MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

September 5, 2001

* Indicates Absent Member
** Indicates Excused Absence

Guest: Ernest Schmitz

Approval of July 11, 2001 Minutes - motion to approve the minutes was made by Robert Sommers, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.

Bills Outstanding - ANJEC 2001 Environmental Congress, Oct. 27 @$45 per person. Blanche Hoffman, Wayne Farmer and Gary Szelc will be attending. Vote for approval of payment of bill is tabled for the next OBEC meeting.

Blanche Hoffman announced that the OBEC agenda's and minutes will be posted on the Old Bridge Township home page.

Open Space Community Involvement - Blanche Hoffman advised the Commission that the next Open Space meeting will be discussing the Nike site. Blanche wants to know what is the possibility of the land being developed.

The Old Bridge Fair will be held October 6th. Blanche suggested that a survey be handed out to those attending asking what the residents would like to see done with open space land that is purchased. The choices that would be listed are hiking, biking, walking trails, nature areas, habitat wildlife areas, playgrounds, historic farms, sports fields, golf course, or community pool.

Blanche Hoffman will have a poster made saying: You Voted for Open Space - Old Bridge Needs Your Input". Sponsored by the Old Bridge Environmental Commission.

Greenway Parcel Mapping - Blanche Hoffman will invite the consultants of Kupper Associates to the next meeting. Susan Knauf's edited copy of the Greenway GIS Preparation Proposed Town District will be mailed to the members of the OBEC.

Natural Heritage Rare Species Report - Blanche Hoffman thanked Wayne for his report which was submitted o the DEP Division of Parks and Forestry as well as to James Faczak, Naturalist of Cheesequake Park; and Greg Remaud, NJ Baykeeper.

Shade Tree and Community Forestry Contacts of NJ - Robert Sommers volunteered to write a report on diseased Red Oaks. Wayne Farmer suggested that the Township Forester should be involved.

Blanche Hoffman presented a memo on the Matchaponix Estates Open Space Dedication. A member will be sent to the Mayor and Township Council from the OBEC stating that the Commission agrees with the Township Planner's report and highly recommends that the rear lot lines be adjusted so as to provide sufficient room for a hiking trial and a small buffer. In addition, a conservation easement can be considered to protect areas along the Greenway.

Blanche Hoffman advised the OBEC that Mitchell Coffman received notice from the Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste regarding a recycling approval for his facility. The approval is valid for five years from date of issuance subject to the requirements of NJAC 7:26A-3.12. It was noted that the recycling center is a Class B operated by Coffman Tree Service, Inc. for the recycling of source separate wood material. The recycling center is also utilized for finished product storage and equipment storage.

Ernest Schmitz advised the OBEC that Cornell Disposal will be constructing a solid waste transfer station on Old Waterworks Road. The OBEC will respond to the Planning Board on Application 107-00Z (P).

Planning - 82-01P Toby Gardens - The OBEC will respond to the planning board.

Zoning 41-01Z Pinkowitz - The OBEC will respond to the zoning board.

Gary Szelc suggested that when planning and zoning applications are submitted to the Township, it would be helpful if a title and topographical survey showing existing conditions were included with the plans.

9:50 pm - motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Owen Henry, all in favor.

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