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Planning board approves two‑lot subdivision on Crest Terrace over neighbor objections, 8–1
Summary
The board granted all variances and approved a two‑lot minor subdivision for the Carpel/Scott property on South & Crest Terrace after engineering and planning testimony; neighbors raised stormwater and tree‑removal concerns and the board imposed three site conditions.
The Montville Township Planning Board approved a two‑lot minor subdivision for the Carpel/Scott property on South and Crest Terrace on April 9, carrying the motion 8–1.
Applicant counsel Steven Schepis introduced the PMN/C25‑18 application and engineer Joseph Mianecki testified to site constraints and technical details, including wetlands, three areas of disturbance, options for driveway configuration, porous driveway pavers, drywell stormwater storage and a long‑term operations and maintenance requirement that would rest with property owners. Township engineer J. Giurintano said additional soil testing will be required and that he expects the applicant to comply with his engineering memo.
Planner Jessica Caldwell testified the proposal represents a better planning alternative for the parcel, describing the disturbance as de minimis and saying the layout advances Master Plan goals with more overall open space than some alternatives. Schepis summarized design exceptions, an RSIS analysis and that the stormwater manual and operations plan would be submitted with the Certificate of Occupancy.
Several nearby residents urged caution. Michael Perinotti of 25 Crest Terrace told the board he believes the project "will change the neighborhood for the worse" and questioned why the applicant could not build a single house requiring fewer variances. Joanna Olensky of 8 Eberhardt Court said her rear and side yards are frequently soaked and asked what protections are in place if stormwater controls fail. Susan Busch of 3 Eberhardt Court said segments of Eberhardt Court flood and expressed concern about long‑term maintenance if the system is not kept up.
In response, the applicant and the township engineer described the proposed stormwater design and noted the township engineer will inspect and require annual reports; Chairman Lewis added that township enforcement exists if maintenance lapses. Before the vote, Chairman Lewis asked the applicant to include plans to remove a chain‑link fence, adjust the driveway transition to slope, and agree to a site inspection for tree replacement.
Mr. P. Repic moved to approve the application with all variances granted and the listed conditions; L. Hines seconded. The board carried the motion 8–1 (No: A. Maggio).
