Wedding Venue Proposal Back Before Brick Zoning Board Wednesday

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Board of Adjustment is scheduled to resume its hearing Wednesday on the proposal to build a large wedding facility at the base of the Mantoloking Bridge.

The proposal to build the 78-foot-tall Vilamoura at Barnegat Bay Marina, on the south side of Mantoloking Road not far from the Mantoloking Bridge, is opposed by neighboring residents and by the borough of Mantoloking over a number of issues, including traffic concerns.

The zoning board meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the municipal building. Vilamoura is the last project on the agenda, which includes four projects under old business and one item under new business in addition to Vilamoura.

The zoning board has been hearing testimony on the project since May. Vilamoura, which brothers Barry Maurillo and Joe Maurillo are hoping to operate at the site of the former Winter Yacht Basin, 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.

The proposed facility would have 116 berths in the marina, a 42,011-square-foot restaurant on 17,061 square feet and a 350-seat banquet hall. The main building would have space for rooftop weddings, bride and groom suites for wedding preparations, balconies and decks. A third building would contain the marina office, an apartment, laundry facilities, and there would be a swimming pool.

The proposed facility needs a major variance for the height, which is more than twice the 38.5 feet maximum allowed by township ordinance.

In a brief preview at the Aug. 21 hearing, experts testifying for the applicant said part of the proposal includes adding a turning lane on Mantoloking Road that would serve both Vilamoura and Traders Cove.

Residents have expressed significant concerns about traffic along Mantoloking Road, which is one lane in each direction and has become an increasingly congested route in the last 15 years. The venue also is opposed by Mantoloking Borough officials and Mantoloking residents due to the size of the facility.

Previous reporting:

• 4-Story Restaurant, Banquet Hall Proposed At Brick Marina Site
• Proposed Wedding Facility At Brick Marina: Hearing Report
• Proposed Wedding Facility At Brick Marina Opposed In Mantoloking
• Brick Zoners: Proposed Wedding Facility Needs Height Variance

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