravel overflow parking and a modest fence expansion at the Symphony Soccer Club’s Reynolds Avenue complex to be consistent with the township master plan, subject to conditions from planning and engineering staff.

Robert Birth (spelled in the record B‑I‑R‑T‑H), president of the Parsippany Soccer Club, told the board the club wants a small building for player preparation and club meetings and to extend a fence roughly 15 feet on the north end next to existing restrooms. He said the club maintains the fields under a lease with the township that runs through 2037 and that the proposed gravel lot would serve as overflow parking during tournaments.

Board planner Christine Winter reviewed the council’s master-plan goals on parks and recreation and said the proposed improvements would be consistent with those goals. “I would say based on this information … that this project would be consistent with the master plan,” Winter said, noting the future land use map designates the area for recreation and open space.

Board professionals and members recommended several conditions: improve sight distance at the facility entrance by clearing right-of-way vegetation, install wayfinding and regulatory signage (stop signs, do-not-enter signs and painted stop bars), coordinate drainage/stormwater with the township engineer (the project may need a dry-well or other minor stormwater measures), and work with the township on any township-required permits.

Birth said the club currently has roughly 80–90 paved parking spaces and about four designated handicap spaces; the proposed gravel area is intended as overflow so vehicles do not park on adjacent roads during large events. He said only about four to six trees would need to be removed and that some appear dead or fallen.

The board moved and seconded a finding that the proposal is consistent with the master plan, incorporating the professional recommendations; the board called the roll in favor. The finding was recorded as a courtesy review — it does not itself authorize construction, which will require the applicant to obtain any required permits and satisfy township engineering and permitting reviews.

The board asked the applicant to continue to coordinate with township departments on stormwater, circulation and signage prior to applying for any building or construction permits.