BASKING RIDGE, NJ —After 18 months of hearings, Bernards Township has denied Signature Acquisitions, LLC’s application to remove an existing office building and build two new buildings for light industrial/manufacturing and office space off Allen Road.
All six members of the Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to deny the application at the Thursday night meeting citing issues with the D-4 variance, which looked to exceed the allowable Floor Area Ratio(FAR) from 15 percent to 19.83 percent.
“The purpose of the FAR is to limit the intensity of that use or to limit the density of development and that allows for a better quality of life,” said Chairwoman Jeanmarie Genirs.
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“We do know there is a significant relationship between the floor area and the truck traffic and we know that it’s the truck traffic that is bringing so many different detrimental aspects,” said Board member Jaime Herrera. “I just don’t see any positive aspects to granting this with such a large floor area ratio. I don’t believe the 19.83 percent is necessary.”
Signature was 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 97,185 square feet of light-industrial/manufacturing space and 30,792 square feet of office space.
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There would also be 16 trailer loading spaces and 328 parking spaces.
Genirs added that she didn’t think Signature met the burden of proof to show the Township and its roads could support the “intensified use” of the project.
While a traffic study was provided, 70 residents spoke over a total of six hours at two different meetings expressing their opposition. Many residents specifically spoke about the impacts the traffic would have to the area.
“I found the objectors to be very compelling because they’re on the ground, they know the streets, they know the traffic patterns, and I think we responsibly have to factor that in,” said Board member Francis Helverson.
Overall Genirs noted the importance of having a business in town instead of a vacant lot but wanted it to be done in a way to not hurt the character.
“I do think having vacant buildings is a detriment to our town. Whether it is a lost opportunity, lost jobs, safety – and that’s the purpose of the Board. We are trying to work with applicants and the community, and I view Signature as a member of our community, and that’s our job to try and work with you to allow for this type of evolution but it has to be done without detriments to the character of our town,” said Genirs.
After hearing the Board’s comments and before a vote, Signature’s attorney did ask for “the opportunity to address the Board’s concerns particularly as it relates to the FAR.”
However, the Board denied this request.
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