Upper Freehold Warehouse Proposal Threatens NJ History and Environment
A proposed warehouse development in Upper Freehold, New Jersey, has sparked concerns among residents and preservationists who fear the destruction of local history and negative impacts on the environment. The development, known as the AAESUF Warehouse, plans to occupy 54.62 acres of land that played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, adding to the controversy surrounding the project.
Upper Freehold is home to the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway, a designated scenic route recognized and supported by the state of New Jersey. The proposed development has raised concerns that this scenic byway may lose its charm if the project moves forward, potentially leading to a rebranding as the Upper Freehold Warehouse Not Scenic Byway.
Local resident and advocate for historic preservation and environmental protection, Jerry Carino, expressed his shock and dismay upon reading about the warehouse proposal. To better understand the issue and explore potential solutions, Carino delved into research and discovered a recent state law that could potentially impede the development—the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Justice Law.
The new law designates Upper Freehold as one of Monmouth County’s Overburdened Communities, giving authorities the power to scrutinize new development projects or expansions that may introduce stressors to the area. One main concern raised in a memo from a county official to the Monmouth County Planning Board’s Development Review Committee is the proposed warehouse’s potential impact on air quality due to increased traffic. The memo points out a discrepancy between the calculated trip generation and the number of employees per shift, as well as the total parking spaces.
The numbers associated with the project are staggering. The plan includes 572 parking spaces for cars, 108 loading docks for trucks, and six truck drive-in ramps. It is estimated that the warehouse will generate a daily average of 790 truck trips during weekdays, with 452 employees working per shift. These figures raise significant concerns about the already congested highways in New Jersey, potentially exacerbating traffic problems and reducing air quality on Routes 539, 526, 195, and Main Street in Allentown, impacting the entire Overburdened Community of Upper Freehold.
Residents and advocates worry about increased congestion and traffic along Route 195, negatively impacting commuters and potentially leading to a decrease in property values. One concerned resident, who previously voiced opposition to urban sprawl, emphasizes that the proposed AAESUF development is a fundamental planning and public policy nightmare.
The proposed warehouse development raises the question of how such a project, which would greatly increase the number of vehicles on already congested New Jersey highways, can be deemed sensible. It has the potential to substantially increase traffic flow from Route 130, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 295, leading to implications for commuters and longer commute times for nearby destinations such as Rutgers University.
In an effort to protect Upper Freehold from potentially compromising and dangerous air quality resulting from the AAESUF development, citizens are urged to be proactive. People are encouraged to contact the NJ DEP Environmental Justice Office and also inform Upper Freehold officials of their opposition to the project’s potential impact on air pollution and the environment.
The proposed AAESUF Warehouse development threatens not only the historical significance of the area but also the quality of life for residents and the environment surrounding Upper Freehold. The concerns surrounding air quality, traffic congestion, and the potential loss of scenic beauty emphasize the need for a thorough examination of the project’s implications. With residents and preservationists speaking out against the proposal, it remains to be seen how authorities will handle the delicate balance between development, history, and environmental concerns.
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