Housing Development Plans Tabled Until May By Manalapan Board

MANALAPAN, NJ — Plans to expand the Elton Point neighborhood off Route 537 were put on hold after board members and residents raised environmental concerns regarding the project at the planning board meeting last week.

The proposed plan is to subdivide the lot in front of the Elton Point neighborhood into five separate lots, each of which could house a single-family home. Although the developer has not yet designed the houses due to permit timelines, engineer John Ploskonka stated that “the houses proposed will be four-bedroom homes with two-car garages.”

Ploskonka said that a better drawing of the proposed houses will be presented at a later date.

Four of the proposed lots would be constructed west of GT Mid Atlantic, which is located on the lot, and the fifth lot would be constructed east of the company.

There is currently a cemetery on the fifth lot, which has alarmed some residents. Michael Maysilles of Elton Point has asked that the grave be undisturbed during any kind of construction.

A stream currently runs between the proposed properties and the existing Elton Point neighborhood houses in the proposed expansion area.

Elton Point resident Frank Amato said over the last few years, the water density in the wetland area has increased, “And according to the report, New Jersey is in somewhat of a drought stage based on the rainfall. So, if that rainfall increases to the normal level and you have houses back there and now you’re filling in some of the water easement, where’s this water going to go?”

Ploskonka responded saying that approximately 14 acres surrounding the creek will remain mainly untouched, and the developer is waiting on permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Due to residents' and board members' concerns and questions, board member Barry Fisher stated, “I think we need a little more information, there are questions that I'm sure can be answered but not at this time” before proposing that the application be carried to the May meeting.

The proposed plan will be discussed again at the planning board meeting on May 26.