Monmouth Commerce Center Files New Application In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — The Monmouth Commerce Center has filed a new application with the Howell Planning Board, according to a township official.

The developer has proposed five warehouse buildings totaling 1,192,500 square feet along with parking areas, loading areas, driveways, stormwater management infrastructure and other site improvements.

The application will still have to be reviewed by the board's professionals and deemed complete before a hearing can be scheduled.

The planning board denied an application last year submitted by the same developer for nine warehouses on Randolph Road and Oak Glen Road.

One of the main points of contention with the application was the effect it could have on traffic. Residents were concerned about the prospect of tractor-trailers traveling along Randolph Road and Lakewood-Farmingdale Road/Route 547, where traffic already is a serious problem.

READ MORE: Howell's Rejection Of Monmouth Commerce Center Upheld In Court

READ MORE: Monmouth Commerce Center Developer Files Another Appeal: Reports

The developer tried to reverse the decision in court but it was upheld by a judge in July.

"The court finds that there was sufficient foundation in the record below for the board to properly deny the application and the argument that the applicant did not receive a fair hearing is rejected," judge Owen C. McCarthy said.

The battle between the two parties continued with the developer appealing once again on Sept. 1, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Court records show that the entity is also trying to recover a total of $327,963 paid to the township for the application and escrow fees.

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