Planning Commission denies 2-unit condominium special land use on Jefferson after neighborhood opposition

The Harrison Township Planning Commission on May 21 voted to deny a special land use request and site-plan review for a proposed two-unit attached condominium on Jefferson Avenue (Case #15-26-SLU), concluding the application failed to meet several of the municipality’s special land use standards.

Planner Adam Young described the waterfront 0.44-acre lot and the proposed development. Township engineering and fire review raised no outstanding technical issues after the applicant revised the plan to meet access and signage requirements, but several neighbors spoke in opposition at the public hearing. C. William Bardill, Adina Rappold, Julianna Grewe, Jim Wolfe and Brannon Grewe cited concerns about increased traffic and parking demand, safety at what several called a dangerous corner, density incompatible with the area and the risk of setting an undesirable precedent.

Commissioners examined the eight special land use standards and collectively found the proposal did not meet standards 1 (harmony with surrounding neighborhood), 2 (vehicular and pedestrian safety), 7 (public health, safety and welfare) and 8 (protection of property values). Chair Carol Murray confirmed the commission’s findings and the motion by Ken Mulder, supported by Tim Duncan, to deny the special land use carried. The commission then moved to deny the site-plan review based on the special land use denial.

The applicant, Maria Zingas, and her representatives were present; the record also included written opposition letters referenced by the commission. The denial means the applicant may revise the proposal and seek future consideration, but as presented the commission concluded the two-unit condominium was incompatible with the lot shape and neighborhood context.