Warehouse Project Approved For Belmar Boulevard

A proposal to build seven warehouses on farmland on the western edge of town was approved by the Planning Board Monday, officials said.

The pitch, which proposed to build an 80,000-square-foot warehouse building and six 15,000-square-foot buildings — a total of 170,000 square feet of buildings — along with associated parking, drainage and utility facilities on a tract at Belmar Boulevard and Birdsall Road, was approved by the board in a 7-1 vote, according to the Planning office.

Board member Clinton Hoffman was absent. Board member Ralph Addonizio cast the sole vote against the project. The vote followed a hearing that lasted about 15 minutes, officials said.

All construction for the project is within the boundaries of Wall, according to the plans, but Howell would provide water and sewer service. A portion of the property is located in Howell.

The buildings would be used for warehouse and office space, divided approximately 75 percent warehouse and 25 percent office.

Monday’s hearing was the fourth session in front of the board, which began hearing the application in October.

The project also has the attention of Howell elected officials. Howell Mayor William Gotto has said he would like the project to be also reviewed by his town, since Howell would also be affected. There was no word Tuesday on whether that would happen.