Category: PLC Public Notices

Application Update–Seaside Heights Public Beach

On June 30, 2016, the State House Commission approved the Department of Environmental Protection’s request to allow the Borough of Seaside Heights to transfer (dispose of) approximately 1.37 +/- acres of Borough-owned parkland, located on the Borough’s public beach, to the adjacent private owner of the Casino Pier amusement pier.   To compensate for the proposed disposal, the Borough proposed three forms of compensation:  (1) acceptance of ownership of the historic Carousel (then owned by the Casino Pier owners) for eventual public use; (2) acceptance of ownership and dedication as parkland of a vacant boardwalk parcel (Block 56, Lots 1, 3, 7 and 9, totaling 0.75 +/- acre) and (3) the dedication as parkland of 67.171 +/- acres of additional replacement land owned by Ocean County and located in Toms River Township (Block 409, Lot 20.02.)    In addition, as part of its approval, the Commission required the Borough to house the Carousel in a sheltered location in which it could be made available as a public recreational amenity, either by constructing a new building on the boardwalk replacement parcel or, if that was not feasible, then locating the Carousel somewhere else on or adjacent to the public boardwalk.   

On July 3, 2024, after a five-year $2.5 million restoration project, the carousel opened in an ADA-accessible building constructed by the Borough on the Boardwalk replacement parcel.  The building also contains public restrooms and historical displays showcasing both Seaside Heights and Ocean County history.

An informative article about the restoration of the carousel may be found here:  https://lavallette-seaside.shorebeat.com/2024/06/seaside-heights-historic-carousel-to-open-to-the-public-july-3-heres-a-preview/

Conservation Restriction Release Hearing–Township of Hamilton, Atlantic County–Partial Release of Conservation Restriction

Last modified on August 6th, 2024 at 9:46 pm

 

Requestor:  County of Atlantic

Restricted Property:

Lake Lenape Park

Block 587, part of Lots 38 and 55

Township of Hamilton, Atlantic County

Description of Release Request:  

In accordance with the New Jersey Conservation Restriction and Historic Preservation Restriction Act, N.J.S.A. 13:8B-1 et seq., the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has received a request from Atlantic County to approve the partial release of a 1999 Declaration of Restrictive Covenant (1999 Deed Restriction) to allow the reconfiguration of an existing 120-foot long (916 square feet) L-shaped dock located on Block 587, Lots 38 and 55 (p/o), within the County’s Lake Lenape Park in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, for public safety reasons.  The County proposes to replace the L-shaped dock with two new floating docks to be located within a 300 foot by 200 foot (1.39 acre) development envelope located on Lake Lenape proximate to a County boathouse. As compensation, the County proposes to prohibit development on a different 300 foot by 200 foot (1.39 acre) portion of Lake Lenape and relinquish its approval to develop a dock in that location.

The lifting of the Deed Restriction from a portion of the Property constitutes a “release” of those restrictions under the Conservation Restriction Act.  Under N.J.S.A. 13:8B-5, the County and the Pinelands Commission, as parties to the 1999 Declaration, are required to conduct a public hearing on the proposed partial release.

Under N.J.S.A. 13:8B-6, the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is required for the proposed partial release.

Background

The 1999 Deed Restriction prohibits development on Lake Lenape except for specific areas listed in a 1998 Memorandum of Agreement (1998 MOA) between the County and the Pinelands Commission. Pursuant to the 1998 MOA, the County was required to place a deed restriction on 1,822 acres on and surrounding Lake Lenape in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County. In exchange, the Commission agreed to allow certain improvements to specifically defined areas on the western shore of Lake Lenape, as set forth in the details of the 1998 MOA.

Two improvements authorized by the 1998 MOA were a 20-foot partially-submerged boat ramp and an adjacent 120-foot L-shaped dock, both proximate to a boathouse building. In 2019, representatives from the County and the Commission met to address safety issues with the size and location of the L-shaped dock.

