Jackson, NJ – The Jackson Township Zoning Board held one of its shortest meetings of the year Wednesday night, approving two applications while carrying several larger development proposals to future meetings. The board also completed its annual reorganization, reappointing its leadership and support staff for another term.
Most of the meeting’s scheduled applications—including Jackson Crossing, Garden View Homes LLC, GM Land Holdings LLC and several others—were postponed to later dates, leaving only two matters for public hearings. Board members also welcomed newly appointed member Angela Kavanagh during the opening of the meeting.
Related: Jackson Township, Jackson Zoning Board, Ocean County
Major subdivision receives final extension
The board unanimously granted a two-year extension for a previously approved five-lot major subdivision owned by Elaine McCrist after hearing testimony from attorney Dennis Galvin.
Galvin told the board the subdivision had been approved several years ago but had not moved forward because of the death of McCrist’s husband, her ongoing battle with cancer and multiple failed real estate transactions after prospective buyers were unable to secure financing.
“What we’re hoping that you can do for us tonight is grant us a two-year extension, which will take us out to the max of the extensions that we can have,” Galvin told the board, adding the approval would “take the pressure off of her so we can try to finally get this subdivision sold and let her move on with her life.”
Board members expressed sympathy for the applicant’s circumstances before unanimously approving the request. One member called it “the correct and proper thing to do,” noting the applicant was already entitled to the remaining extensions under state law.
Corner-lot homeowner wins fence variance
The board also unanimously approved a variance allowing David and Suzanne Zberman to install a six-foot solid white vinyl privacy fence on their corner property along Albany Avenue.
David Zberman told the board the fence would help keep deer out of the backyard while providing a safer play area for his children.
“We have a lot of deer that are coming into the backyard,” he said, noting concerns about ticks and Lyme disease after suffering from the illness himself. He also said a larger enclosed backyard would help prevent children from playing near the roadway.
Board Engineer Matthew Wilder testified the proposed fence location would meet sight-triangle safety standards and would not obstruct motorists’ visibility because it would remain well behind the roadway and existing trees. The applicant also confirmed no trees would be removed during construction.
Several board members acknowledged that corner-lot owners frequently face unique zoning restrictions because their properties are treated as having two front yards, with one member describing the situation as inherently challenging for homeowners.
Board reorganizes for new term
During its annual reorganization, the board unanimously reappointed Lynn Bradley as chairwoman, Dr. Sheldon Hoffstein as vice chairman and David Heyman as board secretary.
Kathleen was reappointed recording secretary after board members praised the speed and quality of her meeting minutes. Gina Tumolo, the township’s provisional zoning officer, was also reappointed as backup recording secretary. The board again designated the Asbury Park Press and Jersey Shore Online as its official newspapers and approved its meeting schedule for the coming year.
Several major applications postponed
Before the public hearings began, board officials announced numerous applications had been carried to future meetings.
Among those postponed were the Jackson Crossing application to Oct. 21, Garden View Homes LLC to Aug. 19, GM Land Holdings LLC and Butterfly Corner LLC to Sept. 16, and the Ferris Kim application to Nov. 4. Board members also requested additional public notice for one postponed application because of the lengthy delay before it returns.
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