Pinelands Commission approves four development applications; public remarks urge attention to redevelopment site

The Pinelands Commission on May 9 approved a bundled resolution clearing four development applications and heard public comments urging attention to local redevelopment and runoff impacts.

The resolution covered (1) Stockton University’s replacement of a campus water storage tank — previously authorized under the commission’s emergency provisions because of fire‑safety concerns; (2) a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection application to replace a small restroom building in Beltline State Forest (staff said cultural‑resource review found no significant historic value); (3) Medford Township’s demolition of a public works storage building; and (4) Gloucester County’s roadway and intersection improvements in Monroe Township.

Executive staff said the four applications were relatively straightforward and answered commissioner questions about cultural review and project footprints. The commission approved the bundled resolution by voice vote.

During public comment, a county councilman who identified himself as Harry Hartler urged better communication with the township on the Burlington County College demolition and suggested the commission use its authority to highlight environmental and runoff concerns related to a separate roundabout project, arguing the county’s larger dollar allocation should not override local water‑quality impacts.

Commissioners also discussed the Burlington County College site’s redevelopment plan: staff said a redevelopment plan in place allows multifamily housing and requires a portion of units to be affordable, and commissioners suggested the site could be a candidate for new housing rather than development on undeveloped land.

The commission closed public comment and moved on to other agenda items; no further formal action was taken on the college site at this meeting.