Eagle Ridge Project Approved by Planning Board

In what has been perhaps the most contentious application brought before the Lakewood, NJ Planning Board this decade, a plan to construct over 500 houses on the site of Eagle Ridge Golf Club was approved last night.

As reported here earlier, a General Development Plan (GDP) was submitted for a development on the site of the golf club after the developer won a lawsuit to have road-improvement-contingencies removed from the township’s Master Plan-based ordinances. The ruling paved the way for the GDP – a preliminary application that serves to lock in local zoning – for the 1,112-dwelling development (including basement apartments) called The Parke. A subsequent lawsuit brought by a neighboring senior community alleging conflicts of interest was only successful in getting a temporary injunction, but failed to stop the plans.

After a30 hours of testimony, the Lakewood Planning board approved the general development plan for The Parke.

Attorney for the residents said it will be challenged in superior court.

The board voted on a motion to approve with some stipulations for improvements on future developments.

The attorneys for both sides made closing statements. The board deliberated for 30 minutes and members pointed out how Lakewood and the Fairways and Enclave developments used to be wooded pristine areas and that they miss the golf course as well, but now times have changed. The board said they take both sides and concerns into consideration.

On issues of stormwater and traffic, the board applauded the attorney for the residents for bringing it to their attention; otherwise, it would have been a potential flaw. As far as traffic, the first 3 phases are clear, but the board would like to focus on the outside plan.

There were conditions:
-The roadways should follow the masterplan recommendations
-There should be one lane in and 3 lane outs on Augusta Blvd giving a left and right turning lane
-Cross street must be widened to have turning lanes from rt 9 to E Veterans as long as its  consisting with county improvements and design before issuing phase 1 co’s
-A traffic signal be installed at the Augusta Blvd. intersection prior to phase 2 co’s
-There should be a plan for Cross street to be dualized at phase 3
-Before phase 4 there should be a plan for a second entrance into the development but not mandated only reserving the right to require
-There should be a fiscal impact report prior to each phase
-All stormwater matters should be addressed before all phases.

{Matzav.com}