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Neighbors tell Clark Township Planning Board tree loss, screening and notice concerns for 175–181 Westwood Ave
Summary
Local residents told the Clark Township Planning Board that removal of mature trees and small replacement plantings leave adjacent homes exposed and change neighborhood character; the board said tree replacement must follow the township tree ordinance and a compliance plan will be developed.
Residents neighboring the site at 175–181 Westwood Ave told the Clark Township Planning Board on Jan. 8 that recent tree removal and the approved multiunit project will substantially change the character of their block and reduce screening for adjacent single-family homes.
David Stebbins of 14 Bartel Place described living in Clark for 56 years and said the property had been a single-family, wood-frame house surrounded by 20–40-foot trees. "This property is 60 feet away from my property line...I'm gonna have a 3 story building basically towering over my...backyard," Stebbins said, arguing the approved plan and the loss of mature trees will increase noise, vehicle activity and visual impact for nearby homeowners.
Eric Rodriguez Tolbertel asked what was included in the memorialized resolution for 175–181 Westwood Ave and when he could review it; the board replied that public comments were taken at the earlier hearing and the memorialized resolution formalizes what was discussed and will be made available, and offered to email the resolution on request.
A board representative replied to tree-removal concerns by citing the township tree ordinance and saying replacement is required based on the number and diameter of trees removed. The board representative said the shade-tree director will determine replacement species and locations and that the township will produce a compliance plan outlining required plantings.
Stebbins and other commenters criticized the scale of proposed replacement plantings (which he said were listed as 3–4 feet high) and urged the board to consider stronger mitigation measures, such as larger plantings, fencing or other stipulations, to reduce the project's short-term visual impact on adjacent properties.
The board said it must follow applicable ordinances and regulations but also noted it has some discretion to include stipulations and conditions not explicitly enumerated in code where appropriate. The board closed public comment and proceeded with other agenda items.
The board did not adopt any new landscaping stipulations during the meeting; it directed that replacement trees be planted in accordance with the township tree ordinance and indicated staff would work with the applicant and the shade-tree director on a compliance plan.
