Paulsboro land-use board approves minor subdivision at 541 Mantua Ave with fire-department sign-off required

The Paulsboro Land Use Board on June 4 approved a minor subdivision for 541 Mantua Avenue that will split the property into two lots and create separate ownership for the wrestling club and front commercial buildings. Chair Robert DeAngelo opened the meeting at 6:03 p.m.; on a motion by Larry Haynes and a second from Jack Henderson the board voted unanimously to approve the application with conditions.

Applicant Paul Morina testified that Mantua Creek Group LLC will retain the two front commercial buildings while PFMO LLC will become sole owner of the wrestling club facility. Attorney James Pierson and engineer Paul Witthohn told the board the application involves only redrawing lot lines and does not propose physical changes to buildings, lighting, drainage or access. Witthohn said the requested bulk C variances result from the new lot lines rather than new construction.

The application package included a parking and circulation plan; Witthohn said the wrestling club portion would have 24 spaces (11 left rear, 13 front, and one existing handicap space) and the two front business buildings would have 11 spaces (10 left, one existing handicap), which he said complies with borough ordinance standards. The planner, Chris Dochney, noted he counted 26 spaces when reviewing the plan and asked the applicant to confirm operations would avoid peak overlap; the applicant said the businesses and the club operate on different schedules.

The board approved the subdivision subject to conditions set by staff and professionals, including Gloucester County Planning Board approval and sign-off from the Borough Fire Chief or County Fire Marshal on the proposed lot lines close to buildings. The motion carried on an 8–0 roll call (Ayes: Robert DeAngelo, Jennifer Maden, Mayor Giovannitti, Ben Mento, Phillip Neff, Jack Henderson, Larry Haynes, Alice Williams).