Montville planning board approves 5 Mars Ct site plan with variances, sets conditions

The Montville Township Planning Board voted unanimously May 14 to approve a pre/final site plan and all variances for 5 Mars Ct, LLC (PSPP/FC25-17), a proposal that will split an existing building into a warehouse and an indoor soccer facility. The board’s motion, made by T. Braden and seconded by Dr. L. Kornreich, carried on a roll-call vote of all members present.

The board attached a set of conditions to the approval. Chairman G. Lewis said approval should require submission of sign renderings to the Design Review Committee, updated drainage calculations, compliance with the township’s tree ordinance (including four replacement trees), a refuse and recycling plan, relocation and enclosure of Unit 1 trash with a concrete pad, limits on loading-dock hours until 3 p.m., and additional screening along the west parking area.

The application’s testimony described two distinct uses. Applicant Giuseppie Rossi, identifying himself as a former professional player and academy operator, told the board the sports facility would offer multiple field sizes for rentals and programming and operate seven days per week, with employees but no on-site showers or office space. Owner Kristian Miloykovich testified that Unit 1 would be used for warehouse storage and described truck deliveries; he told the board deliveries would be limited to 3 p.m. and that up to three construction vehicles sometimes remain overnight.

Engineers and planners pressed for technical updates. The project engineer, Mr. Walker, testified to changes in interior circulation, an added door and removal of a proposed handicap ramp, and noted the need for updated stormwater and drainage calculations, HVAC and pad details, and additional drainage computations. Planner J. Burgis requested a written recycling plan as a condition of approval, and engineer J. Giurintano confirmed a trash enclosure and pad will be required for the commercial use. Board discussion also focused on eliminating the first parking space for safety and on signage above three door areas; the board asked for sign renderings as a condition rather than approving specific sign locations at the hearing.

Attorney Steven Schepis, representing the applicant, summarized the revisions and asked the board to approve the plan, saying the revision “works well” for the site and addresses stormwater and environmental constraints. The application record includes a revised colorized site rendering (Exhibit A-5, revised 5/14/26). The file shows an act-by date of June 30, 2026, for final action on the application.

Next steps: the board’s approval is subject to the listed conditions; applicants must submit the required technical and design information to the board’s professionals and staff for review and administrative sign-off per the conditions.