Land Use Board approves final site plan for The Quarry House at 1872 River Road

The West Amwell Township Land Use Board approved the Final Site Plan for 1872 River Road — known as The Quarry House — at its June 16 meeting, with a 7–2 roll-call vote. The motion to approve was made by Porter Little and seconded by Lonnie Baldino; Connor Montferrat and Joe Romano opposed.

Attorney Kevin Van Hise told the board it could only weigh technical consistency with prior approvals and ordinance standards, while applicant representatives presented revised plans and mitigation measures. Architect Rebecca Gelman described equipment placement and predicted noise levels, saying "the decibel levels will be less than 65 decibels at the property lines." Board engineers and planners indicated their review memos’ comments had been addressed.

Board members debated whether to impose additional conditions, including a water-meter requirement and screening, but attorneys warned such conditions could be challenged in court. Attorney Rich Wells told the board the applicant "will not agree to install a water meter." Despite lingering concern from some members about noise and traffic, several members said the application met the technical standards required for final approval and respected the prior Zoning Board determinations.

The approval followed public comment on environmental and circulation impacts and agreement by the applicant to use Belgium Block curbing rather than concrete. The board also noted follow-up items — including recorded easements for the footpath and coordination with NJDOT on a crosswalk request — that the applicant or township engineers would pursue.