SportZone hearing now set for Nov. 2 meeting
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

Manalapan

MANALAPAN - A public hearing for a proposed 33,000-square-foot athletic complex off Route 33 has been carried to the Nov. 2 meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The public hearing was scheduled for the board's Sept. 7 meeting but it could not be heard that evening due to a scheduling conflict that arose on the part of one of the professionals who will speak on behalf of the applicant.

Manalapan residents Mike Hammer, Todd Ber-man and Tom Devine want to build the SportZone at 500 Madison Avenue, a new street off of Route 33 west near the Knob Hill residential development.

The application for the 5.6-acre site requires a use variance because the proposed use is not permitted in the Special Economic Development (SED) zone.

A SportZone operated by the trio is already operating at the Ivy League Day Camp, Gordons Corner Road. The new facility, if approved by the board, would be a second location and would not mean the closing of the SportZone at Ivy League.

The Route 33 facility would include a pair of indoor basketball courts, an indoor sports field and a snack bar.

Board members indicated at a July 20 meeting that the proposed facility may prove to be a beneficial addition to the community.

However, they did express concern with certain issues, including whether the proposed layout of the parking area will properly accommodate fire and emergency vehicles, as well as school buses that board members said the facility would likely attract.

Board members also wanted to see a separate area delineated solely for the use of delivery trucks to the site and also voiced concerns over the proposed number of parking spaces.

In addition to being advised to improve their lot design as well as the number of proposed parking spaces, the applicants were also told to provide a separate employee parking area and to provide for the installation of fencing around the outside ball fields.

In a previous interview, Hammer said the two basketball courts will also function as volleyball courts and the indoor sports field will be used for soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other field sport activities. The facility would also include a room that will be available for private parties.