MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

May 2 , 2001

* Indicates Absent Member
** Indicates Excused Absence

Blanche Hoffman received a letter of resignation from Ernest Schmitz. Blanche expressed her appreciation for al the work Ernest had contributed to the OBEC.

Cindy Bell had a Certificate of Appreciation for Mickey Gross in recognition for all his work on the OBEC.

1. APPROVAL OF APRIL 4, 2001 MINUTES
   Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Robert Sommers - all in favor.
   
   
2. BILLS OUTSTANDING
   
   Motion to approve Wayne Farmer attending the Raritan NonPoint Source Forum on May 17th for $25.00 was moved by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Owen Henry - all in favor.
   
   
3. EARTH DAY
   Robert Sommers reported the event was a great success - 200 trees were planted.
   
   
4. ARBOR DAY
   The planting of a Bradford Pear, donated by Ron Butler (ARBE Landscaping) will be help on May 4th. Cindy Bell will purchase a wall plaque for Ron Butler.
   

Blanche Hoffman reported Wayne Farmer and she met with Sam Rizzo and a subcommittee has been formed to work on updating the Master Plan. Tom Norman, Attorney for Planning, will also participate.

5. PARCEL MAPPING GRANT TOWNE CENTER - SCOPE OF WORK
   Blanche Hoffman reported Susan Knauf will develop scope of work for GIS grant.

Wayne Farmer reported John Rieth with the Division of Forestry asked Wayne to work with him on reviewing sites, which he will do, time permitting.

Ernest Schmitz reported 138-00P - At&T Wireless - has been approved. 121-00P - PeopleMover-Child Care center - was continued.

6. PLANNING
   99-00P - The Woods Resubmission 15 single family - Route 34 - tabled for the June 6th OBEC meeting.
   
   
7. ZONING
   33-01Z - Hercules Machinery - Rental/Sales
   The OBEC having reviewed this application had the following comments: The rear of the property abuts up to an R-20 zone, Lot 5.14, who are the property owners of this lot? Commercial zones adjacent to residential zones require buffers. There should be buffers between the Market Place and the entire facility. The Commission has concerns about the impact of the lighting on the adjacent residential zone, and it is not clear what type of lighting will be used. The property that abuts along Route 34 should be landscaped and maintained. The asphalt paved area north of the building will be utilized for outside storage of equipment. Will this equipment be monitored for leaks and will servicing of the equipment be performed on the site?
   
   150-00Z - Legacy Grande
   The OBEC has reviewed the application with the following comments: The proposed development is too intense for this site, which consists of 36.42 acres of which the applicant states 19.2 acres can be developed. The impact on the remaining acres is unclear. We strongly concur with the Old Bridge Township engineers assessment of the environmental impact that any development, particularly one as intensive as this one, would have a very negative impact upon the wetlands and groundwater conditions abutting this development. The Board should consider evaluating this site as a possible addition to the township's land conservation effort.

9:40 PM - Motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Robert Sommers, seconded by Owen Henry, all in favor.

Township of Old Bridge
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Main Phone: 732-721-5600