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Zoning board approves 30,917 sq. ft. warehouse addition at 655 Howard Ave.; variances granted
Summary
The board approved a 30,917 sq. ft. addition to an existing warehouse at 655 Howard Ave. (total 105,672 sq. ft.), granting a D2 use variance and multiple C variances. The project reduces impervious cover slightly, cuts parking from 133 to 77 (67 required), and includes conditions limiting truck size (WB50) and requiring staff-report compliance.
The Franklin Township Zoning Board granted 655 (655 Miz LLC) permission to add 30,917 square feet to an existing warehouse at 655 Howard Avenue, approving the D2 use variance and several C variances needed for the proposal.
Attorney Susan Rubbright told the board the project would connect a new 30,917 sq. ft. addition to the existing 74,755 sq. ft. building for a total of 105,672 sq. ft. The addition would include a 1,500 sq. ft. office and four new loading spaces. The applicant said the changes will allow removal of trailers currently parked on the site, improve circulation, add landscaping, and reduce impervious coverage from about 60.4% to roughly 59.3%. Parking would be reduced from 133 spaces to 77, still above the ordinance requirement of 67.
Owner representative (spelled in the record) described longstanding operations there, said the trailers currently hold merchandise while awaiting space, and said the new volume and additional vertical storage will allow the company to remove or reduce trailer storage and avoid using third-party warehouses. "We hate them," the owner said of the trailers, adding the goal is to "completely eliminate this theme." (quote paraphrased from testimony)
Engineer James Ward presented site plans that consolidate three lots, relocate the center employee driveway, maintain two major driveways for truck access (one-way in and one-way out), and add a bio-retention water-quality basin in the front. Ward said the applicant will limit truck size to WB50 and maintain sufficient turning templates for truck circulation. Verdantis environmental consultant Tom Burke testified that although the site had historical industrial contamination that required remediation, the remaining groundwater contamination is monitored by the prior owner and the proposed addition would not impact ongoing monitoring; some monitoring wells may need relocation during construction.
Planner Sean Moransky recommended approval under D2 and C2 criteria, arguing that the site is appropriate for modest expansion, that the project reduces impervious coverage and on-site trailer storage, and that circulation improvements reduce potential conflicts between trucks and employee parking.
A board motion to grant the requested variances carried by roll call. Conditions included compliance with staff reports, the WB50 truck-size restriction, anti-idling signage and other standard engineering requirements noted in professional reports.
