Plumsted Land Use Board approves bulk-variance for 30 Tower Rd.; applicant to remove two structures

The Plumsted Township Land Use Board voted to approve the bulk-variance application submitted by Richard Pogorzelski for property at 30 Tower Rd., Cream Ridge (Block 62/Lot 11). The application was re-noticed for the March 19 meeting and resubmitted with recommendations from the Board Engineer; the motion to approve was made by Mr. Bill Fox and seconded by Mr. Dustin Horowitz, with roll-call AYES from Fox, Horowitz, Riccardi, Mayor James Hagelstein, Committeeman Robert Bowen, Ryan Stillwell, Ted Garrigana, Vice Chairman Robert O'Neill and Chairman Douglas Hallock. Two members were recorded as disqualified from the vote and two members were absent.

Board Attorney Joe Coronato clarified a central legal point in the discussion: the proposed new structure is not a preexisting nonconforming use, so the current RA-5 standards — not older R-40 standards — apply after the property changed from an approximate 1-acre parcel to a 5-acre parcel. Mr. Pogorzelski testified on site improvements and drainage: "He said that he is willing to put drywells." The board recorded that as a condition of approval and the applicant also testified that the two existing structures on the lot will be taken down.

The approval follows a review of engineering recommendations; the board’s minutes note that the revised application incorporated those suggestions. Next steps identified in the meeting record include implementation of the drainage condition and any required permits or inspections tied to the approved plan.