08-02-2008, 07:52 AM
http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/News/2002...t_Page/001.html
Panel says Hindu temple
not their plan to decide
Applicant has 45 days
to decide what action,
if any, to pursue
By karl vilacoba
Staff Writer
The Marlboro Planning Board has determined that it is not the proper municipal body to hear plans for a Hindu temple on Route 79 and Orchard Parkway.
In comments made at a June 5 meeting, board members said the 3.4-acre property was not adequate for the building design. However, the board did not technically vote to reject the plan. Instead, a vote to end the proceedings was taken and approved.
In a third public hearing on the application, about 100 area residents crowded the main meeting room at Town Hall as they waited for a decision on the proposed Jalaram Seva Samaj Temple. Two police officers stood by in the chambers, although the meeting went on without incident.
At the first public hearing on the plan, held March 6, about 20 neighborhood residents attended, some of whom voiced complaints about traffic, parking and aesthetic problems they said could result from the construction of the temple. By the time of the April 17 continuation, that number of people had increased several times.
Area resident Arthur Haase used a series of visual aids and self-conducted studies at the April hearing to cover a gamut of complaints about the building: too tall; too much potential traffic; too large for the lot. Haase also addressed environmental concerns and the buildingâs impact on the neighborhoodâs character.
But in the end, it was the buffer zone issue which most determined the boardâs decision. Although the applicant made several changes to its site plan in order to address the concerns of residents, the buffer zone around the temple, expanded from 25 to 35 feet, was still viewed as too thin.
On a motion from board member Stanley Young, the board voted 6-1 to end the proceedings. The boardâs vote meant it did not have a right to decide the issue, which was more appropriate for a use variance, according to Board Attorney Dennis Collins. The applicant now has 45 days to challenge the ruling in court or apply for approval of the project before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
One of the applicantâs representatives, attorney Bill Mehr of Freehold, said he was totally surprised with the boardâs decision. Mehr would not speculate on whether the ruling would be challenged.
Mayor Matthew Scannapieco, who sits on the board, first raised the possibility that the application would be more appropriate for the zoning board.
After some exchanges between the applicantâs representatives, the board members and their professional advisers, Chairman Mario Giudice said, "The piece of property is just not big enough for this building." After a burst of applause from the crowd the chairman warned the audience members they would be ejected if such outbursts recurred.
After the hearing, Giudice said public pressure had no bearing on the boardâs decision.
The one dissenting vote came from Robert Haefeli, who said the definitions of boundaries were ambiguous, and the changes the applicants made to their plans should be considered. In addition to the buffer changes, the new plans called for reducing the domeâs height, adding a fence along the boundary and moving the building further from nearby homes.
After the meeting, residents said they were pleased with the decision.
"As was stated, this structure was much too large for this neighborhood," said Orchard Parkway resident Richard Wysocki, who attended the hearing with five family members. "I feel it is only the first round. Iâm afraid itâs not over."
Panel says Hindu temple
not their plan to decide
Applicant has 45 days
to decide what action,
if any, to pursue
By karl vilacoba
Staff Writer
The Marlboro Planning Board has determined that it is not the proper municipal body to hear plans for a Hindu temple on Route 79 and Orchard Parkway.
In comments made at a June 5 meeting, board members said the 3.4-acre property was not adequate for the building design. However, the board did not technically vote to reject the plan. Instead, a vote to end the proceedings was taken and approved.
In a third public hearing on the application, about 100 area residents crowded the main meeting room at Town Hall as they waited for a decision on the proposed Jalaram Seva Samaj Temple. Two police officers stood by in the chambers, although the meeting went on without incident.
At the first public hearing on the plan, held March 6, about 20 neighborhood residents attended, some of whom voiced complaints about traffic, parking and aesthetic problems they said could result from the construction of the temple. By the time of the April 17 continuation, that number of people had increased several times.
Area resident Arthur Haase used a series of visual aids and self-conducted studies at the April hearing to cover a gamut of complaints about the building: too tall; too much potential traffic; too large for the lot. Haase also addressed environmental concerns and the buildingâs impact on the neighborhoodâs character.
But in the end, it was the buffer zone issue which most determined the boardâs decision. Although the applicant made several changes to its site plan in order to address the concerns of residents, the buffer zone around the temple, expanded from 25 to 35 feet, was still viewed as too thin.
On a motion from board member Stanley Young, the board voted 6-1 to end the proceedings. The boardâs vote meant it did not have a right to decide the issue, which was more appropriate for a use variance, according to Board Attorney Dennis Collins. The applicant now has 45 days to challenge the ruling in court or apply for approval of the project before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
One of the applicantâs representatives, attorney Bill Mehr of Freehold, said he was totally surprised with the boardâs decision. Mehr would not speculate on whether the ruling would be challenged.
Mayor Matthew Scannapieco, who sits on the board, first raised the possibility that the application would be more appropriate for the zoning board.
After some exchanges between the applicantâs representatives, the board members and their professional advisers, Chairman Mario Giudice said, "The piece of property is just not big enough for this building." After a burst of applause from the crowd the chairman warned the audience members they would be ejected if such outbursts recurred.
After the hearing, Giudice said public pressure had no bearing on the boardâs decision.
The one dissenting vote came from Robert Haefeli, who said the definitions of boundaries were ambiguous, and the changes the applicants made to their plans should be considered. In addition to the buffer changes, the new plans called for reducing the domeâs height, adding a fence along the boundary and moving the building further from nearby homes.
After the meeting, residents said they were pleased with the decision.
"As was stated, this structure was much too large for this neighborhood," said Orchard Parkway resident Richard Wysocki, who attended the hearing with five family members. "I feel it is only the first round. Iâm afraid itâs not over."