Land Use Board Turns Down Plans For 51 Single-Family Homes On Former Long Beach Island Trailer Park Site

The Long Beach Township Land Use Board made it clear they didn't want 51 single-family homes built in the former Long Beach Island Trailer Park that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, according to a report in the Sandpaper.

The board turned down plans from Lennar Corp., which wanted to build homes in the 4,000 to 6,000 square foot range, with waivers for lot area and width on the property, which is owned by the Long Beach Island Trailer Park Inc.

The trailer park was damaged in Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and the owners decided not to reopen. the property is zoned R50, which has a 5,000-square-foot requirement and a change in the permitted density.

Brian Murphy, a professional planner and engineer hired by Lennar said the majority of the homes at 4,000 square feet.

Only three audience members spoke in favor of the project. Seventeen residents spoke against it.

“I am totally against it,” said Vanessa Vanorden, who lives within 200 feet of the property. “It is zoned and ready for 36 lots. That’s plenty.”

Holgate Taxpayers Association First Vice President Tom Beaty said before the meeting the association opposes the variances.

“They are requesting hardship variances when no hardship exists,” Beaty said. “They want 40-foot lots and 13-foot side setbacks. Both go against zoning ordinances. Builders creating major subdivisions are required to follow the master plan and the applicable zoning ordinances.”

Professionals hired by the applicant argued that the buildings would have a desirable visual impact on the area, but a number of residents, as well as an attorney representing eight Holgate homeowners, spoke out against the plan during the public comment session of the meeting.

A number of other residents were concerned about the waiver for increased density. They are worried about traffic issues, the number of lots and increased density..

Bill Hutson, owner of Lorry’s Island End Motel in Holgate, said the plan is "very good" for the area.

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Image: Patch file photo.