Board debates sidewalk, lighting and landscaping waivers for 1410 Eden Road expansion, takes no vote

Developers for Olima LLC presented a request for three waivers tied to a proposed expansion of the parking lot and an outdoor testing area at 1410 Eden Road, the former 84 Lumber site. The project team said construction of sidewalks along Eden Road would require substantial fill and disturbance in a floodplain area and that landscaping required by the streetscape buffer would have limited visibility from Route 30 because the site sits well below the road.

Neil Metzger of Site Design Concepts, the project manager, told the board the Planning Commission recommended approval of the waivers on the condition the applicant place a six‑month note on the recorded plan requiring sidewalks and streetlights to be installed within six months of township notification. Metzger said the applicant is willing to add a note and to provide a modified landscaping plan but asked for board feedback before spending significant design and permitting dollars because the site’s floodplain status increases the cost and complexity.

Board members questioned how a future six‑month note would be enforced and whether existing or future sidewalks across the street at the nearby post facility made full compliance unnecessary. Several supervisors recommended the applicant provide an exhibit plan showing where a future sidewalk and any necessary fill would be located so the board can verify that future construction is feasible and would not conflict with required landscaping. The board also emphasized that, under the Sunshine Act changes and how the item was advertised, it could not convert the discussion into a vote that night; staff will return the complete plan to the Planning Commission for further review and then bring formal approval back to the board.

Next steps: Applicant will provide additional exhibits and grading information; the planning commission will continue its review and later forward a formal recommendation to the board.