Bank of America Objects to Planning Boards Request to Install a Monument Sign

The township Planning Board approved a resolution to make the Lacey Road

The application was originally approved in March pending several conditions, including demolishing the old sign and installing a monument sign.

The applicant’s attorney Scott Collins of Riker, Danzig, Hyland & Perritti LLP objected to this condition.

“If you propose a condition it needs to be designed to address or mitigate some land use impact associated with the application,” Collins said. “No such impact exists here. The sign is untouched. There’s just not factual basis for the condition and no legal justification.”

Kim Pascarella, who served as the board attorney for this meeting, spoke to Joseph Coronato about the issue prior to the meeting. Coronato is the regular board attorney.

“My understanding of it is that that was what was voted on at the hearing,” he said. “Mr. Coronato feels that’s a valid condition. That’s what the board wants.”

Collins objected to the legality of the request.

“That’s your opinion,” Pascarella said. “And you’re entitled to your opinion and the board is also entitled to theirs.”

Committeeman Gary Quinn who made the motion for the condition in March argued then that while the board wants the site cleaned up and is also in the process of updating the master plan, which includes monument signs.

The improvements to the Bank of America comply with the ADA by creating handicap access from Lacey Road to the building. Currently there is a curb off of the sidewalk on Lacey Road to the bank. A ramp will be made from the sidewalk.

The applicant will also be repaving the parking lot.

The Planning Board’s conditions include revising the plan to move the ADA ramp to the east corner, provide additional plantings, create an enclosure around the dumpster, install a 6-foot fence along Alpine Street, provide a letter from the property owner agreeing or disagreeing to consolidate lots, install a monument sign and meet the engineer’s requirements.

Collins agreed to move forward with approving the resolution and may seek to have it amended in the future.