Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fence Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves 4½‑foot front-yard fence for Kabad Labavich Jewish Center at 261 Gravel Hill Road
Summary
The zoning board granted a variance allowing a 4½-foot ornamental fence in the front yard of a combined residence and synagogue at 261 Gravel Hill Road, finding security benefits outweighed minor ordinance impacts.
The Monroe Township Zoning Board on March 31 granted variance relief to the Kabad Labavich Jewish Center to install an open metal 4½-foot (54-inch) ornamental fence in the front yard of the property at 261 Gravel Hill Road.
Kenneth Pape of Hybrin Pape presented the application on behalf of the congregation; he said the property is block 20, lot 3.02 and functions as a single-family residence together with a house of worship. John Barry, a licensed professional planner who testified for the applicant, characterized the request as a C2 Municipal Land Use Law case in which the public‑safety benefits of a secure perimeter and maintained sight lines outweigh any potential detriment. Barry cited the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness guidance recommending perimeter security while preserving clear lines of sight.
Rabbi Zachki Eli (recorded in the minutes as "Zachki Eli") spoke on why the fence is sought: the dwelling is combined with the synagogue and his family lives on site, creating added concern for safety. "Anything that we can do to make ourselves and the property feel and look and be a little bit more secure is extremely helpful and necessary," the rabbi said in brief remarks.
Professional testimony described the proposed fence as an open tubular metal style set back 15 feet from the property line and designed to avoid sight‑distance obstruction at the nearby intersection. Board members asked technical questions about setback and view lines; there were no public commentators. The board moved, seconded and approved the variance by roll call; the record shows Mr. Masters, Mr. Lupo, Mr. Busman, Miss Carritori, Mr. Tanzy, Mr. Jaffy and Chairman Rada voting yes. The applicant will install the fence per the submitted plan and the board closed the application.
The approval notes that the property is in the R30 zone and that the relief requested is limited to the front-yard fence height (the ordinance permits 3 feet in the front yard), with the applicant arguing the fence supports public health and safety interests related to a place of worship.
