Politics & Government
Circle BMW Parking Facility Application Approved with Certain Conditions
The Eatontown Planning Board voted to approve the improvements to the Route 36 car dealership once two pending issues are resolved.
finally got the go-ahead to build a four-story car storage facility behind the Route 36 dealership, subject to certain conditions outlined at the May 23 Eatontown Planning Board meeting.
The meeting was once again well-attended by representatives from both Circle BMW and residents from the neighboring Parker Village development. .
The board voted in favor of the luxury car dealer's application on the condition that both sides are able to work with borough officials to develop solutions to the two issues. Both sides agreed to meet with the Shade Tree and Environmental commissions to resolve the buffer zone issue. Representatives also will meet to discuss the lighting plan with the town zoning officer to reach a compromise.
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According to Bruce Freeman, attorney for Parker Village residents, “The residents are concerned that the buffer zone is inadequate in both quality and width along the shared boundary.”
Professional planner Peter Steck argued that the dealership is proposing to remove more of the natural wooded area along the property line than is permissible by the planning ordinances, clearing trees within the 50-foot required variance.
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A second concern for the residents is the lighting plan for the proposed new building, which will include a car wash on the bottom level. Freeman said he had not been supplied a revised lighting plan since the meeting. John Giunco, the attorney representing Circle BMW, claimed that the revised lighting plan would be provided once the board approved the application and that there would be alterations to soften the lighting. This was initially unacceptable to the Parker Village Residents.
“If the revised plan is not submitted prior to the board voting then my client is denied their right to be heard on the lighting plan in this public forum.” said Freeman.
Mayor Gerald Tarantolo proposed that the buffer on each parties' property line “be taken into consideration as a unified whole for the development which will be beneficial for both Parker Village and BMW.”
