Area 6 Meeting Minutes 4.28.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: April 29, 2008

RE: North Pemberton Road/US Route 206 - Area #6 Meeting Minutes 4/28/08

Economics

• Several residents were opposed to any development along US Route 206 and North Pemberton Road.

• One resident stated that farmland works just as well as commercial ratables. He recommended that the Township continue to preserve farmland and not chase attractive ratables.

• One resident opined that more development along 206 and North Pemberton Road would create more traffic congestion on existing roads, loss of Abbott Designation, increase taxes and an increase in the Township’s COAH obligation.

• It was recommended that the Township focus its commercial development in downtown Browns Mills. One resident recommended that the Township redevelop its existing commercial area – Browns Mills.

• The commercial effort should be focused on South Pemberton Road in the Manufacturing and Planned Industrial zones.

• The soils along North Pemberton Road and 206 are some of the best in New Jersey. These farms and soils should be preserved. The best use for these soils is agricultural.

• It was recommended that the Township consider a transfer of FAR. The Township must create a balance between agriculture and commercial uses in Area #6.

• One resident opined that Browns Mills will not be able to compete if there is another shopping center in Pemberton Township – especially at 206 and North Pemberton Road.

• It was recommended that business owners be held responsible for the appearance of their buildings.

• Some residents voiced concerned that an increase in commercial and residential development will have a negative impact on the township’s infrastructure and will place a larger burden on the police and school district.

Traffic and Circulation

• Since the base has closed, there is more traffic on Catesville Road. It was recommended that the Township ask the County to take over the maintenance of Catesville.

• There are significant back ups between the High School and Mt. Arney’s.

• Residents cut thru the Wawa to bypass the light at Ft. Dix Street and North Pemberton Road.

• It was recommended that signs be installed (a solid yellow) be placed on Mt. Arney’s Road and North Pemberton Road to prohibit cars from passing slower cars.

• Closing of the base has impacted the circulation throughout Pemberton. It was recommended that military base access passes be provided to Pemberton residents.

• It was recommended that the Pemberton bypass be continued North across Pemberton Browns Mills Road to North Pemberton Road.

• It was recommended that speed limits on Ft. Dix St., Mt. Arney’s, and North Pemberton Road be reduced.

• Cars are queuing at the intersection Mt. Arney’s Road and North Pemberton Road during peak rush hours. It was recommended that the light be retimed.

Zoning and Land Use

• It was recommended decreasing the density along North Pemberton Road from 6 acres/unit to 10 acres/unit.

• It was suggested that the Township consider remove the UEZ designation.

• The UEZ can benefit farmland preservation by supporting more agricultural businesses.

• One resident recommended a CSA program – Community Supervise Agriculture.

• The several residents recommended preserving the airport. There are few recreational airports in the area and it is a real asset to the community according to several residents.

• The residents stated that there are opportunities behind the Country House and along CR530 for development. It is currently zoned Planned Industrial (PI). The Township should look into zoning this area GCLI. This would be a good place for a commercial use.
  

• There are concerns that the Mega Base will create more noise and traffic in Pemberton. The residents recommended that the Township emphasize to the JLUS consultants that farmlands can help buffer the Megabase from the existing residential homes in Pemberton.

Ragan Design Group 30 Jackson Road  Suite C-3  Medford, NJ 08055

Phone: (609) 654-8800 Fax: (609) 654-4664