Expansion Of Historic Morristown Field Club Approved By Zoning Board

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown Field Club, founded in 1881 and the third-oldest tennis club in New Jersey, recently received approval for an expansion project as well as additional improvements to the existing tennis club.

The Morristown Zoning Board held a public hearing on the appeal of Morristown Field Club on Aug. 3, seeking Major Site Plan Approval with C & D Variances for expansion of the existing tennis Club and associated improvements.

According to zoning board documents the expansion plan includes two new platform tennis courts, resurfacing tennis courts 11 and 12 for multi-purpose use, removing 13 trees and an undefined section of trees within the wetlands area, and removing asphalt driveway, gravel driveway, and portions of concrete walkways.

The second phase of the plan entails remodeling the clubhouse building, which will include a one-story addition with a new covered porch and reconfiguration/expansions of changing rooms, kitchenette, office space, and storage space, as well as a two-story addition to the tennis hut with a new viewing area, storage space, changing rooms, and kitchenette renovations.

The applicant, John J. DeLaney Jr. of the Morristown Field Club, first proposed the expansion project in 2021 and submitted an official application to the zoning board in May 2021.

Since its original application, several changes to the plan have been implemented, following criticism from the public and the board

"The applicant was heard by the Zoning Board in 2022 on February 2, April 6, May 4, and May 18. The applicant has submitted revised plans in response to the Board’s comments, Board Professional’s comments, and our December 14, 2021, Planning Report #1," said Board Planner Phil Abramson.

During the Aug. 3 meeting, many members of the public expressed their concerns about potential lighting disturbances. Abramson mentioned in his report that DeLaney should confirm that there will be no lighting spillover on any adjacent property with a note on the lighting plans.

Christine Miller, a resident, openly criticized the expansion and questioned why the Club wasn't expanding elsewhere. She slammed the Club's loud music and asked that no evening lights be used.

Another issue raised in the public comment was the club's parking, which is addressed in the expansion. The north parking area will have 26 parking spaces, including 1 handicap space, as well as a newly paved apron, "stop" sign, wheel stops, directional arrows, and 4' tall board on-board fencing.

The south parking area will be reconfigured and repaved to include 31 parking spaces, including two handicap spaces, as well as a new "stop" sign, "do not enter" sign, and painted stop line, according to zoning documents.

Additional site improvements also coming to the club include:

• New deck to meet existing deck around the tennis hut and paddle courts
• Two new ground signs

• New refuse and recycling area within the clubhouse parking area
• Two bioretention basins
• Bicycle rack for 6 bicycles
• Renovate existing storage room
• Two new A/C units
• New gravel and paver walkways throughout the Site
• Landscaping, lighting, drainage, grading, and utility improvements
• New shed near tennis hut addition and fence around existing storage shed.