After months of controversial hearings, the Hopewell Township Zoning Board denied an application requesting a variance to build a self-storage facility at 130 Washington Crossing Pennington Road. The proposal included plans for a two-story, 1,500-square-foot facility with an outdoor paved parking area for long-term vehicle storage. The site is currently vacant following the demolition of a fire-damaged building.
Closing Arguments Presented at Final Hearing
At the December meeting, the applicant and opposition presented their fourth round of expert testimony and delivered closing statements.
“I hope we have given you many reasons to consider an approval,” said the applicant’s attorney, Robert Ridolfi, in his closing statement. Ridolfi emphasized the prospective need based on an anticipated increase in housing developments, reduced traffic and lighting impacts as compared to current permitted uses, and a higher tax ratable once the property is developed. He also argued that office space is no longer a needed use and cited the absence of public sewer access, which he claimed would make other uses particularly challenging.
In rebuttal, Eric Goldberg, representing the opposition, argued that the applicant failed to meet the criteria and that there is no demand for another self storage facility in the area. “Taxes are not a basis to grant variances,” Goldberg said, adding that “there are certainly other uses that can be built on this property.”
Board Weighs Benefits and Zoning Compatibility
During deliberations, Chairman William Cane was the sole member of the Board to support in favor of the applicant noting the abundant new residential development in the vicinity and the marked reduction in office space use. “We are looking at a changing area.”
Board member Vanessa Sandom disagreed, stating that she does not think the proposal conforms with the Master Plan. “I don’t think this site is particularly suited for this use and certainly not now,” Sandom said.
Board member Sophie Purgavie, echoed Sandom’s concerns adding that she would rather see “community-building services rather than self-storage” in that it would be “more in line with how this property is zoned.”
Board Votes to Deny Application
In the final vote, all board members except Cane voted to deny the application.
For prior MercerMe coverage on this issue,
- Hopewell Township Zoning Board to Hear Controversial Warehouse Application
- Hopewell Zoning Board Hears Self-Storage Proposal, Not Warehouse
- Hearing on Self-Storage Facility Continues with Expert Testimony
- Public Still Debating Self-Storage Plan as Zoning Board Hearing Wraps Up
