Red Tape Cut For Some Businesses

The Township Committee at its regular meeting last week unanimously adopted  measure making it easier to move some applications through the sometimes-costly Planning Board process.

The committee voted 4-0 to adopt an ordinance raising the threshold triggering a full Planning Board hearing for some businesses aiming to renovate an existing building for a new use. Councilwoman AnnMarie Conte was absent.

There was no discussion, either from the dais or from the public, on the ordinance during the public hearing.

The measure had previously received the blessing of the Planning Board.

The ordinance changes the township’s zoning code and raises the threshold that triggers a Planning Board hearing for a minor site plan, according to the measure.

Currently, any business that is renovating an existing building of more than 5,000 square feet for a new, conforming business would have to come before the board for a full hearing, Foster has said.

That could cost the business owner upwards of $30,000, Foster has said.

“We thought that was very unfair,’’ he has said.

The new measure would raise the square footage to 10,000, effectively keeping smaller businesses from a full hearing. They would be subject, however, to an internal review of the planning department, but that would cost far less, Foster has said.

The measure is in an attempt to provide an efficient means for some businesses to gain approval in town, and possibly spur development in town.

The Planning Board, which unanimously approved of the township’s proposal, , officials have said.

While that is part of an overall statewide and national trend, Foster has said that his administration was sensitive to the needs of businesses.

“We’re trying to do whatever we can to help out businesses,’’ Foster has said.