Frequently asked questions about the Planned Residential Waterfront Community (PRWC) ordinance that SBB and Brick residents want TOTALLY REPEALED. See SBB’s letter to DEP. AND See Plot Plan of the Traders Cove proposal AND Brick residents Make your voice heard.
Questions and Answers on the Planned Residential Waterfront Community (PRWC) ordinance and the proposed Traders Cove development.
Q: What does the Planned Waterfront Residential Community (PRWC) ordinance that Save Barnegat Bay wants repealed actually do?
A: This “overlay” zoning can be set down in any waterfront neighborhood regardless of the existing zoning in the Master Plan. Ten acres are required. The builder is allowed to develop the acreage at six units per acre, provided he includes a marina on the site. The prime current targets for this development would therefore be existing marinas. But these developments could be placed anywhere a builder could find 10 acres to redevelop, or anywhere a builder could get a variance.
Q: What’s the big problem with high density waterfront development?
A: Higher density development stresses the ecology of the bay with more polluting stormwater runoff. Noise and lights disturb wildlife and people in neighboring areas. More traffic is put on our roads. Those who cannot afford expensive waterfront housing have less access to the waterfront than if these areas are made into parks. Most people in our area want to live a quiet existence, not in a city.
Q: What are the steps in repealing a high density zoning ordinance such as PRWC?
A: Step One: On Tuesday, April 30, the Township Council passed the repeal of PRWC on first reading. Step Two: In May, the Planning Board endorsed the Council’s recommendations. Step Three: BRICK RESIDENTS NEED TO COME TO TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY, JUNE 18TH, at 7:30 to support the Council’s final repeal of PRWC, oppose all high density waterfront development, and support County purchase of Traders Cove as a park.
Q: Wouldn’t building 62 condos under this ordinance clean up the Traders Cove site?
A: There are other ways to clean up a dirty boatyard than by building a large development. Such as code enforcement. And such as creating a public park.
Q: What do you advocate being done at this site?
A: We would like to see Ocean County purchase Traders Cove and other waterfront tracts as open space parks. (Please write: Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, PO Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754.)
Q: Where can I learn more about the Planned Residential Waterfront Community zoning ordinance that Save Barnegat Bay would like to see repealed?
A: We have posted a map of Brick’s 53 miles of waterfront with marina sites that could be prime targets for development. We have also posted a plot plan of the proposed Traders Cove development, and a letter to Mayor Scarpelli endorsing the Council’s proposed PRWC repeal.