On June 14, 2023, the County and the Commission executed an Amendment to the 1998 MOA.  The 2023 Amendment acknowledges that the County intends to amend the 1999 Declaration by removing the existing L-shaped (916 sq ft) dock and replacing it with two new floating docks measuring 300 sq ft and 1,820 sq. ft., to be situated in a 300 foot by 200 foot (1.39 acre) development envelope on Lake Lenape. The new development envelope will be located adjacent to a developed portion of the western shore of Lake Lenape that includes a boathouse, parking and boat ramp.  As compensation, the County proposes to amend the 1999 Deed Restriction to restrict development and preserve an equivalent 300 foot by 200 foot (1.39 acre) on a different portion of Lake Lenape and to relinquish its approval under the 1998 MOA to develop a dock there. The new easement area is currently undeveloped and undisturbed area of Lake Lenape Park.

The Property is located within the Pinelands Preservation Area.

Related Documents:  

Background documents on this matter may be found at:  https://www.atlanticcountynj.gov/planning/NJDEP-Public-Notice

Hearing Date/Time:  August 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:  This hearing will be held online.

Hearing Information:  

The public hearing will be conducted remotely and broadcast live on the Pinelands Commission’s YouTube channel.

To view the hearing live, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/4UwKR5ZNmBs?feature=shared 

To provide public comment during the hearing, please call (929) 205-6099 and use Meeting ID 831 0036 8051

Public Comments Accepted Through:  September 4, 2024

The Department invites the public to attend the public hearing and present comments on the requested release.  Written comments on the proposed release may also be submitted by September 4, 2024 to:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration
Public Land Compliance Section
PO Box 420
Mail Code: 401-07
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Email:  PublicLandCompliance@njdepwptest.net

County of Atlantic
Attn:  Department of Law, Assistant County Counsel Arthur J. Murray
1333 Atlantic Avenue, 8th floor
Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401

Email:  Murray_Arthur@aclink.org

Emailed comments are preferred.  Please put “CRR0112002 Lake Lenape Pinelands” in the subject line of your email.

Public Hearing–Minor Diversion/Disposal Application–Township of Teaneck, Bergen County–Route 4 Bridge Replacement Project

 

Click Here for Full Public Hearing Notice

Applicant:  Township of Teaneck, Bergen County

Parkland Names/Locations: 

Milton Votee Park (Block 4704, Lot 1)
North Gaylord Park (Block 2210, Lot 5 and Block 2211, Lot 1)
South Gaylord Park (Block 902, Lot 1 and Block 903, Lot 1)
Teaneck Greenbelt (Block 2701, Lot 1 and Block 4701, Lot 1)

Parkland Location: 

North and South Side of U.S. Route 4 between Garrison Avenue and Palisade Avenue
Township of Teaneck, Bergen County

Description of Proposed Diversion/Disposal:  

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has received an application from the Township of Teaneck requesting approval to convey a total of 0.10 acre of easements and 0.23 acre in fee to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) in connection with the “Route 4 Bridge Replacement Project over Palisade Avenue and CSX”, which involves improvements to the Route 4 roadway, the Route 4 bridge over the CSX rail corridor, installation of subsurface drainage basins and addition of acceleration/deceleration lanes to Route 4 near Belle Avenue.

A map of the project area, depicting the areas of Green Acres encumbered parkland proposed for diversion or disposal, is here:
Route 4 Palisades Avenue Green Acres Plan

As compensation for the proposed minor disposal of parkland, the NJDOT will provide the Township with replacement land of at least equal value and size as the areas proposed for diversion/disposal.

This application has been classified as a minor diversion/disposal of parkland.  Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26.6(c), a public hearing on the proposed diversion/disposal application will be conducted as set forth below.

Hearing Date/Time:  July 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:  

Richard Rodda Community Center
250 Colonial Court
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Public Comments Accepted Through:  August 15, 2024

Please see public notice linked above for information about how to submit written comments.  Emailed comments to the Department are preferred.  Please include “SHC 0260004 Teaneck Route 4 Bridge Replacement” in the subject line of any comments emailed to the Department.

