Lot plans draw ire from citizens of Washington Township
The popular item on last Wednesday’s Washington Township Council agenda was an ordinance to extend the commercial industrial zoning designation to encompass the entire property known as Block 86, Lot 1.02.
The ordinance seeks to extend the CI Zoning regulations to the entirety, Block 86, Lot 1.02, known as 268 Hurffville-Crosskeys Road.
The supposed end-game is to build a Royal Farms on the lot, however the ordinance up for adoption is to solely expand the lot.
Council opened discussion to the public and attendees had a variety of opinions on the matter.
The majority of citizens who spoke were concerned about possible environmental problems due to human error when possibly installing a gas station, especially with a water well in close proximity.
Resident Anthony Panto said, “Economic development is really critical and important to this town. I participate on the Economic Development Committee. Why have rules if we’re not going to enforce them? My only concern is that we’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole simply because we need economic development. Have we thought outside the box or is this the easier route to take?”
Resident and attorney Steve Altamuro commented on the legal status of the ordinance, “[If the ordinance is passed], there’s going to be a lot of variances when we go to the next step, which would be to go in front of the Zoning Board. I’d guess there will be a dozen variances that Royal Farms will need to get in order to have any approval. This project is a long, long way away.”
Other residents were concerned about the future of the children in case of a gas leak into the water, traffic patterns, students at the Bright Beginnings Academy, which is in close proximity to the site, and other issues. One resident said they should be excited about the possibility of a Royal Farms because not many businesses are knocking down the door to come into Washington Township.
After some deliberation, the ordinance was adopted and passed by a 3–2 vote on second reading.
In other news:
Mayor Joann Gattinelli presented the winner of the “Battle of the Badges” award to Police Chief Pat Gurcsik, whose unit “won” the blood drive against the fire department.
Gattinelli and Gurcsik also announced the promotion officer Leonard Baldyga to sergeant.
The council cancelled its meetings on June 13, July 11, and Aug. 8 due to less activity and summer hours.
The next council meeting is scheduled for May 23 at 7 p.m.
