Montville planning board unanimously approves mixed-use plan for 5 Mars Ct with conditions

The Montville Township Planning Board on May 14 unanimously approved a pre/final site plan and all variances for 5 Mars Ct (PSPP/FC25-17), clearing the way for a project that will combine an indoor soccer facility and a warehouse.

The approval came after a series of technical witness presentations and plan revisions. Mr. Steven Schepis, Esq., attorney for the applicant, said the revised plan "makes the most sense" and argued the layout and proposed uses fit the site. Mr. Walker, the project engineer, detailed changes to interior circulation, a new rear door, removal of a previously proposed handicap ramp, a revised parking layout and proposed sidewalk and handicap access adjustments. J. Giurintano, the township engineer, told the board that updated drainage calculations and additional water/soil/compression details must be added to the plan.

Board members and planning staff pressed the applicant on pedestrian circulation, accessibility and refuse logistics. Architect John Cantor described the front entrance, separation of the two units and hallway widths; applicant Giuseppie Rossi testified the soccer academy would offer multiple field sizes, operate seven days a week and provide rentals but would not include showers or on-site offices. Building owner Kristian Miloykovich said truck deliveries would be limited to 3 p.m., that two driveways serve the site, and that some construction vehicles occasionally remain overnight (he said there are generally three or fewer such vehicles at a time).

Before voting, Chairman Lewis asked that approval be conditioned on: submission of final signage renderings to the Design Review Committee (DRC); updated drainage calculations; compliance with the township tree ordinance including four replacement plantings and additional landscaping; submission of a refuse and recycling plan and a required trash enclosure; limiting loading‑dock hours until 3 p.m.; relocating Unit 1 trash to an approved enclosure; and additional screening along the west parking area. Mr. Braden moved to approve the application with all variances granted and those conditions; Dr. Kornreich seconded. A roll call vote was unanimous in favor (Fano, Kayne, Braden, Repic, Kornreich, Failla and Lewis).

The board’s approval includes variances for parking and signage as described in the planning report; the planner, J. Burgis, indicated a written statement and recycling plan will be required as conditions of final approval. The engineer’s outstanding items — chiefly updated drainage calculations and specific water/soil/compression details — must be submitted before final plan filing under the conditions set by the board.

Next steps: the applicant will provide the required technical revisions and documentation for review and final administrative sign‑off consistent with the board’s stated conditions. The board did not identify any deadlines for those submissions at the meeting.