Final Hearing–Borough of Bellmawr, Camden County–Diversion for Bellmawr Waterfront Redevelopment Project

Click Here for Full Public Hearing Notice

Applicant:  Borough of Bellmawr, Camden County

Park Name:   Big Timber Creek

Park Location:

Creek Road
Block 78, Lot 2

Proposed Action:

The Borough of Bellmawr seeks approval to divert Block 78, Lot 2 (17.86 acres) in Bellmawr in connection with the Bellmawr Waterfront Redevelopment Project.  Information about the redevelopment project may be found here:  Big Timber Creek Waterfront Redevelopmen | Redev (bellmawrredevagency.org)

As compensation for the proposed diversion, the Borough proposes to dedicate the following properties as parkland:

      • 22.67 waterfront acres of new parkland along the Big Timber Creek (including Block 79.01, Lot
        9.02 in Bellmawr Borough and Block 1.02, Lot 1.02 in Deptford Township), to be known as the Big Timber Creek Waterfront Park
      • 104 acres of land within Block 328, Lot 5 in West Deptford Township

Both the proposed diversion area and the proposed replacement parcel are depicted on this map.

Hearing Date/Time:  July 23, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Hearing Location:

Bellmawr Borough Hall
21 East Browning Road
Bellmawr, New Jersey 08031

Public Comments Accepted Through:  August 7, 2024

Please click the link above for the full public hearing notice, including addresses where written comments should be sent.  Emailed comments are preferred.  If you send comments by email, please include “Bellmawr Diversion” in the subject line of your email.

Final Hearing–Township of Woodbridge, Middlesex County–Partial Disposal of Bowtie Pool Property for Conrail Project

Click Here for Full Public Hearing Notice

Applicant:  Township of Woodbridge, Middlesex County

Park Name:   Bowtie Pool Property

Park Location:

141 B Street, Port Reading (Woodbridge)
Block 649.01, Lot 1

Proposed Action:

The Township of Woodbridge is seeking approval to convey a 1.001-acre portion of the 6-acre Green Acres encumbered Bowtie Pool Property to the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) for the construction of a track and two new switches.  The construction project will provide direct access between the Port Reading Secondary Line and the Garden State Secondary Line, eliminating the need for extended train idle times in residential areas.

As compensation for the proposed disposal, the Township has acquired three replacement parcels totaling 4.862 acres which will be added to the Township’s Recreation and Open Space Inventory. The parcels are:

      • Spruce Street Park (Block 1079.08, Lot 2 (0.891 ac.), to be added to Spruce Street Park
      • Block 664.03, Lot 1.01 ( 2.712 ac.), to be added to the Cyprus Park
      • Part of Block 664.03, Lot 8 (future lot 8.02) (1.259 ac.), to serve as a connecting parcel between the Bowtie Pool Property and Cypress Park

Additionally, to offset the loss of recreational amenities at the Bowtie Pool property, the Township has undertaken significant recreational improvements at Cypress Park, including upgraded soccer fields, two new roller hockey rinks, new playground equipment/unitary playmat, walking path, pickleball courts and restrooms.

Additional information about the proposed partial disposal may be found in the full public hearing notice linked above and the following maps:

Aerial Map
County Road Map
Tax Map

Hearing Date/Time:  July 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:

Woodbridge Township Administration Building
1 Main Street
Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095

Public Comments Accepted Through:  August 12, 2024

Please click the link above for the full public hearing notice, including addresses where written comments should be sent.  Emailed comments are preferred.  If you send comments by email, please include “SHC1225013” in the subject line of your email.

