BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The public will finally be able to voice their opinions on Signature Aquistions’ application to construct two new buildings on Allen Road for light industrial/manufacturing and office space.
Testimony from witnesses and experts concluded at the Bernards Township Board of Adjustment Wednesday night meeting for the application that was first filed in early 2023. The application is now being carried to Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. when public comment will be heard.
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“I appreciate that there are a lot of people who want to make a public comment and the Board will make every effort to hear each person,” said Board Chairwoman Jeanmarie Genirs on Wednesday. “And in that spirit, I am going to ask people that they think about their comments to keep them focused. And try to keep it to a length of three to five minutes. The Board will have discretion but in fairness I want to give everyone an opportunity to speak.”
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Genirs also asked that the public “always be respectful” whether they are for or against the application.
It is unclear if the Board will have enough time to vote on the application at the Oct. 9 meeting. The public will need to comment and then attorneys on both sides will do their summations before the Board can deliberate.
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Genirs noted that depending on how many people speak, the public comment may be carried to possibly a special meeting on Oct. 17 or a meeting in November.
Signature Acquistion Application
Signature is proposing to remove the existing 174,546-square-foot office building and build two new buildings at 150 Allen Road. The new buildings would consist of a 97,185 square feet of light-industrial/manufacturing space and 30,792 square feet of office space.
There would also be 24 trailer loading spaces(12 at each building) and 328 parking spaces.
“The proposed light manufacturing use of the buildings will be consistent with the Township’s permitted uses in the E-1 Zone and will consist of activity which involves the assembly of products from previously prepared materials and will not involve the synthesis or chemicals or the processing of raw materials,” according to the application.
The application has drawn opposition from Bernards Township residents. The Bernards Township Board of Education has also raised concerns about the potential increase in truck traffic near schools and its impact on school buses and students and staff arriving at school.
For more information on the proposed project click here.
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