Visioning Minutes

Summary style minutes from the visioning hearings held during 2008 by the Planning Board Planner from Ragan Design Group are now available on the blog!!

Area 1 Meeting Minutes 5.20.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: May 20, 2008

RE: Downtown Browns Mills - Area #1 Meeting Minutes

Circulation

• Truck traffic has increased on East Lakeshore Drive. It was recommended that weight restrictions be placed on East Lakeshore Drive and West Lakeshore Drive.

• One resident recommended that a bikeway plan be create to connect all neighborhoods in Pemberton Township to Browns Mills. The path should continue around Mirror Lake.

• It was recommended that Bike Racks be installed at all bus stops/bus shelters.

• The Township needs to create a way-finding plan (signage). The signs should indicate municipal parking, restaurants, bus stops and recreation areas.

• It was recommended that another street be created to Juilistown-Vincentown Road from the mobile home community.

• It was recommended that a portion of Rancocas Lane vacated and sidewalks installed.

• The residents would like to see sidewalk enhancements and landscaping in downtown Browns Mills.

• The sidewalks along Broadway should be extended to the other side of Broadway and to the intersection of Broadway/Lakeshore and Evergreen.

• Evergreen and Broadway/Lakeshore is a dangerous intersection. It was recommended that signage be installed to warn motorists.

• Broadway and East Avenue is a dangerous intersection. Cars take out mailboxes.

• East Avenue is starting to become a cut through street for residents and military employees.

• Residents stated that it is difficult to pull out of the Library.

• Clubhouse Road and Lakeshore Road are cut through streets for military employees.

• There are no parking spaces/lots for access to Mirror Lake and the Rancocas Creek. There is a vacant lot on Lakehurst across from Reflection Park. It was recommended that the Township allow overflow parking on this lot.

Recreation

• The residents strongly want to return to the “historical roots” of Browns Mills especially the cedar lakes. The residents would like to see a boat house store along Lake Mirror. The boat house could rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and sunfish sail boats. One resident stated that there used to sunfish sailboat races around the lake. The residents would like to bring back sailboat races to Lake Mirror.

• The residents recommended an ice skating rink in Browns Mills.

Safety

• Some residents stated, at times, they do not feel safe in Browns Mills – especially at night. It was recommended that the Township increase police patrols in Browns Mills. It was recommended that the Township look into installing video cameras in downtown to help catch crimes.

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

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

Area 2 Meeting Minutes 6.23.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: June 23, 2008

RE: Browns Mills - Area #2 Meeting Minutes (6/23/2008)

Circulation

• Trucks and Humvees are using East Lakeshore Drive, N. Whitesbogs Road and Range Road as major roadways from Cookstown to downtown Browns Mills and Lakehurst Drive. These trucks are kicking-up stones and dirt from the unpaved roads. The dirt is starting to accumulate on the residents’ homes and in their yards. It was recommended that Range and North Whitesbogs Road be paved.

• Tractor trailers and state employees getting to and from the state correction facility are using Range Road and N. Whitesbogs Road. Recently, an 18-wheel tractor trailer was stuck by Bayberry Park and could not turn around on the narrow streets. It was recommended that the Township install signage along Whitesbogs Road and Range Road to direct people to the military base and state correction facility.

• Traffic is queuing-up along Trenton Road in front of Deborah Hospital and Stackhouse Elementary School since they closed the gates at Ft. Dix and Texas Avenue. It was recommended that the light at the intersection of Broadway and Trenton Road be retimed.

• East Lakeshore Drive and West Lakeshore drive have seen an increase in military vehicles, tractor trailers and commuter vehicles since the federal government closed the gates into Ft. Dix. It was recommended that traffic counts be conducted on East Lakeshore Drive and West Lakeshore Drive to assess the traffic volumes. It was recommended that weight restrictions be placed on these roadways. This recommendation should also be forwarded to the Joint Land Use Base study committee.

