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Planning board discusses tentative Journey Mill Road redevelopment hearing and road connection options across Conrail
Summary
Board members penciled a Feb. 5 public hearing for a redevelopment study area on Journey Mill Road and discussed possible routes for a proposed connection from Cheesquake, including an alternate 'Red Road' to avoid crossing Conrail and wetlands concerns; a Feb. 19 capital review by MCUA was also tentatively scheduled.
The Sayreville Planning Board discussed a tentative public hearing on a redevelopment-area study for Journey Mill Road, options for a road connection from Cheesquake, and a possible Feb. 19 capital-review appearance by the municipal utilities authority.
Board members said a public hearing on a Journey Mill Road redevelopment-area study was tentatively slated for the Feb. 5 meeting. The board also said representatives from the municipal utilities authority (noted in the transcript as "MCU a") were penciled in for Feb. 19 to present a capital-review item related to work on their property.
On the connection between Cheesquake and Journey Mill Road, board members and staff discussed several routing issues. Speakers said one long alternate route, described in the discussion as the "Red Road" or "Red Alternate Road," would largely run along Journey Mill Road and avoid crossing Conrail. The board noted earlier plans had sought permission to cross Conrail but that Conrail had been unlikely to grant a new crossing and that wetlands and environmental constraints were a factor. Members discussed an existing crossing further down (near the former Sunshine Biscuits site) and observed that using an established crossing would avoid a new Conrail permission request. Members also noted that truck traffic would be directed near Bordentown Avenue and that proximity to an existing powerhouse and water tower shaped route choices.
Beth Magnani (nominated in this meeting for secretary) was recorded saying she could provide maps or the project folder to new professionals and members so they could review the proposals. The transcript records board members saying steel construction is occurring on a nearby site (a Bass Pro reference) and that planned warehouse development had shifted timing since earlier approvals.
Why it matters: The routing choice and whether the board advances a redevelopment study for Journey Mill Road will shape future truck routing, stormwater and wetland impacts, and property access in the area. Using an existing railroad crossing or selecting a route parallel to Conrail could avoid the need for fresh railroad permissions but may concentrate truck traffic near Bordentown Avenue.
Ending: The board left the redevelopment-area hearing tentative for Feb. 5 and asked staff to provide relevant maps and documents to the new professionals and members before future hearings. No public speakers addressed the board during the public-comment period recorded in the excerpt.
