Plan proposes 41 townhomes

LAKEWOOD — Planning Board members discussed several applications during a recent technical workshop meeting and one of those applications could result in the development of 41 new homes on Central Avenue.

The applicant, Ralph Clayton and Sons, came before the board seeking approval for a proposed subdivision of 41 residential lots at Central Avenue and Gudz Road. If the plan is approved, the applicant plans to build 41 townhouses.

During discussion of the application, the applicant’s representative was advised to make a number of improvements to his preliminary plans. The board’s professionals requested that landscape buffers for maintenance of trees and noise control be included, as well as the installation of curbs and sidewalks around the proposed development.

Additionally, the builder will be required to plant new trees to replace those which will be destroyed during construction.

The applicant’s representative agreed to each suggestion and said all of the requirements for the proposal would be met.

The public hearing on the application was expected to be held Feb. 19.

Representatives for the Lawson Funeral Home also appeared before the board, requesting a variance for a preliminary and final site plan to build a new funeral home. The proposed building would be on Route 9, just north of Oak Street.

The applicant is seeking a variance for two driveways, each going one way from Route 9 to the parking lot and back out to Route 9.

Planning Board members questioned whether state transportation administrators would allow the proposed plan, noting that the Department of Transportation is seeking to limit driveways in order to accommodate the planned expansion of Route 9.

Board members had a short discussion on an application from Commerce Bank, but decided to reschedule the application for March 5. The applicant is seeking preliminary and final site plan approval for the construction of a Commerce Bank at County Line Road and Kennedy Boul-evard.

The engineer for the project requested a special meeting, but board members denied the request, saying it is not their practice to grant special meetings.

Board members also discussed an application from the Forrest Park Home-owners Association, which is seeking a variance for preliminary and final site plan approval for an addition to a synagogue on Forrest Park Circle. The board decided to carry that application to its Feb. 19 technical workshop meeting.

Technical workshop meetings are held before regular Planning Board meetings. The technical workshop meetings are open to the public, but no comments from the public are allowed. Anyone wishing to comment on an application may do so at the regular meetings of the board which begin at 7:30 p.m.