Friday, December 28, 2012
Members are disappointed that the application was approved before more studies were done.
With the approval of 17 homes on the former Wemple property at Twin Oaks and Steele Gap roads, the members of the group opposing the plans are determined to keep on top of what happens over the coming months. “At this time, I can say we will all still be attending all planning board meetings to see if there are any new developments,” said Patty Phillips, a member of the steering committee with Stop 18 Homes. “We are moving forward and all saying a lot of prayers that the DEP will come to our rescue.” The application is for the building of 17 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Planning board approved the application for former Wemple property by 5-2 vote on Tuesday.
With a vote of 5-2—with councilman Filipe Pedroso and Mayor Dan Hayes opposed—the planning board approved a preliminary subdivision application Tuesday for single-family home development on the former Wemple property at Twin Oaks and Steele Gap roads. The approval came despite vehement opposition from residents living near the property, who said they believe the application is incomplete without several additional studies. The application is for the building of 17 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had maintained to his neighbors that he never wanted to see the land developed, and …
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Opponents' expert John Thonet says proposal to develop Wemple property is incomplete.
John Thonet, hired by those who oppose the Lang application for homes to be built on the former Wemple property, said Monday that the applicant has failed to submit key required studies that would deem this application complete. Those studies are, Thonet said, one to determine the historical significance of the property and another to classify the type of dams to be built. The application is for the building of 18 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Once change to the application, according to applicant engineer James Mantz, is that they have eliminted one property, so it will actually only be 17 single-family homes. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces …
Monday, December 10, 2012
A decision may be rendered at special planning board meeting.
A special planning board meeting is being held to continue, and possibly finish, testimony concerning the proposed 18 homes on the property formerly owned by John Wemple at Twin Oaks and Steele Gap roads. The application is for the building of 18 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had maintained to his neighbors that he never wanted to see the land developed, and made that a part of his will, which was overturned by the Superior Court of New Jersey in 2005. Although the applicant has already rested his case, Stop 18 Homes—a group formed to oppose the application itself—has called …
Looking for a story this week? Check out this handy guide.
- NEWS
-
Monday, December 10, 2012
Every Monday, we will bring you a little look ahead at a few of the stories that are on tap for Bridgewater Patch over the next seven days. We’ll provide the day a story is scheduled to post on the site so you can be sure to check back on that date to read about all the news you want to know. Don’t see the story you’re looking for? Ask about it in the comments below! Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A special meeting for the application has been set for Dec. 10.
A decision has still not been rendered in the application to build 18 homes on the property formerly owned by John Wemple at Twin Oaks and Steele Gap roads. The application was heard at Tuesday’s planning board meeting. The application is for the building of 18 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had maintained to his neighbors that he never wanted to see the land developed, and made that a part of his will, which was overturned by the Superior Court of New Jersey in 2005. Although the applicant has already rested his case, Stop 18 Homes—a group formed to oppose the application …
Monday, November 12, 2012
The most recent meeting involved cross-examination of the opponents’ expert.
With only time for about an hour of testimony on the Lang application at the previous meeting, the planning board heard the cross-examination of the opponent’s expert on endangered species, and is expecting to wrap up the application at Tuesday's meeting. This portion of the meeting was originally scheduled for a special meeting Oct. 29, but it was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. “Barring any unforeseen event, this case will likely be concluded at the next meeting,” councilman Filipe Pedroso said in a statement after the most recent meeting. “The planning board has been hearing this case since the springtime, and has certainly given both sides an opportunity to present their case.” The application is for the building of 18 single-family …
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Decision in 18 homes application expected on Monday also among top headlines.
- NEWS
-
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Testimony continued with the opponents of the Lang application and concerns about possible endangered species on the land, and a decision on the application is expected at Monday's special meeting. The board of education is still seeking input on whether a stricter dress code would be appropriate for the entire district. The board of education and Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association came to an agreement on a four-year contract that includes an 8.7-percent increase in salaries over the life of the agreement. The Bridgewater-Raritan High School marching band took home top honors at a recent competition, winning its category. Candidates for township council talked about their concerns on the budget and other issues as they prepare for …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Latest testimony includes claims not enough time was spent evaluating wildlife on Wemple property.
Despite having to redo an entire section of testimony from a previous meeting because of a malfunctioned audio recorder, the Lang application was heard at Tuesday’s planning board meeting with a focus on the many endangered species living on the land. Although the testimony was not completed, the bulk of the new information focused on the value of the 37 acres of property under consideration, with regard to the many endangered and threatened species having been found there. The application is for the building of 18 single-family homes on the woodlands formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had maintained to his neighbors …
Monday, September 10, 2012
Wemple development hearing will continue at Tuesday's planning board meeting.
After several postponements, the planning board is scheduled Tuesday to hear continued testimony on the application for 18 homes on the former Wemple property at Twin Oaks and Foothill roads—and the plans are expected to be slightly different. At the Aug. 14 meeting, Michael Cresitello, the attorney for the applicant, said they are in the process of finalizing revised plans. Those plans should be heard at Tuesday’s meeting. The application is for the building of 18 single-family homes on 36 acres of woodlands on Twin Oaks and Foothill roads, formerly owned by the late John Wemple, and currently owned by Steven Lang. Wemple, who willed the property to his nieces and nephews after his death in 2002, had maintained to his neighbors that he …
Green Eyes
1:09 am on Saturday, December 29, 2012
I guess you do not live around here. Deer are constantly crossing Steele Gap Road, I have seen many accidents,and near accidents occurring from deer being hit over the years,and yes it is getting worse. People come speeding up and down this road,and can not make the turns on time. A development with 17 homes will mean more traffic,and more accidents. Believe me I have already seen some bad ones! more ›