Minutes of the Environmental Commission
March 3, 2004
Members Present:
Perry Simone, Vice Chair; Andrew Crabb; Wayne Farmer; Owen Henry; George Millett; Joseph Gurliaccio- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Blanche D. Hoffman, Chair;Gary Szelc
1. Approval of February 4, 2004 Minutes
Motion to approve minutes moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by George Millet, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
No bills to date.
3. Earth Date
Earth Day will be held April 17th, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Andrew Crabb will discuss with Blanche Hoffman prior to the end of March. Finalization will be discussed at the next OBEC meeting on April 7th.
4. Environmental Club
No update due to Joseph Gurliaccio not in attendance.
5. Litter
Perry Simone provided a summary of a previous discussion with Blanche Hoffman with regard to the township problems regarding roadside litter. Those in attendance unanimously agreed with Perry's idea to have Blanche Hoffman prepare a formal letter to be sent to Middlesex County Freeholder David Crabiel, with a copy to Mayor Philips, requesting the County make a concerted effort to do a litter patrol clean-up of Route 516 as soon as possible, and especially prior to the seasonal growth of brush, leaves, etc.
It was also agreed that a second letter be sent to Senator Kyrillos requesting a New Jersey State sponsored roadside litter clean-up of Route 18 with special emphasis in the Ferry Road area (note: it is critical that the portion of Rt. 18 that runs through Old Bridge Township maintain its "park like" atmosphere) with a copy to Mayor Phillips.
Wayne Farmer suggested the OBEC look into the possibility of an "Adopt-a-Road" program.
6. Seidler's Beach
There was no update provided by the public residents of either Cliffwood Beach or Laurence Harbor.
7. Tree Preservation
A copy of Monroe Township's Tree Preservation was discussed with the realization that tree preservation is very difficult when dealing with large developments, and the tree "size" should not be the only criteria when trying to protect trees. The possibility of a Shade Tree Commission was discussed, but that posed the question: is there a need for one? If so, it must have a real mission.
Wayne Farmer stated that the Tree Ordinances are often part of a town's master plan but do not usually serve the intended purpose of protecting trees.
Owen Henry states the only real tree protection in Old Bridge comes through the enforcement of buffer zones.
8. Controlled Burning
Perry Simone notified those in attendance that the State Forest Fire Service is presently performing controlled burns in at least six southern New Jersey counties; this issue can be expected to surface again in Old Bridge. At this time the OBEC has no comment or official position on controlled burning. Perry will provide a further update at the OBEC April meeting.
Wayne Farmer will review ANJEC's publication entitled "Pathways for the Garden State".
Perry Simone reported that the Staples store on Rt. 9 in Old Bridge now recycles both ink-jet and laser jet printer toner cartridges; also, he re-emphasized the importance of all residents recycling household batteries at the convenient drop-off site found at the Old Bridge Public Library.
9. Planning and Zoning
51-03P - First Filipino Church
Owen Henry stated that this plan was sent back for major revisions at the Planning Board meeting held on March 2nd. After reviewing the existing version of the plan the OBEC determined that the "steep slopes" will be primarily untouched and are not encroached by the new parking areas. This plan now calls for 111 parking spaces for the 300 seats. A positive note is that there will no longer be a road behind the water tower.
20-04P - James and Elizabeth Ivan
The OBEC has no comments at this time.
90-03P - Old Bridge Estates
The OBEC requests that Engineering carefully review the wetlands impact with special emphasis on buffer averaging for the protection of new homeowners as well as the wetlands. If possible the lighting plan should be reviewed for lights with downward illumination.
101-03Z - Circle Automotive Service
The OBEC request increased plantings along the south east and north west property lines to buffer proposed increase use and to buffer visual impact of the new structure. The OBEC would insist that outside stored vehicles be strictly limited as a condition of approval.
10:00 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Owen Henry, seconded by Andrew Crabb, all in favor. |