Green Jersey

Growth means changes for Lakewood

Fast-growing Lakewood is trying to make room for its new residents by moving toward a more urban identity. The township will be “busting at the seams” in the next several years, planning administrator Kevin Kielt told the Asbury Park Press.

Carol Wangenstein’s century-old farm in town is on its way to preserved status. It abuts another already protected preserve, Crystal Lake, and could eventually border a new development — 21 houses along a new road, Serenity Way, that ends in a cul-de-sac. The project was approved April 15, says the Press.

The homes will be on lots smaller than what is usually allowed:

Although the lots would be about two-thirds smaller than the 1-acre minimum under current zoning in that area, the developer, Thompson Grove Associates, avoided a density variance by reserving a portion of the total property as open space.

In recent years, Lakewood changed its zoning to allow building on every 1 acre, down from 2. While a local resident said he submitted a petition 100 signatures strong supporting the change, Wangenstein is suing the board over it, says the Press.

Meanwhile, developers continue to apply to Lakewood’s planning and zoning boards for new construction. In the past three weeks, the township approved or scheduled hearings for “three large higher-density projects.” About 50 building permits are apparently pending in the planning and zoning departments.