'Lofts At Lacey' Gets Application Approved After Density Decrease

LACEY, NJ — A less dense version of the controversial Lofts at Lacey project had its application approved at a recent Planning Board meeting, though members of the Board voiced concerns about how the complex would impact the feel of Lacey Township.

The project's developers, M&T at Lacey, LLC, were seeking final approval on the residential application. A commercial application is forthcoming, but was not ready as of August's meeting where the residential application was introduced.

The development is planned for Route 9, Laurel Boulevard and Railroad Avenue North in Lanoka Harbor. It would be to the south of the CVS and behind Kearny Bank, by the Walmart.

The talks continued in September, after concerns about density were brought up. The proposed condominium complex originally had 270 units in nine three-story residential buildings. But Planning Board members voiced concerns that it was too dense for Lacey's zoning laws, which allow ten units per acre. Read More: Density An Issue For 'Lofts At Lacey' Complex, Board Says

After reviews and discussions, the project's developers decided to return to the originally approved 256 units instead of 270. On the second and third floors of the buildings, developers removed three one-bedroom units and replaced them with two two-bedroom units to comply with Lacey's zoning laws.

There is no change in the footprint, according to the project's engineer.

The project is seeking variances, including some for building setbacks, which concerned members of the Planning Board.

The setbacks had been previously approved for 20 feet and 16 feet, but now developers are asking for 15.4 feet and ten feet, according to project planner Christine Nazzaro Cofone.

These are needed due to the project's environmental constraints, as nine acres of the property are conserved through the Green Acres program, she said.

Planning Board Vice Chair Robert Laureigh voiced concerns about this, because the sidewalks will use six feet of the setbacks, which is what is required for the parking lot, the engineer said. That was not enough room for green space, Laureigh said.

Laureigh reiterated that ten feet was about the distance from his seat at the dais to Cofone's spot at the front of the room. He thought that amount of pavement and lack of front yard space would damage the more rural aesthetic of Lacey.

"We've got to protect the integrity of this town," Laureigh said. He said he knew that the town was required to provide multi-family dwellings, but wanted to protect the feel of Lacey.

"Things do change, whether we like it or not," Laureigh said.

A resident who neighbors the proposed complex was concerned about emergency access. The township is working with the developers to plan a roadway extension that would stretch South Street to Haines Street, Board member Gary Quinn explained. It would run parallel to Railroad Avenue.

Though members of the Board said that they personally disagreed with the project, they had to abide by the laws and would try to make it do what was best for the township.

"What we want to do is make sure that the project is built right, the project is attractive and a nice place to bring up families and bring in business," Quinn said.

Ultimately, the Board unanimously voted to approve the application, with a "considerable amount of conditions," as Quinn said.

The application was approved for 256 units and a preliminary approval on the retail space planned. The waivers and variances were approved.

A developers agreement will be prepared to set out guidelines for the extension of the roadway.

"This is the most well-designed of all previous iterations of this project," Board member and Committeeman Steve Kennis said.

"This project provides new, quality starter homes for many people, it supports many local businesses, it will have a positive economic impact on the township," he said.

Laureigh still said he did not like the lack of green area, which "takes away from the attractiveness and the integrity of Lacey Township," but voted yes.

"As much as I do disagree with this, and I do not like that aspect of it," Laureigh said of the lack of green space. "As far as what it's doing for the township and what's been and how hard they have worked, I vote yes."

Board member Neil Marine said that he has seen the town change, and understands that it has to happen. "Certain things are going to happen here that are above my control, above all our control, but this is going to change a little bit, where we try to keep it as best we can under the rules and regulations," he said.

"We can't deny an applicant based on a person's feelings," said Board member James LeTellier, explaining that they took an oath of office and have to abide by that.

The Planning Board meets next on Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.