• The intersection of West Lakeshore Drive and Evergreen Avenue is a dangerous. It is a blind curve. It was recommended that signs (and/or speed bumps) be installed to warn people of the intersection and the blind curve on West Lakeshore Drive.

• There are no shoulders on East Lakeshore Drive, West Lakeshore Drive and Evergreen Avenue. They are hazardous roadways to pedestrians and bicyclists. It was recommended that the roadways be widen with shoulders and/or sidewalks.

• Ridge Road, Daisy Lane and N. Whitesbogs Road are cut through streets for reservists from County Lakes, Presidential Lakes and Browns Mills.

• Catesville Road has become a cut through road since they closed the gates at Ft. Dix. The residents are concerned that the increase in traffic will impact condition of the roadway. It was recommended that Catesville Road be repaired and repaved.

• The Township needs additional parking spaces around Mirror Lake during special events.

• There are handicap persons living on N. Whitesbogs Road and Range Road. It was recommended that signage and speed bumps be placed on these roadways.

Recreation

• It was recommended that the Township look into creating a multiuse path system around the lake.

• The Township needs to “sell” the positives of the lakes to the surrounding communities. It was recommended that the Township start an advertising campaign which brands Pemberton as a “healthy environment, with plenty of recreation opportunities (hiking, camping, bike riding, fishing, swimming etc.).” Pemberton has to return to its roots – “an escape from the city lifestyle and enjoy the lakes.”

Economics

• Pemberton needs to bring more businesses, commercial and retail users into the community. The existing shopping centers are not meeting the needs of the residents and business owners. One resident stated she would like to see more commercial stores in the Township. She said “other commercial stores will bring more opportunities (jobs, goods, services) to the Township.”

• One resident recommended improving the existing commercial center in the Township. The resident fears that more development will eliminate precious farmland and place a bigger tax burden on the community.

• Pemberton should think “green” for its design guidelines. The Township should also consider solar electric farms.

• The closing of Texas Avenue has hurt business owners in Browns Mills.

Miscellaneous

• It was recommended that the Township consolidated the “Philly Inquirer” lots if under the same ownership.

• The Township should embark on a real estate advertising campaign to the military. Advertise that Pemberton has a good school system, affordable housing, low taxes, and an abundance of recreation opportunities.

• The water lines and supporting infrastructure need to be updated.

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

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

Area 3 Meeting Minutes 1.29.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: January 31, 2008

RE: Country Lakes - Area #3 Meeting Minutes 1/29/2008

Circulation

• The residents stated that it is difficult to cross the intersection of Ridgeview Avenue and Lakehurst Road especially when heading eastbound on Ridgeview Avenue. The residents recommended that a traffic signal be installed.

• There are light timing issues at Lakehurst Road and Firehouse Road and at Lakehurst Road and Choctaw. The residents recommended that the traffic signals on Lakehurst be re-timed.

• Lakehurst is a major thorough-fare street. Residents feel that peak travel hours are 7:00 am - 8:00 am and from 3:00 pm-5:30 pm. They recommended that the County conduct traffic counts during these hours.

• The residents believe that the proposed Senior Development (Pemberton Pines) will contribute more to traffic on Lakehurst then originally anticipated.

• One resident opined the County should consider a rotary on Lakehurst to resolve some of the traffic issues on Lakehurst. According to the resident, the rotary is more environmentally sensitive. Other residents were skeptical of this approach.

• Residents from Presidential Lakes use Spring Lake and Choctaw as cut-through streets to get to Lakehurst Road and downtown Browns Mills. The residents recommended creating roads in the State Forest to alleviate some of the traffic problems in Country Lakes. The residents recommended that the residents from Presidential Lakes be required to use Junction Road, Mt. Misery Road or Magnolia Road as access streets to Lakehurst Road or downtown Browns Mills instead of cutting through Country Lakes.

• The residents suggested the Township look into paving unimproved roads in the Township to improve circulation.

