Minutes of the Environmental Commission
November 3, 2004
Members Present:
Blanche Hoffman, Chair; George Millett; Owen Henry; Joseph Gurliaccio - High School Representative
Members Absent:
Perry Simone, Vice Chair; Wayne Farmer; Linda Hardy; Gary Szelc
Guests:
Jim Faczak, Naturalist - Cheesequake State Park; Ralph Albanir, Middlesex County Director of Parks & Recreation; Mayor Phillips
Blanche Hoffman opened the meeting by introducing Mr. Albanir to give an update on the waterfront project. As explained by Mr. Albanir, the project extends from Margaret's Creek to Whale Creek. Aspect of the work being done is:
a. Bridge to be built over Margaret's Creek
b. Four lots are in negotiation to build walkways and a boardwalk
c. Expanding parking lot at Pirates Road
d. The Great Lawn will have a play area
e. Plan to have a boardwalk going into the wetlands to further an environmental education center
f. Build a kayak and canoe ramp at Whale Creek
The plan for completion will be the summer of 2005.
Jim Faczak was in attendance to voice his concerns on the Metro Park South application coming up for approval by the Zoning Board, and is looking toward the OBEC to support his concerns regarding the negative impact on the surrounding area in Cheesequake State Park.
The Environmental Commission reviewed application 66-03Z Alfieri Metro Park South will submit the following comments to the Zoning Board:
a. The negative impact on the surrounding area, i.e. lighting overspill and building height will be visible from Cheesequake State Park, an Old Bridge treasure.
b. The OBEC is strongly against a variance which would allow the runoff of site water into the surrounding area.
c. Primary ingress and egress should be from the parkway and not from existing township roads.
d. Finally, the quality of life on the residents would be highly compromised.
1. Approval of October 6, 2004 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as presented moved by George Millet, seconded by Blanche Hoffman, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
ANJEC Publication - Acting Locally - Municipal Tools for Environmental Protections, motion to reimburse Blanche Hoffman for $8.00 moved by Owen Henry, seconded by George Millet, all in favor.
3. ANJEC 2004 Environmental Congress
Blanche Hoffman gave a summary on the sessions she attended.
4. NJDEP Environmental Services Grant
Blanche Hoffman received application for a $5,000 matching grant to be submitted by December 15, 2004. Possible topic for the grant would be to identify and inform of the importance of the waterfront or linkage between open space and population areas.
9:50 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Owen Henry, all in favor. |