Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge caution on Thomas Place street vacation, citing parking and density concerns
Summary
A resident opposed planned apartment development tied to a proposed vacation of Thomas Place, urging the planning board to scrutinize parking and scale; council members clarified the council’s role is limited to vacating the street and that site plans still require planning-board review.
A resident urged council members on March 23 to reconsider the effect of a proposed apartment development tied to a street vacation on Thomas Place, saying the neighborhood cannot absorb the additional parking demand.
"I just don't see how this is going to work…it's just not feasible," said Janice Kasmar of 33 Albert Avenue during the work-session public comment period. Kasmar said nearby streets already host overflow parking from Redfield Village and questioned where new parking would be accommodated.
Council members and staff responded that the council’s review at the work session was limited to vacating a portion of Thomas Place and was not a building permit or final approval. A staff member explained that the redevelopment plan for the area is in place but that the site will still require planning-board review and public hearings on building plans.
"This is just simply vacating a portion of the street," a municipal representative said, adding that building plans would still need to be submitted to and reviewed by the planning board.
Council members encouraged Kasmar and other residents to attend the planning-board hearing, where the number of units, parking counts and other site-specific details will be evaluated and subject to public comment. One council member noted that the planning board checks parking and other site constraints as part of its review.
The council record shows the ordinance under consideration would authorize vacation of the street pursuant to NJA 40-67-1. No final vote on site plans was taken during the work session; council members said further public comment opportunities will be available at the planning board and at the council's next open comment period.
The council also offered to provide the resident with information on upcoming planning-board agendas and the council’s next meeting dates so neighbors can follow the approval process and submit concerns to the appropriate review body.
