South Street Gardens hearing continued after neighbor testimony and engineer’s challenge on stormwater and impervious coverage

The Morris Township Board of Adjustment continued the public hearing for South Street Gardens on Oct. 27 after extended testimony from nearby residents and objectors’ experts. The continuation was set for Dec. 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Background and contested issues The application (continued from July 28 and Aug. 25, 2025) proposes modifications and improvements to an existing retail/garden‑center property and ancillary uses including a coffee/food area and an event space. Objectors raised objections on multiple fronts: the intensity and character of the proposed uses (public coffee shop, private events/weddings), nighttime lighting, noise from outdoor events and claimed recent tree clearing. Objectors argued the site has historically been a low‑intensity nursery/greenhouse operation and that the proposed uses would convert the site into a higher‑intensity, event‑driven venue incompatible with the RA‑15 neighborhood.

Public and expert testimony Resident John Weiskerber (20 Prospect Place) testified that he was “absolutely opposed to the application,” described two recent evening gatherings at which he could hear announcements and music at his house, and said…