Application Denied for Township Plaza Project

The Morris Township Board of Adjustment voted Monday to deny an application for Township Plaza, a project that would have joined three small commercial buildings spanning from 146 to 150 Speedwell Ave. and allowed 7 residential apartments on the second floor. The properties are owned by Joseph Lobozzo.

The design of the building drew praise, even from the residents who opposed its construction. However, the addition of an attractive facade on Speedwell Avenue, board members said, was not enough to overcome concerns about the lack of adequate parking and the density of the development. Included in the application was a proposed variance that would have allowed the developer to create only 29 parking spaces for a development that would normally require 45.

"I commend Mr. Lobozzo  on wanting to improve his property," said Board member Rick Haan, "but it's one thing to approve one or two apartments, but when we get to seven, that's more like an apartment building than I envisioned."

The fact that single family homes are situated directly behind the buildings also troubled the board. Neighbors were once shielded from a view of the buildings by hemlock trees which were cut down by the property owner. The new building design would have been taller than the existing structures. 

According to board member James Allison, "The very thing that makes the building attractive–it's mass and height– is what makes it detrimental to its neighbors. 

Seven of the eight board members voted to deny the application, with only Timothy M. Kronk supporting it.