Mr. Domidion called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM, reading the following statement: "In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Law - Chapter 21, P.L. 1975, public notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with Annual Notice Procedures." (C10:4-28 of said Act.)

Mr. Rodetsky noted that the minutes of the March meeting omitted the fact that there was discussion regarding the stagnant water and drainage problem on Lakeside Avenue near Normandy Road. On a motion by Mr. Rodetsky and seconded by Mr. Vig, the minutes of March 9,2000 were accepted with the correction.

LIAISON REPORT

Mr. Hennessy noted that as developable land is being used up, an increasing number of applicants are asking for waivers from environmental regulations in order to fit more development on smaller parcels. He urged that development issues be looked at in view of long term impacts. He has noticed increased litter about the Township and has asked for increased enforcement and fines.

PLANNING BOARD

Scott Anderson, Esq., appeared on behalf of Skyline View Estates, with Bill James, contract purchaser of Block 34, Lots 8, 9 & 21, on Muhlenbrink Road tPB #550). They propose 3 building lots and adding a small portion of Lot 21 to Lot 8 to meet bulk requirements for size. The plat does not show delineation of the stream corridor buffer, which should be 50 feet from the transition point. It was recommended strongly to the applicant that the prints be presented to the Health Officer for his review prior to the next Technical Review Committee meeting.

Millis Harry, P.E., of O'Donnell Stanton & Associates of Toms River, appeared on behalf of White Cedar Estates, Block 41, Lot 4, located at the end of Kathleen Drive. This subdivision proposes 4 new homes on 55,000 square foot or larger lots in cluster configuration. The required stream corridor buffer has not been shown on the print. This area contains a tributary of Yellow Brook. The Commission requested an access be provided to the greenway along the side lot lines at the end of the cul-de-sac. This would eliminate the need for people to walk behind the residences in this project.

Revised plans have been received for Pegasus Golf Course, PB #513, Block 31, Lot 1.03, and Block 17, Lots 10.01 - 10.04,10.16 & 10.26. There appear to be no environmental impacts from this revision.

The site of the former Sunoco station becomes one of increasing concern as the United States Environmental Protection Agency has now recognized and committed itself to the ultimate removal of MTBE as a gasoline additive due to its implications for human health. There is concern that as yet- unidentified broader environmental impacts may ultimately be recognized. The Commission strongly urges that no action be taken on this site to change uses until a thorough evaluation has been completed by all appropriate parties, including the Colts Neck Township Board of Health.

Two River Engineering has submitted a site plan for Community Bank on Block 31, Lot 25, at State Route 34 and Merchants Way. This project represents the final major piece of infill development in the northwestern quadrant of our business zone. It also, therefore, presents the final realistic opportunity for the Township to review and reconsider and possibly reconfigure this overall area. Given the fact that the Highway Access Management Plan calls for a traffic light at Artisan Way and Route 34, the Commission believes it to be a reasonable option to link Merchants Way as it enters from Heyers Mill Road around behind the shopping center directly to Artisan Way, and to ultimately cut off the access to Route 34 that currently exists at Merchants Way. Such a reconfiguration would serve to contain or isolate pass-through traffic from the shopping center traffic, and permit a unified circulation plan to be developed internally for these businesses. This would also create the opportunity for putting in place a unifying pedestrian system of pathways that could tie the entire area together from Artisan Way all the way to the Grange Building and Investors Savings. This would encourage people to park once and walk. In this process consideration should also be given to expanding to the greatest extent the amount of landscaped area within the parking areas, and should seek to create green nodes that could include benches and/or tables so that people could pause at intervals and read a paper or simply talk. This would enhance and unify this area as a welcoming human environment.

A specific concern regarding this application is the proximity of the proposed internal roadway paralleling Route 34. As Route 34 widens, This may well be too close to the highway. There is additional concern that it will see a relatively high volume of traffic consisting of vehicles with destinations beyond this project.

JKR Engineering has submitted a subdivision for Lunvan Properties, PB #539, Block 53, Lot 70, on Hockhockson opposite Water Street, proposing four lots in a two acre cluster zone on 10.37 acres. The required stream buffer corridor is not shown on the plat. A site inspection will be made.

Mr. Domidion will schedule site inspection for Lunvan Properties, White Cedar Estates, and the Sunoco property (especially the rear portion).

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Hennessy reported that other pressing matters have diverted the Shade Tree Commission from working on a shade tree ordinance, but he will continue to remind them.

Mr. Domidion will work on achieving interagency coordination (the "Green Team").

Mr. Domidion spoke with planner Andy Strauss, who is working on greenways links. It is possible to follow greenways throughout the Township from Boundary Road to Long Bridge Road, although there are no pathways.

Mr. Domidion offered a sample of what could be found in natural heritage mapping. He proposes to integrate species with soils types and with sub-watersheds, and distribute the information via the Web. Using this data, anyone would be able to go through town and see from the vegetation what soils and watershed exist in that area.

Ms. Goubeaud reported that streams are very low for this time of year. Her water testing team has noted more litter, especially at Long Bridge Road.

Mr. Rodetsky and Ms. Goubeaud both reported that the drainage at Lakeside near Normandy is still stagnant. The County has sprayed for mosquitoes but the drainage facility, which no longer functions, probably belongs to the Navy. Ms. Goubeaud and Mr. Domidion will inspect the site, and Mr. Domidion will speak with Vikki Thompson at the Monmouth County Mosquito Exterminating Commission. Mr. Hennessy will involve the Township's liaison with NWS Earle.

Ms. Goubeaud noted that the grant which the Commission voted for supplies for the water testing team at the beginning of 1998 has not been paid, despite numerous visits to Township Hall by both Ms. Goubeaud and Ms. Terry to sign vouchers and purchase orders. Mr. Hennessy will speak with John Antonides.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Domidion will send a written request for stream cleaning of the Hockhockson Brook to the Monmouth County Water Resources Association. The brook is heavily silted, and although it is located downstream of water supply watershed, is trout habitat.

Mr. Domidion will obtain a greenway map for Ms. Goubeaud to use at the St. Mary's Environmental Fair.

CORRESPONDENCE
Green Heritage
Notice of Second Annual Environmental Technology Exposition in Atlantic City

Letter from John Giunco withdrawing application for vacation of easement on Block 29.12, Lot 7.02, which was discussed at the last meeting

Articles from Colts Neck Journal and Colts Neck Calendar

Meeting adjourned at 10:44 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 1, 2000.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Terry

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