Traffic consultants flag event parking concerns; township wants additional analysis

Township traffic consultant Bowman and other staff flagged concerns about parking sufficiency for the proposed natatorium and potential overlaps between event parking and everyday use. The tentative plan uses the township’s off-street standard of one space per 150 square feet for the aquatic facility and shows roughly 520 spaces, but consultants asked the applicant to analyze medium-sized events and potential overlap when other on-site or adjacent uses are active.

"I think if that's maybe based off of the township ordinance requirement of the 150, ... might be a little over parked, but we still have some concerns on the ... medium size and smaller events for the parking," said the township traffic reviewer. The consultant asked for additional analysis of medium-size events and recommended a transportation-management plan for large events.

Fire marshal Mike Holmes expressed concern about fire access around the natatorium perimeter and recommended an emergency access lane or displaced parking to ensure apparatus access in fully loaded lots. Applicant representatives said they are prepared to redesign parking to provide fire access and to study bus and shuttle parking as part of the final-plan process. The board directed the applicant to return with refined parking counts, a study of event parking scenarios, and templates demonstrating maneuverability with parked vehicles in place.