By PETE WALTON
The Neptune City Borough Council has approved zoning changes, one of which designates the Route 35 corridor as commercial rather than mixed use.
Borough Planner Jennifer Beahm said at this week’s council meeting that the zoning change does not prohibit any existing use and will have no effect on tax bills or assessments.
Other changes involved properties which fell into more than one zone. Beahm said the dual zoning required some property owners to go through extra approval procedures affecting only a small portion of their land.
“Our primary focus is to cleanup the [zoning] map,” she explained.
The changes were approved by a 5-0 vote. Councilman Andrew Wardell abstained because his property was one of those affected.
A copy of the adjusted zoning map is available for inspection at the municipal building and a digital version will be posted on the borough website, neptunecitynj.com.
Mayor Robert J. Brown reported that he met recently with representatives of TFH Nylabone concerning ongoing complaints from neighbors about odors emitted by the company’s plant.
According to the mayor, TFH plans to install a new charcoal filtration system and make other changes aimed at minimizing the problem.
“Let’s work with them the best we can,” Brown said. “They want to be a good neighbor.”
Brown said he would provide more specifics on the company’s plans but said they intend to make the improvements as soon as possible.
“TFH has made a huge investment to stay in Neptune City,” the mayor said. “They don’t want the negativity.”
Councilwoman Pamela Renee, who heads the law and ordinance committee, said she was pleased to learn that TFH was addressing the odor problem. She said the committee would continue to look into reports by nearby residents that TFH was not providing sufficient parking for employees as the company had promised.
Brown said Neptune City has been notified that it is one of the communities eligible for federal tax incentives under the “opportunity zones” initiative. The mayor said he hoped the program would help the borough improve its tax base through appropriate development.
Councilman Alex Tallman, who chairs the administration and finance committee, reported that Neptune City is in “impeccable financial health.” He said that his committee is in the process of reviewing budget requests for the coming fiscal year.
The annual Neptune City Mayor’s Ball will be held on April 7 at Jumping Brook Country Club. Proceeds of this year’s event will benefit Colton and Friends, a foundation for autism research based in the borough. More information about the ball is avaiilable at the municipal website.
Due to last week’s snowfall, United Fire Co. No. 1’s annual Easter egg hunt at Memorial Park was rescheduled to Sat., March 31 at 9 a.m., weather permitting.
