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Planning board approves Cherry Valley Connector extension to meet wetlands-permit deadline
Summary
The Montgomery Township Planning Board approved AOP Operating LLC’s request to extend about 220 linear feet of the Cherry Valley Connector, including limited wetlands disturbance covered by a DEP GP‑10a permit that expires May 1, 2026. Conditions include staking disturbance limits, silt fencing and tree‑removal permitting.
The Montgomery Township Planning Board voted March 23 to approve preliminary and final major site-plan applications by AOP Operating LLC to complete an approximately 220-linear-foot extension of the Cherry Valley Connector, work the applicant says is needed to satisfy an expiring DEP wetlands permit.
Attorney John Wychiscala, representing AOP, told the board the extension crosses property owned by PSEG and that the project must be undertaken to meet a GP‑10a wetlands permit that expires May 1, 2026. “We have a wetlands crossing permit,” Wychiscala said. “The deadline to undertake this work is, as of, May 1, 2026.”
Project engineer Kyle McKenna (Bowler Engineering) described the work as a short extension that would tie into existing conveyance and drainage systems and said clearing and construction would follow a compressed schedule: tree clearing was proposed for March 30 (subject to township approval), stripping April 6 and sanitary work around mid‑April, with final paving and water‑main work following New Jersey American Water coordination.
The engineer said stormwater for the proposed extension was already accounted for in previous approvals and that no new stormwater facilities are proposed. He also told the board the project will remove four trees (three about 4 inches in diameter and one about 12 inches) and that the applicant submitted a tree‑removal permit application on Feb. 9.
Township staff recommended several conditions, including that the limits of disturbance be staked in the field and verified by township staff or the township engineer and that silt fences be installed to prevent encroachment into wetlands. The applicant agreed to address the comments in the township engineer’s review letter and to comply with open-space and stewardship recommendations.
Some board members criticized the expedited schedule that took the application directly to the planning board rather than allowing longer review. One member, voting in favor despite reservations, said the compressed procedure was “not an appropriate procedure” but supported approval because the connector benefits the township.
The board memorialized its approval the same evening and listed standard conditions in the resolution: required third‑party approvals, a performance guarantee, submission of any necessary deeds or easements for review, a construction sequencing schedule, documentation from PSEG regarding stormwater responsibilities, and township engineer authorization before starting construction.
What happens next: the applicant must secure a tree‑removal permit and any remaining third‑party approvals, post the performance guarantee and ensure the township engineer signs off on start of construction before work proceeds.