• The residents asked if the County could take over the maintenance of Choctaw Road.

• The residents requested sidewalks be installed in Country Lakes and along major roads.

• The residents recommended installing weight restrictions on Choctaw and any other street with a bridge/dam crossing.

• Some residents recommended changing road directions on Lakehurst during certain hours of the day; although this was not a consensus by any means.

Sewer and Dams

• Some houses are on septic but the majority of homes are on public sewer. There are several homes in Country Lakes that are below the lateral line elevation and are not tied into the Township’s sewer system.

• Pemberton adopted an ordinance in 1979 that requires all homes be tied into the Township’s sewer line.

• Heavy vehicles impact the Choctaw Dam. Colony Lake’s Dam does not appear to function properly. Split Rock Road may be impacting the dam. Long Lake is filling-in due to sediment. The residents asked about a lake maintenance program.

• DPW does monitor the lakes when a storm is coming. However, some of the sluice gates do not work in Country Lakes.

• The Township engineer is presenting to the community on 2/11/08 a report on the dams.

• Bog water may be impacting the dam. It was suggested that a direct line of communications between Whites Bogs and the Township occur to coordinate water release dates.

Code Enforcement

• There are too many junkyards in Area #3. The residents do not want anymore junkyards. They want the Township to study if the junkyards are releasing pollutants into the ground. Residents with well water are concerned.

• The residents are concerned about the pesticides and other contaminants in the lakes. They suggested a study should be done to test the water quality in the lakes and the sediment at the bottom of the lakes.

• The residents would like to restrict ATV and motorcycle activities in the woods. Parents with small children have safety concerns.

Businesses

• The residents of Country Lakes do not want to become the “old” Wrightstown. It is going to be hard to compete with the Mega Base and the “new” Wrightstown. The Township and the Pinelands Commission should be more business friendly.

• “People are no longer retiring to Pemberton. We need to make this a place to live.”

• “There are plenty of families on the Mega Base. We need to get them to move to Pemberton.”

• The residents would like a family style restaurant such as a Chili’s or Applebee’s.

Recreation

• The residents suggested supervision at all parks. It is not safe to leave your children alone at the park. Safety is a real concern.

• There is a lack of transportation to the PAL fields. All soccer games occur at the High School. Country Lakes would like a general use field and other fields so they do not have to drive their children all over for fields.

• The residents suggested more playground apparatus at the tot lots.

• There should be more marketing of White Bogs and the Blueberry Festival as unique events of Pemberton.

• One suggestion was to reach out to the State Parks and create a partnership to develop some of their land into a recreation facility for Country Lakes and the Township.

• The residents want to know if the Township can sell some its vacant land along Lakehurst to reduce the Township’s tax burden. The Mayor mentioned that he has considered selling the land to Green Acres or developing them in recreation fields.

Miscellaneous

• Some of the residents would like to change their mailing address to Country Lakes. Is this possible?

• The residents would like a better gateway sign into Country Lakes.

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

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

Area 4 Meeting Minutes 2.25.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: March 4, 2008

RE: Presidential Lakes - Area #4 Meeting Minutes 2/25/2008

Circulation

• The residents requested that the Township finish paving all the roads that they started but never finished especially Louisiana.

• The residents asked the Township to evaluate the existing street widths and determine whether it would possible to add sidewalks/pathways.

• The residents requested that crosswalks be installed on New York, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. These streets are unsafe for children. They requested pedestrian crossing lines and signs on streets near the PL park.

• The residents requested that NJTransit and Burlington County bring a bus route to Presidential Lakes. Right now, there is no public transportation service to Presidential Lakes.

• The residents opined that there is no direct connection to downtown Browns Mills. It takes residents from PL approximately 20 minutes to drive to downtown Browns Mills. Residents in PL shop in other municipalities for their daily needs. According to one resident, “it is not worth driving to Browns Mills because it’s not safe and it does not have enough stores…It is easier for me to do all my shopping on my way home from work in Toms River.”

