COLTS NECK ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

MEETING OF THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2000
MINUTES

Present: Vincent W. Domidion, Frank Fitzpatrick, Carol Goubeaud, Thomas Hennessy & David Rodetsky

Associates: Gisela Anderl, Patricia Anderson, Marie Goubeaud, Mary Massey & Robert Pechkis

Absent: John Vig & Anthony Wagar

Associates: Donald Crane, Joseph DePierro, Diana Goubeaud, Fred Heyer & David Paddock

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.)

The minutes of May 1, 2000, should reflect that fact that Dave Ely is liaison from NWS Earle to the Township, not the reverse. Mrs. Anderl stated that the siltation of Hockhockson Brook was an old, not current problem. On a motion by Mr. Rodetsky and seconded by Mr. Hennessey, the minutes of April 3, 2000 were accepted with the correction.

LIAISON REPORT

None

PLANNING BOARD

Robert Cooke was present on behalf of "Cowdrey Woods" subdivision, Block 51, Lot 1 on Route 537 and Hockhockson Road. The plan is scheduled to go first to the Board of Adjustment for lot averaging. Ten residential lots are proposed. The property is heavily wooded, The landscape plan incorporates a list of trees over 18" caliper which are present, but does not locate every one, as they are so numerous. The entrance road on Hockhockson Road curves to avoid some large specimen trees, and to screen the subdivision from the road, but does not avoid every single tree. Curb would be eliminated in the wooded area. There are no plans to widen Hockhockson Road, and it should not be necessary in a 10 acre zone with adjacent county parkland.

John Giunco and Bill James were present on behalf of Skyline View Estates, Block 34, Lots 8, 9 & 21, on Muhlenbrink Road (PB #550). Three building lots are proposed, and the lot lines have been shifted to make them more regular in configuration. The existing dwelling, in A-1 zone, would not meet bulk requirements. The other two homes, in the A-3 zone, are planned to be close to road (30 feet from right-of-way) to conform with the neighborhood and push them up away from the slope. The shagbark hickories would be untouched on the slopes. The plan shows the top of bank, where a split rail fence would be installed. The plan is designed to save several 18" caliper trees and a larger 36" caliper tree. A pool is shown about 10 feet from the house and very close to top of slope.

Mr. Domidion noted the presence of aralia (devilÕs walking stick) at top of slope near hickories and asked if the septic field could be moved. Mr. Giunco responded that it would be difficult, and perhaps impossible to do so and still save the 36" caliper tree. Mr. Rodetsky noted that the plans show a footprint of approximately 3,700 square feet, which is out of proportion for the size of the buildable portion of the lots, and not in conformance with the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Giunco requested a response be sent to the Planning Board before June 13. Mr. Domidion, Ms. Goubeaud and Mr. Hennessey will make a site visit at 6:30 PM on June 8, and then send a memo to the Planning Board. The consensus was that the revised plans do not meet environmental standards, and that a better plan would have only two building lots.

Subdivision for Kurite, PB #546, Block 11, Lot 3, is located at the corner of Dutch Lane and Boundary Roads and would create 8 new building lots. The owner is willing to sell only the eastern 24 acre section to the developer. The subdivision would thus cut across the existing topography and soils types, requiring extensive cut and fill, and intensifying disturbance. The lilacs, and a stand of white pines buffering the adjoining subdivision should be preserved. Architectural Review Board opposes a berm, as the houses will be built up a hill, and would require a huge berm.

PB#474X, Block 29, Lot 14, is an application from Cambridge Manor Homeowners Association for permission to keep the wall in front of the development on Route 537. The Commission recommends that the wall be removed, and that walls not be promoted in future developments.

PB#553, application from the Colts Neck Board of Education, shows two trailers located on existing pavement. The Commission finds no adverse environmental impacts at this time.

PB#551, Block 31, Lot 25, site plan for Community Bank changed the access road at the north end, and added a sidewalk, but that doesnÕt connect to the other shopping centers. The Commission recommends the creation of a direct pedestrian linkage between the existing shopping center on the north and south sides of the property; enhancement of the overall landscaping of the area; and consideration for overall traffic circulation within this quadrant of the business zone.

OLD BUSINESS

There are no new developments for shade tree ordinance, interagency coordination, greenways and environmental impact assessment. Mr. Domidion created a template for the largest trees of Colts Neck, and requested that the environmental commissioners assist in completing the list. He will ask Julie McGowanÕs assistance as well. No work has been done on the drainage problem under Normandy Road near Lakeside. Metes and bounds description for easements will be discussed with Tim Anfuso when he becomes full time later this month.

Mr. Domidion suggested that Area 12 of the 1997 Watershed Management Act break off Swimming River district from Navesink district. Each district requires a seat on the executive committee. This could help with the sewering issue. Mr. Domidion explained the rapid bioassessment method of determining water quality.

NEW BUSINESS

None

CORRESPONDENCE

LOI for Community Bank
Green Heritage
Monmouth Watershed Group Management Plan materials

On a motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick, seconded by Mr. Rodetsky, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 3, 2000.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Terry


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