Final Hearing–City of Atlantic City, Atlantic County–Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project Cable Crossings

Click Here for Full Public Hearing Notice

Applicant:  City of Atlantic City, Atlantic County

Park Names:   Bader Field, Pete Pallitto Field and Public Beach/Boardwalk

Park Locations:

Bader Field:  545 Albany Avenue, Atlantic City (Block 794, Lot 1)

Pete Pallitto Field and Boat House Parcel:  Intersection of Fairmont Avenue and Sovereign Avenue, Atlantic City (Block 370, Lots 1.01, 2 and 2.01)

Public Beach:  Public beach/Boardwalk parcels between South Texas and Iowa Avenues (Block 1, Lots 58 and 59)

Proposed Action:

The City of Atlantic City is seeking approval to convey underground utility easements on a total of 1.8 acres +/- of Green Acres encumbered parkland to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, LLC for the installation of underground utility facilities associated with the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1.  The proposed diversion area includes 1.35 +/- acres of the Public Beach/Boardwalk, 0.26 +/- acre of Pete Pallitto Field and 0.19 +/- acre of Bader Field.  The project also includes a total of 1.99 acres +/-of temporary workspace on the three parks.  Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, LLC is in the process of acquiring various properties, permanent rights of way and easements needed to install underground cables and related infrastructure, in connection with the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, which will be necessary for the transmission of offshore wind generated energy to the electric distribution network.

The lands in question are encumbered by State of New Jersey Green Acres restrictions, and a final application for the major diversion of said lands has been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for  approval by the Department’s Commissioner and by the State House Commission. As compensation for the diversion of the City-owned lands described above, the City proposes to place Green Acres restrictions on other City-owned lands north of West End Avenue (identified as Block 757 Lot 1; Block 756 Lot 1; Block 755, Lot 1; Block 754, Lot 1; Block 753 Lots 1,2,3,4; Block 752, Lot 1; Block 751, Lot 1; Block 750, Lot 1; Block 749, Lot 1; Block 748, Lot 1; Block 747, Lot 1; Block 746, Lot 1; Block 745, Lots 1 and 3; and paper streets to be vacated). Atlantic Shores has proposed a public access enhancement project on the compensation parcels, as well as compensation for tree removal. Atlantic Shores has also agreed to compensate the City for its use of the temporary workspace.

Additional information about the proposed diversions may be found in the full public hearing notice linked above and at https://atlanticshoreswind.com/project-1-njdep-green-acres-diversion-application-2024/

Hearing Date/Time:  June 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:

This hearing will be held virtually.

Members of the public may participate in the hearing via video conference or by telephone.

Those who wish to participate via video conference may access the hearing at https://bit.ly/green-acres-offshore

(Note: if manually typing the address into a web browser, please use all lowercase text).

A toll-free dial-in option is available as well, via calling (877) 853-5247, and
entering 823 4121 1062 as the webinar ID, and 469898 as the passcode.

If using one-tap mobile, please use +13017158592,,82341211062#.

Those planning to offer comments at the hearing may sign up to do so during the hearing.

The public hearing will also be televised at the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 1301 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City, New Jersey. Members of the public may view the public hearing and submit comments during the broadcast of the hearing.

Public Comments Accepted Through:  July 9, 2024

Please click the link above for the full public hearing notice, including addresses where written comments should be sent.

Administrative Transfer Hearing–Township of Fairfield, Essex County–Van Ness House

Click Here for Full Public Hearing Notice

Applicant:  Township of Fairfield, Essex County

Park Name:  Van Ness House

Park Location:

326 Little Falls Road
Block 2406, Lot 3

Proposed Action: 

Fairfield Township proposes to transfer ownership of the Van Ness House, a historic site listed in the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, to the Friends of Van Ness House (a nonprofit organization qualified to receive and administer Green Acres funding).  The property proposed to be transferred is Green Acres encumbered, and will remain Green Acres encumbered if the transfer occurs.

Under N.J.S.A. 7:36-25.5, the proposed transfer is classified as an administrative transfer of parkland, and not a diversion or disposal of parkland.

A public hearing on the proposed transfers is required under the Green Acres rules, N.J.A.C. 7:36-25.5.