• The residents requested better road linkages between PL and the Township’s schools, Ft. Dix and Browns Mills.

• It was recommended that the Township negotiate with the State Forest a ROW easement to downtown Browns Mills and the Township’s schools.

• The police department and Fire Co. requested another access road into and out of PL. There will be only one access point into PL once Oregon Trail/Dam is closed.

Septic/Sewer

• The residents recommended that the Township evaluate the drainage in PL. Land in PL was re-graded when the new homes were constructed. The residents stated that the ground water level has shifted and some residents are seeing more water in their basements.

• The residents recommended that the Township evaluate the seepage pits in PL.

• The residents stated that they have a concern that too much waste from the septic systems is being absorbed into the ground.

• Rick asked the residents if they wanted sewer. ½ the residents want sewer and the other half do not. One resident stated that he wants the same thing the Pinelands has – sewer and water.

• The mayor stated he wants the Township and the MUA to bring sewer and water to PL. He suggested that he would like to bring Sewer and Water down Four Mile Road to PL. The line would be surrounded by State Forest land and would less likely encourage more development.

Community Facilities

• The residents would like a new community center in PL.

• The residents opined that the Presidential Lakes Firehouse/EMS is in poor condition. They recommended that the Township build a new Firehouse/EMS building in PL. They also recommended that the Township purchase new Fire and EMS trucks.

• The Police Force has a presence in PL. The residents of PL are organizing a Neighborhood Watch program and are looking for volunteers and block captains.

Open Space and Parks

• The residents opined that the Township needs better walking and biking trails. The existing trails are congested with 4-wheelers (ATVs) and horse. The residents recommended that new trails be restricted to pedestrians and bicycles.

• The residents requested that the existing trails (and any new trails) be ADA compliant especially for wheelchairs and older residents.

• The residents voiced concerned over illegal waste dumping in the State Forest (especially behind Montana). The Mayor stated that the residents should call the Police Department when they see illegal dumping in the State Forest. The NJ State Forest is responsible for cleaning the state forest land in the Township.

• The residents recommended that a soccer field be construct in PL. Councilman Prickett recommended the land directly behind the PL Firehouse.

• One resident recommended that a fenced in dog park be constructed near Presidential Lakes.

• The residents opined that they want their lake and beaches back. It was a great asset for PL.

Architecture and Landscaping

• The residents recommended that the Township develop a tree management plan. The residents opined that too many trees are being removed due to new construction and house additions

• Gypsy moths are a big problem.

• The residents suggested that more landscaping should be encouraged in Presidential Lakes. Rick recommended that an annual prize be given to the home with the best landscaping.

Lighting and Signs

• The residents requested additional street lights to improve safety at night. Also, they would like the Township to fix all broken street lights. The mayor indicated that residents should contact the Township regarding lights and they will fix and/or install them. The Mayor added that there is a form on the Township’s website regarding street light installation and repairs.

• The residents would like school bus stop signs.

• The residents would like a new Gateway sign for Presidential Lakes.

Economics and Retail Services

• There are no retail services in PL except for two convince stores – Pinelands Market and the Lake Store. These stores do not meet the daily needs for the residents of PL. Better stores are more than 20 minutes away from PL. The residents would like a dry cleaner, day care center and general store in PL.

• Several residents stated they would like to see a large commercial development in town such as a Walmart or another supermarket besides Acme.

• The residents recommended that the Township try to make existing farms more economically viable.

• The residents opined that all their income goes to other towns such as Marlton, Hainesport, Mt. Holly, Medford, Whiting etc. The Township does not provide the retail services required by the residents. The residents all agreed that they would rather spend their money in Pemberton

• The residents in PL stated that they feel like a “second thought” in Pemberton and that they are not part of the Township. They want the same services as the rest of the Township such as infrastructure, transportation, schools, and retail. The mayor assured them that they are part of the Pemberton community and he is striving to make PL more connected to the entire Township.

