HOWELL – A 100-acre parcel of undeveloped land on Fort Plains Road is set to be completely transformed into a new development, the “Views at Monmouth Manor.”
The members of the Howell Planning Board have voted to grant approval of the proposed project to construct a 319-unit residential development that includes affordable housing.
At the February 17 meeting, Planning Board Chairman Brian Tannenhaus, Vice Chairman Nicholas Huszar, Evelyn O’Donnell, Robert Nicastro, Paul Dorato, Brian Greenfield, Robert Seaman, Megan Talente and Joseph Cristiano voted “yes” on a motion to approve the development application.
The development was proposed by FP Howell, LLC, and the Estate of William Whalen by Gina Bettencourt, John Berkoben and Ruth Bennett, as owners. They received preliminary and final major subdivision approval and site plan approval for the Views at Monmouth Manor on a 102-acre tract at Fort Plains and Sunnyside roads in Howell.
The 319 residential units would consist of 72 homes sold at market rates, 155 townhomes sold at market rates and 92 condominiums/apartments to be designated as affordable housing.
Over several months, the board held public hearings on the Views at Monmouth Manor which subsequently led to the special meeting on January 31. At the February 17 meeting, residents were able to comment on the housing project before the board voted.
Howell resident Fred Gasior stated how he understands the need for affordable housing and the Supreme Court requirement, but feels there are many issues regarding the proposal.
“My issue with this project is its size, its location and what kind of planning is going to be needed after this project is up and running. We are very familiar with this property, we used to buy fruits and vegetables off it a long time ago. Our property borders and often we take walks onto that property through the woods,” Gasior said.
He also added how the construction would conflict heavily with the surrounding environment on Fort Plains Road. Gasior stated he’s seen animals such as turkeys, red foxes, grey foxes and coyotes on the property as well as egrets, owls, bats and more.
In addition, Gasior noted that the traffic in the area would sky rocket, as over the past 20 years it has become worse.
“Traffic routinely backs up from past Home Depot, southbound, to Aldrich Road in the afternoon. Motorists, including myself, take West Farms Road to Fort Plains Road to get around all of the traffic. On weekday afternoons, Fort Plains Road is an annex of Route 9, it is a very busy road,” Gasior said.
Attorney Kenneth Pape, who represented the applicant, explained how the applicant entered into a contract with the township and confirmed on the record that they intend to and will abide by each and every requirement set forth in that agreement.
Pape also discussed how they addressed drainage concerns that were brought up from previous meetings which has been reviewed by the township’s engineer and by the state (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection).
After Pape concluded his remarks, Tannenhaus made a motion to grant preliminary and final site plan approval. O’Donnell seconded the motion and the board members unanimously approved the Views at Monmouth Manor.
