Board approves front and lot variances for Boston Avenue lot despite neighbor safety concerns

The Monroe Township Zoning Board approved a set of variances on Oct. 13 allowing Carmelo Centron to build on a Boston Avenue lot in the Crystal Lakes area, granting relief from front yard, lot frontage and lot width requirements so he may construct a dwelling.

Centron said the parcel had been vacant, described it as formerly a "dump site," and presented plans prepared by South Jersey engineers. He told the board the lot would have a septic system and public water service and that the proposed home’s layout requires the requested front‑setback and frontage relief.

During the public comment period, resident Dorothy Sluzarkski, who said she lives about 200 feet away, objected to the application on safety grounds. She told the board the access road is a dirt, one‑way road that township vehicles do not plow and that fire equipment would have trouble reaching the site. "If it snows, the township isn't going to plow it. It's a one‑way road. The fire company can't get in there," Sluzarkski said. She also raised concerns about tree removal, displaced wildlife and the proposed home's size relative to nearby houses.

Board members and the township solicitor repeatedly noted that any construction would be subject to outside‑agency review, including construction permits and review by the fire marshal; the board cannot guarantee insurance outcomes or hydrant performance. Mr. Fury summarized the relief sought and advised the board to weigh positive and negative criteria under the municipal land‑use standards.

Despite the neighbor’s concerns, a majority of board members voted to grant the requested front yard and lot variances. The approval is conditioned on the standard outside agency approvals and memorialization of the resolution at the next meeting.