Building an Issue in Fair Haven
Nearly 100 attended the standing-room-only meeting in Borough Hall.
Residents from Colonial Court came armed with a petition with 100 signatures opposing the potential zoning overlay, which, if enacted, could allow the construction of 11 cottages.
The council tabled hiring a consultant to study the positive and negative aspects of such a zoning overlay and make recommendations to the council after developer Kevin Hughes said he wanted to delay that step until he met with neighbors about their concerns.
The council voted to notify property owners within 200 feet of the potential development if Hughes returns for additional action.
Plans call for 11 cottages intended for senior citizens on an L-shaped parcel between Hance Road and a cul-de-sac at Colonial Court. The first step is for the council to decide whether to allow a zoning overlay to allow the construction of age-restricted housing.
Hughes asked the council last month to consider an overlay, which would permit a greater density of buildings than current zoning allows. Two houses are on the property. One would be demolished and the other rebuilt as a model home.
But residents such as Ralph and Pat Finaldi of Colonial Court reiterated their concerns about the potential that drivers will use the road through the cottage community to beat a traffic light at Hance and River roads.
Deborah Dabura of Colonial Court questioned how affordable a three-bedroom cottage would be and what happened to other approvals the builder was granted for three homes.
"I hear about the needs of developers, that's the need of one; what about the needs of many?" she said.
Sandra Guzman of Colonial Court questioned what will happen to storm water running off the property if the 11 cottages are built.
"We had trouble with water on the street from River Road; we live next to the property and it's flooded," she said. "If you build more houses, where will the water go?"
Poplar Avenue residents also took their turn, asking why the borough tree ordinance doesn't require that neighbors be notified when a property owner appeals the local law to cut down a significant number of trees. Residents were upset that they were not notified in time to voice opposition to the removal of 12 trees at 46 Poplar Ave. after the council granted an appeal on June 15.
Councilman Jon Lehnert said the council will take up notification at its next workshop.
Rose Knapp was among several who asked that the ordinance be changed to require notification of neighbors.
"The people it affects should be notified. He (the builder) massacred my whole side yard; I want that considered," she said.
