CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Freehold, July 18, 2019, Approval
Project: Second Garage on property to accommodate Motorcycle Storage.

Freehold, July 18, 2019 Approval Resolution
Project: Re Occupancy Approval Resolution for Auto Dealer

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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What is Stormwater Pollution & How it may Impact Your Project

Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into catch basins and through storm drain pipes and ditches, usually is not treated, but then flows or is discharged into local water bodies. Along the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.) and toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources and force the closing of beaches because of health threats to swimmers.

Human activity is largely responsible for stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you.

Hire CREST to ensure that your latest project will meet the NJ Requirements for Stormwater Pollution Prevention. [/column-third-2-3]

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Marlboro, NJ, June 11, 2019, Variance Approval
Project: Re-Sub Division of a lot at Texas & Wooleytown Road, Hindu American Cultural Center.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Why Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey Regulate Construction Activity

Prior to 1950, Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey primarily offered technical conservation assistance to the agricultural community. During the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s the rapid shift of land use to the construction of houses, industrial and commercial developments resulted in major changes throughout the Garden State. This growth accelerated the process of soil erosion and sediment loss, causing sediment pollution to New Jersey’s waterways.

With that in mind, if you are thinking about building a home or other large construction project, remember that what we all do affects one another.

Hire CREST to evaluate your current project plans when you are dealing with excavation/project/disturbance that will require NJ DEP Permits. [/column-third-2-3]

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

South Brunswick Township, May 8, 2019, Planning Board Approval
Project: Planning Board Approval for 2 Lot Subdivision of a shared driveway.

Cranford, NJ, May 1, 2019, Approval
Project: Approval of an additional 12,000 square foot Warehouse in Cranford, NJ for the Moen Organization

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Septic Systems will affect your Home Sale or Purchase

Current septic system (underground disposal systems) laws were adopted in 1991.

Therefore, if your septic system is older than that and you are trying to sell your house or buy a new one with an older system, it will not meet the current codes?

Hire CREST to conduct a Septic system inspection and make recommendations for expansion or replacement.

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Edison, NJ, April 30, 2019, Zoning Board Approval
Project: Zoning board approval for Sai Data Cultural Center in Edison, NJ.

Monroe Township, April 30, 2019, Zoning Board Approval
Project: CEP Solar Farm in an old mining pit.

Millstone Township, April 10, 2019, Site Plan Approval
Project: Site Plan Approval of Trampoline Building at Black Bear Day Camp – Add On Approval.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Do You Need a Plot Plan for an Addition?

If you wish to put an addition on your home that you WILL need a plot plan. What is a plot plan, it is a plan for your plot of land!

A plot plan is a small site plan of your lot showing what physical features are on your lot. An engineer will add the proposed addition based upon a plan by an architect. The way the lands slopes are shown. Modifications may need to be made to provide proper drainage. Dimensions to the property lines are shown to make sure the addition is not too close to the property line.

This plan is submitted with your architectural plans for a building permit. Hire CREST to prepare your plot plan.

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning/Zoning

Pine Beach Affordable Housing 6-unit affordable residential project, Pine Beach, NJ  – Approval

Lakewood Affordable Housing, 8-unit affordable residential project, Lakewood, NJ – Approval

Crystal Point Marina, Pool and building addition, Minor Site Plan, Brick, NJ – Approval

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Plan for your Pool in the Winter – yes Winter.

Did you know that during the freezing cold of winter is the time to start the process of installing a pool?

In the past, one could take a copy of an old survey, draw a pool on it and get a building permit…not anymore.

Now, a plot plan for a pool is like a mini-site plan.

• The plot plan needs to show:
  • that the rainwater drains away from the pool and the house
  • that the imperviousness of added sidewalk or concrete pool patio is not too great
  • that the pool is not too close to the house, property line or other easements
  • that a fence of the correct height encloses the pool.

So, hire CREST to prepare a pool plan now so that it can be constructed in the spring before the summer.

A good referral for me would be the owner of your pool company or your neighbor who mentioned wanting a pool.

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Planning/Zoning

Riverside Section – January 24, 2019 – Final Approval

Millstone Planning Board, Millstone, NJ – January 9, 2019 – Approval
Project: Commercial Warehouse

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

Location, Location, Location…remember to check the zoning first.

If you are looking for a home for your business and you find the perfect location, you need to check the zoning to see if your business is permitted.

Many towns require a cert of occupancy for a tenant or a new owner.

Is the new Use for the location permitted in your town? if not you may need a use variance. Is there adequate parking? If not, you may need a minor site plan.

Before you lease, buy, hire CREST to conduct a regulatory investigation.

A good referral is Realtor or Land Use Attorney.

Planning/Zoning

Millstone Zoning Board, Millstone Twp, NJ November 28, 2018 – Approved
Project: Use Variance for a Commercial Lot & Bus Park Zone with 2 front yards. Bulk Variance approved for a Generator and Use Variance Approved for a Shed in one of the front yards.

Monroe Zoning Board, Monroe Twp, NJ, November 27, 2018 – Approved
Project: Multi-use Development. Sub-divisions for financial reasons. Bulk Variance & Set Backs.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

Good Investments Take Investigation

That real estate is a good investment, good investments take investigation.

• What is the zoning, what uses are permitted?
• Are there wetlands, flood plains, pine lands, highlands (near Atlantic Highlands) Coastal Area Review Facility ACT (CAFRA), Riparian Buffers, Coastal Wetlands, Historic Pesticide Application, Underground Storage Tanks or other Constrain affecting the property and its usability.
• Hire CREST to conduct that feasibility study and/or an Environmental Phase 1 Audit

A good referral would be a land use attorney or a commercial real estate broker.

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning/Zoning
Monroe Township, NJ October 25, 2018 – Amended Preliminary Approval
Project: Riverside Section Rt. 33 & Perrineville Road Warehouse 301,310 sf building with associated parking.  

Millstone Township, NJ October 10, 2018 – Residential Approval
Project: Residential home with three front yards.  Approved for Pool, Shed & ½ Basketball Court

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Buyer Beware

New Jersey has a buyer beware policy – it is up to the buyer to determine if there are issues, i.e. due diligence, home inspections, etc.

• • When purchasing a piece of property you also buy the liability of any contamination

• • Phase one environmental audit

• • Non invasive audit of published data and a site visit to determine if there is a possibility of contamination from: 
    • • Asbestos
    • • Lead paint
    • • Historic pesticides
    • Fuel tanks

• Banks usually require same for purchase of commercial property

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Somerville, NJ September 26, 2018 – Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval
Project: Redevelopment of an 11.3 acre site with 159 sf building and associated parking.
Site Plan One and Two Bedroom Apartments in Townhouse Style Buildings with Amenities.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project
Coming Soon!

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses
Coming Soon!

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Site Redevelopment in Somerville, NJ

On Wednesday night, September 26, 2018, Kirby Village in Somerville, NJ received preliminary and final site plan approval. The project consists the redevelopment of the 11.3 acre Baker and Taylor site with a 159,000 sf building and associated parking constructed in the 60’s and occupied until around 2002, The preliminary and final site plan approval consists of 174 one and two bedroom apartments in 15 townhouse style buildings. Amenities include a community center, a pool, a tot lot and a dog walking area. See complete site plan here.

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