Brick Wedding Venue Proposal Hearing Continued To October

BRICK, NJ — Testimony on a controversial proposal to build an upscale wedding venue on Mantoloking Road overlooking Barnegat Bay will continue in October before the Brick Township Board of Adjustment.

The hearing was continued to Oct. 30 after testimony Wednesday night on the potential environmental impacts of Villamoura, the facility proposed for Barnegat Bay Marina, which operates at the site of the former Winter Yacht Basin on the southern side of Mantoloking Road.

Villamoura, which brothers Barry Maurillo and Joe Maurillo are hoping to operate, would be 78 feet tall and is described as an elegant wedding venue with waterfront views that usually are available only to members of a yacht club.

Testimony on the project was limited Wednesday evening due to other items on the agenda. When it resumes Oct. 30, the traffic engineer for the applicant is expected to speak. In a brief preview Wednesday night given by the applicant, part of the proposal includes adding a turning lane on Mantoloking Road that would serve both Villamoura and Traders Cove.

In July, the zoning board ruled the project did not need a use variance to operate as a banquet hall, after lengthy testimony and arguments from those opposing the facility. Read more: Brick Zoners: Proposed Wedding Facility Needs Height Variance

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