Minutes: July 24, 2007
Meeting was called to order by Craig Williams at 8:14 p.m.
Statement of Compliance
The following statement of compliance was read by Craig Williams.
Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 adequate notice as defined in Section 3D of Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 has been communicated from the Vernon Municipal Center to the New Jersey Herald and published on January 18, 2007. Notice is also posted on the bulletin board and filed with the office of the Township Clerk.
Roll Call
The roll call of members was called and Dennis Downey, David Gornstein, Gary Grey (arrived 8:34 p.m.), Brenda Susman answered the call.
Salute to Flag
Open Meeting to the Public
Austin Carew addressed the EC regarding the Whispering Woods report prepared by Lou Kneip for the town council. The report outlined the history of the development, the suggestions made by Amy Greene and the suggestions made by Lou Kneip.
Mr. Carew advised that the town has decided to follow Lou Kneip’s recommendations. He further advised the town plans on hiring a project coordinator to oversee the project and will seek financial assistance from the developer.
Mr. Carew advised the EC of the current status of the canoe project.
The EC and Mr. Carew discussed the status of the Open Space Commission.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
David Gornstein made a motion to approve the July 10, 2007 minutes; Brenda Susman seconded the motion.
Applications Under Review
ZB #6-07-9: Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizion Wireless—Revised Preliminary & Final Site Plan Maps
The EC agreed the application does not create significant environmental impact.
ZB #5-07-8: Bruce Zaretsky—Revised Preliminary & Final Site Plan
The EC agreed the application does not create significant environmental impact.
PB #8-07-12: Edward Talmo, The Cedars @ Black Creek—Reserve Final Major Subdivision
The EC has previously reviewed the application and remains concerned that the application creates steep slope issues.
PB #8-7-11: PRJ Properties (Turzi)—Final Site Plan
The EC has previously reviewed the application and maintains the opinion that more pervious surface would assist with storm water issues.
PB #8-7-10: Susan Kubie—Preliminary Major Subdivision
The EC discussed joining with the county open space to purchase the land.
PB #3-07-4: Gurumayi Corporation—Minor Site Plan
The EC agreed the application does not create significant environmental impact.
ZB #8-07-13: Nicalex LLC, Carlos Fardin—Preliminary & Final Site Plan
The EC expressed concern for the proximity of the septic to the storm water. The EC further agreed to question the plans for the disposal of chemicals.
Planning Board Liaison Report
David Gornstein advised there was nothing to report other than the McAfee Redevelopment Plan.
New Business
McAfee Redevelopment Plan
Craig Williams and the EC discussed the joint meeting between the PB, TC and EC. The following property owners appeared to present their proposals:
- Father Boland appeared on behalf of St. Francis de Sales regarding the chapel at the intersection of Route 517 and Route 94. The proposal was for a 120 unit hotel with under-structure parking.
- Andy Mulvihill proposed construction of a dome over the quarry which would house a water park. He also proposed a new club house and hotel to be constructed by the golf course and another hotel to be constructed on site for a total of 3,000 units. In addition, the Legends hotel would be refurbished. The next McAfee Redevelopment meeting will be held on July 31, 2007.
Old Business
Audubon Pamphlet
David Gornstein reminded the EC to provide sites within the town to be included in the pamphlet.
Tree Ordinance and Open Space
The EC agreed to address the TC on August 13, 2007.
Adjournment
There being no further items of business for the regular meeting, a motion was made by David Gornstein to adjourn the meeting; Dennis Downey seconded the motion. The regular meeting of the Vernon Township Environmental Commission was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.