Hearing Date/Time:  Monday, June 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Hearing Location: 

Township of Fairfield Municipal Building
230 Fairfield Road
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004

Public Comments Accepted Through:  Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Please click the link above for the full public hearing notice, including addresses where written comments should be sent.

Conservation Restriction Release Hearing–City of Estell Manor, Atlantic County–Partial Release of Conservation Restriction

Last modified on June 5th, 2024 at 6:01 pm

 

Requestor:  Douglas and Lucille Carman

Restricted Property:

Block 22, Lot 40

City of Estell Manor, Atlantic County

Description of Release Request:  

In accordance with the New Jersey Conservation Restriction and Historic Preservation Restriction Act, N.J.S.A. 13:8B-1 et seq., the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Estell Manor have received a request for a partial release of a Deed Restriction for Threatened and Endangered Species.  The Deed Restriction was granted to the Department and the City in 2007 by Joseph L. Reale, II, predecessor in title to the current owners, Douglas and Lucille Carman.  The Deed Restriction was required to be conveyed to the Department and the City as a condition of the approval by the Pinelands Commission of the development of a single family dwelling on Block 22, Lot 40, a 4.9-acre lot in the City of Estell Manor, Atlantic County (the Property).  (Pinelands Application #2006-0275.001)  Under the 2007 Deed Restriction, 3.938 acres of the Property were restricted from future development, including tree clearing.

As a result of enforcement action taken by the Pinelands Commission to address unauthorized tree clearing on a portion of the Property covered by the Deed Restriction and the adjacent property (Block 22, Lot 39), the Carmans have now requested that the Department and the City release the area of unauthorized clearing from the Deed Restriction on Block 22, Lot 40.  As mitigation for this request, the Carmans will deed restrict four acres of Block 22, Lot 39 and implement a replanting plan approved by the Pinelands Commission on Block 22, Lot 40.

The lifting of the Deed Restriction from a portion of the Property constitutes a “release” of those restrictions under the Conservation Restriction Act.  Under N.J.S.A. 13:8B-5, as the holders of the Conservation Restriction, the Department and the City are required to conduct a public hearing on the proposed partial release of the original 2007 Deed Restriction prior to making a final determination on this request.

Under N.J.S.A. 13:8B-6, the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is also required for the proposed partial release.

Related Documents:  

April 24, 2007 Deed of Conservation Restriction

May 23, 2023 Violation Letter

Letters Issued by the Pinelands Commission to the Carmans (August 2023 through February 2024)

Hearing Date/Time:  June 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:  This hearing will be held online.

Hearing Information:  

The public hearing will be conducted remotely and broadcast live on the Pinelands Commission’s YouTube channel.

To view the hearing live, please visit:  https://www.youtube.com/live/5BkPElTVmiQ?feature=shared

To provide public comment during the hearing, please call (929) 205-6099 and use Meeting ID 849 3628 2478

Public Comments Accepted Through:  June 19, 2024

The Department invites the public to attend the public hearing and present comments on the requested release.  Written comments on the proposed release may also be submitted by June 19, 2024 to:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration
Public Land Compliance Section
PO Box 420
Mail Code: 401-07
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Email:  PublicLandCompliance@njdepwptest.net

and

Lisa Marcolongo, Administrator/City Clerk
148 Cumberland Avenue
Estell Manor, NJ  08319

Email: cityclerk@estellmanor.org

Emailed comments are preferred.  Please put “CRR0109001 Carman Pinelands” in the subject line of your email.

