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Montville planning board approves contentious two‑lot subdivision on Crest Terrace, 8–1
Summary
After testimony from engineers and planners and objections from nearby homeowners concerned about stormwater and tree removal, the Montville Planning Board approved a two‑lot subdivision on Crest Terrace with conditions including fence removal and a tree‑replacement inspection; the vote was 8–1.
The Montville Township Planning Board voted 8–1 on April 9 to approve a two‑lot minor subdivision application for property on Crest Terrace and South Lane (PMN/C25‑18), granting the variances requested and adding site‑specific conditions.
The motion to approve the application was made by P. Repic and seconded by L. Hines; A. Maggio cast the lone dissenting vote. Chairman Lewis said the board would require removal of an existing chain‑link fence, a revised driveway detail to transition to the slope, and that the applicant agree to a site inspection and tree‑replacement plan as conditions of approval.
Applicant counsel Steven Schepis presented the application and summarized design exceptions, traffic analysis and required submissions; project engineer Joseph Mianecki testified about a wetlands complex, three separate areas of disturbance, proposed stormwater management using drywells sized to new regulations, driveway layout options and steep‑slope impacts. Township engineer J. Giurintano and the applicant agreed that additional soil testing and compliance with the township engineer’s memo would be required prior to final approvals.
Neighbors pressed the applicant on limits of disturbance, timing and limits of tree removal, and downstream impacts if stormwater controls failed. Michael Perinotti and other nearby residents said local yards already experience standing water and expressed concern that a new subdivision could worsen runoff. Mianecki described the stormwater design and maintenance responsibilities; Giurintano noted that the township engineer receives annual maintenance reports and that enforcement occurs through township inspection after storms.
Planner Jessica Caldwell testified that the proposed two‑lot layout represented a "better planning alternative," describing the steep‑slope disturbance as nominal given lot sizes and saying the proposal would result in more open space than some alternative layouts. Board members asked clarifying questions about tree replacement, fencing and grading; Mr. Schepis said the applicant would comply with requested conditions.
The board’s approval carries the conditions listed by Chairman Lewis and the requirement to meet all engineering and planner stipulations noted in the record; the application notice lists an action deadline of June 9, 2026. Next procedural steps will include any required soil testing, submission of final stormwater documentation and building‑permit filings.
