Emergency vehicle access at issue for condo building
Code official voices concern about space shown for fire vehicles
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
Aplan to build 30 age-restricted condominiums on Orchard Street in Freehold Borough is on hold until at least Nov. 14 due to questions about how emergency vehicles will access the building. The application for Liberty Crossing II at Freehold was heard by the Planning Board on Oct. 24. The application was filed by Bay Dock Holdings LLC.

Testimony seemed to be moving along without a problem until code official Hank Stryker III raised an issue.

"There are no provisions on this plan for access for fire department apparatus on any side," Stryker said. "Where is the access to get fire tucks close enough to the building in case of a fire?"

Attorney Robert Munoz, representing applicant Roger Passarella, said there would be access to the building on the side that runs along the railroad track.

In response Stryker said, "It's not very safe, especially for an aerial fire truck. We have a major issue here, and this has to be discussed before this can proceed."

The board's vice chairwoman, June Vawter, agreed with Stryker and expressed concern for the safety of people who will occupy the condominiums.

Stryker suggested setting up a meeting among the applicant's attorney, architect and engineer and the chief of the Freehold Fire Department in order to work out an acceptable emergency access plan.

Munoz described the proposed development of 30 two-bedroom units that will have a clubhouse in the center of the building. The building will occupy 1 acre of a 5- acre parcel on Orchard Street, off Institute Street. The first floor of the four-story structure will be used for parking. The units will be sold to people age 55 and over. There will be a homeowner's association.

According to Munoz, the cost of a pump station to be used by Liberty Crossing II at Freehold will be shared with the owner of a project directly across the street, Liberty Crossing at Freehold, a development of 11 singlefamily homes by Sofia Homes.

Vawter said she would like to see Bay Dock Holdings provide additional landscaping on the side of the building where the railroad track is, in order to provide more privacy for residents.

Borough Councilman Marc Le Vine, who sits on the Planning Board, asked if security measures such as cameras, additional lighting or a concierge were planned.

Munoz said the doors of the building would have automatic locks and that a pass key would be needed to gain entry into the building. He said there are no additional security measures or concierge planned.

Additional lighting in the courtyard was also a concern raised by board members.

The Bay Dock Holdings application was carried to the board's Nov. 14 meeting.