• The residents recommended that they would like to see the Old Acme center developed into an Ice/Roller Skating Rink or Movie Theater.

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

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

Area 5 Meeting Minutes 3.25.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: March 25, 2008

RE: Lake Valley Acres - Area #5 Meeting Minutes 3/24/08

Circulation

• The residents stated that Magnolia Road is a major cut through street for dump trucks and people heading to the shore.

• The “Point” (Magnolia Road, Pemberton – Vincentown Road, South Pemberton Road, and Pemberton By-pass) is a dangerous intersection. The residents stated that the intersection is difficult to navigate. It is difficult to access Burger King and Dunkin Donuts’ parking lots. The intersection is very congested during the morning and evening rush hours.

• The curve along Pemberton – Vincentown Road is dangerous. The residents recommended signs to warn drivers to slow down as they approach the curve.

• The residents stated that there is a bottleneck at the intersection of Pemberton – Vincentown Road and CR 530 in the morning.

• The residents stated that traveling towards the Township on South Pemberton Road/CR 530 is very dangerous especially when it intersects with Pemberton – Vincentown Road and Magnolia Road. The residents would like to see improvements along CR 530 such as new paving, lowering the speeding limit or a median.

• The residents recommended a guardrail be installed on Burns Mills Road. It was also recommended that the road be repaved.

• New Lisbon is a cut through street to Browns Mills. The residents recommended reducing the speeding limit on New Lisbon Road.

Park and Recreation Areas

• The residents recommended that there be some aesthetic improvements between Lake Pemberton and Magnolia Road. It was recommended additional areas along Pemberton Lake be made available for more public access.

• It was recommended that the Township enlarge Lake Pemberton’s gravel parking lot along Magnolia Road.

• The residents recommended a better walking trail system around Lake Pemberton.

• The residents recommended that the Township create a trail and recreation facilities plan with maps and place it on the Township’s website. The plan should include the location of recreation facilities and biking/hiking trails (with distances) along the Rancocas Creek and within the State Forest.

• The residents recommended bike lanes along Pemberton Browns Mills Road from the Borough of Pemberton to the Babe Ruth Fields along Magnolia Road from CR 530 to the State Forest.

• The residents recommended sidewalks along Pemberton Browns Mills Road for children and people who did not want to ride their bikes along Pemberton Browns Mills Road.

• The residents want to enhance the bike trail/lanes within the Township and offer places for bicyclists to stop.

• The Dominique Johnson Recreation Center needs to be expanded especially the parking lot. It was recommended that the Township reach out to the Light and Love Church and inquire if an easement can be created to expand the recreation center’s parking lot.

• The residents stated they would like to convert a portion of the former railroad ROW into walking trail (Rails-to-Trails). It was recommended that the Township pursue grant funding to construct the trail.

• It was suggested that the Township, soccer club and/or the Board of Education work together and create a soccer field at the Emmons/Busansky School.

Economics and Retail Services

• The majority of the residents stated that they do not shop in Pemberton Township or Browns Mills for several reasons such as:

• it is inconvenient to get to;

• the stores have higher prices; and

• there are not enough quality retail services.

• The residents do most of their shopping in Mt. Holly, Southampton, and Medford. One resident stated that the stores within the surrounding shopping center are better and provide more retail services than the stores in Browns Mills.

• The residents recommended that the Township needs more restaurants in the area for the students and workers at BCCC. It was recommended that a restaurant/business be place at the “Point”.

• The residents want to create more retail services and restaurants near/along Magnolia Road to capture the shore traffic.

Septic/Sewer

• It was recommended extending the sewer and water lines down Four - Mile road to Presidential Lakes because it is surrounded by State Forest Land. According to one resident, extending the line down Four-Mile Road will not encourage additional residential development in the Township.

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

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

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