Developer pitches contractor storage 'pods' near Route 15; supervisors raise stormwater and setback questions

A developer presented a concept plan to Huntington Township officials for a contractor-focused storage site of about 25 units, prompting detailed questions from the township about stormwater control, road right-of-way, and zoning setbacks.

Speaker 10 described the proposal as "business storage" made up of roughly "a thousand square foot pods," each with a 12-foot garage door, a metal man door and individual electric panels. He said the units would be secured with fencing and keypad access and that there would be no restroom or septic facilities at this stage.

Board members and residents raised multiple technical questions. Concerns included how to handle stormwater for the ~25,000 square feet of roof area Speaker 10 estimated and whether the parcel’s double-frontage along Long Lane and South Ridge Road would require variances or adjustments to meet setback requirements. Speakers noted township setbacks measured 66.5 feet from the centerline on township roads and discussed that a zoning variance for Long Lane may be needed if building footprints encroach on setbacks.

"We really need to see numbers on how much coverage we got and how you control the storm water," Speaker 4 said, noting the board would expect engineered stormwater plans if the project advances. Speaker 8 also questioned whether the site had sufficient area to manage runoff and whether proposed parking should be paved rather than gravel for permanence and appearance.

Speaker 10 said the project would follow the normal land development process, starting with a zoning review and, if necessary, a variance request to the zoning hearing board. The board advised the applicant to nail down right-of-way dimensions, setback lines and stormwater design before returning with a formal land-development submission.