Conservation Restriction Release Hearing–Township of Galloway, Atlantic County–Partial Release of Conservation Restriction–Stockton University

 

Requestor:  Stockton University

Restricted Property:

Various Lots on the Stockton University Campus

Block 645, Lots 3, 5 and 6

Block 663.01, Lot 55.27

Block 681.01, Lot 10

Block 875.04, Lots 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07 and 1.08

Block 42, Lots 38, 93, 93.01, 94 and 94.01

Township of Galloway, Atlantic County

Description of Release Request:  

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has received a request for a partial release of a Deed of Conservation Restriction.  The Conservation Restriction was granted to the Department by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (now Stockton University) on October 7, 2010 as a condition of the approval by the Pinelands Commission of the April 2010 Master Plan for the University.  Under the Conservation Restriction, about 1232 acres of land owned by the University were restricted from future development.  Of these lands, 1005 acres are located on the University campus and 227 acres are located off the University campus.

The boundaries of the deed restricted area were established in the 2010 Conservation Restriction using a color-coded exhibit that was part of the 2010 Master Plan. However, as the Pinelands Commission’s and the University’s facilities staff began to research the base maps that were used for the creation of the exhibit, it became clear that the exhibit lacked the level of accuracy required to determine the precise boundaries of the deed restricted lands at the Galloway campus.  In turn, this lack of accuracy was an impediment to implementing improvements to existing infrastructure that are critical to the University’s operation.  In order to address these issues, the University and the Pinelands Commission have now agreed to changes to the April 2010 Master Plan and corresponding modifications of the areas restricted under the Conservation Restriction.

The proposed modification will remove restrictions from approximately 33.001 acres of land currently restricted under the Conservation Restriction and impose those restrictions on approximately 35.345 acres of presently unrestricted lands.  Overall, the modifications to the Conservation Restriction will result in a net gain of approximately 2.344 acres of deed restricted land.

The lifting of restrictions from lands owned by the University constitutes a “release” of those restrictions under the Conservation Restriction Act.  Therefore, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 13:8B-5, the Department, as the holder of the conservation restriction, will be conducting a public hearing on the proposed partial release prior to making a final determination on this request.

Under N.J.S.A. 13:8B-6, the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is also required for the proposed partial release.

Related Documents:  

August 30, 2010 Pinelands Commission Report on the Stockton College April 2010 Master Plan

September 20, 2010 Pinelands Commission Resolution Approving Stockton College’s April 2010 Master Plan

October 7, 2010 Deed of Conservation Restriction

May 19, 2022 Pinelands Staff Memo to CMP Policy and Implementation Committee

November 2022 Map Set Showing Current and Proposed Restricted Lands

Hearing Date/Time:  June 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:  This hearing will be held online.

Hearing Information:  

The public hearing will be conducted remotely and broadcast live on the Pinelands Commission’s YouTube channel.

To view the hearing live, please visit:  https://www.youtube.com/live/5BkPElTVmiQ?feature=shared

To provide public comment during the hearing, please call (929) 205-6099 and use Meeting ID 846 9922 3567

Public Comments Accepted Through:  June 17, 2024

The Department invites the public to attend the public hearing and present comments on the requested release.  Written comments on the proposed release may also be submitted by June 17, 2024 to:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration
Public Land Compliance Section
PO Box 420
Mail Code: 401-07
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

PublicLandCompliance@njdepwptest.net

Emailed comments are preferred.  Please put “CRR1101002 Stockton University” in the subject line of your email.

Scoping Hearing–City of Hoboken, Hudson County–Past Disposal of 16th Street Ballfield

Click here for full public hearing notice

Applicant:  City of Hoboken, Hudson County

Park Name:   Former 16th Street Ballfield

Park Location:

1600 Jefferson Street

Block 136, Lot 7

Proposed Action:

The City of Hoboken has contacted the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection proposing to legalize the past disposal of approximately 0.6 acre of the former 16th Street Ballfield, 1600 Jefferson Street, Block 136 Lot 7 in connection with the use of the property by North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA). The City will compensate for the past diversion with replacement parkland elsewhere within the City.

Hearing Date/Time:  Monday, April 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Hearing Location:

Hoboken City Hall
City Hall Community Room (ground level)
94 Washington Street
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030

Public Comments Accepted Through:  Monday, May 13, 2024 [see linked public notice for submission details]