Apartment Complex Variance Hearing Could Conclude Thursday

Testimony is expected to wrap up Thursday night in the ongoing variance application for a proposed 252-unit Pleasant Plains apartment complex.

Proposed at the southeast corner of Route 9 and Whitty Road, hearings for the complex have been a staple of Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings for the past several months. Testimony is expected to conclude when the board meets Thursday, 7:30 p.m. in town hall.

The plans for the complex calls for 12 buildings with 21 units each, and 20 percent will be affordable housing as required by the state, the applicant has said. A variance is needed because the area's zoning rules require that developments include half residential and half commercial use.

In addition to the applicant’s planning expert, township planner Jay Lynch is expected to present a report on the proposed complex during the meeting.

Last month, the applicant told board members that they submitted a new plan that eliminates Dugan Lane access to the site after residents and board members expressed concerns with area traffic.

If the variance is approved by board members, the applicant still requires site plan approval for the project.

Aside from the zoning variance, the complex complies with the township ordinance for a development of this type, according to the applicant. The plan is to leave 30 percent forested land on the property untouched and add 600 new trees.

Last month, commercial properties expert Michael Gartenberg, testified that he has tried for years to find a retail tenant for the land “unfortunately, with very little success.”

He said that current economic conditions are not conducive to finding such a use for the site.