Traffic, Pedestrian Safety a Concern in Taylor Lane Complex Application

The design of a proposed Taylor Lane townhome complex is not safe because of traffic concerns and a potentially dangerous walk to a community center, witnesses on the side of objectors said last week.

During testimony before Middletown’s Planning Board on Nov. 6, planner Peter Steck said that Taylor Lane will become a busier roadway if the complex is built, and residents living on the eastern side of the complex could have a potentially dangerous walk to the amenities located across that road.

"That’s not a good design, to have the community facilities segregated by a road that is functionally a collector road," Steck said.

American Properties at Middletown is seeking preliminary and final major subdivision and site plan approval to construct 196 townhomes and 49 affordable units, along with a 3,600 square foot clubhouse and a pool. Locals are unhappy with the plan, citing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns with the project.

A planner for the applicant said that having the residents cross Taylor Lane to use the amenities is not “inconsistent with sound planning” and has seen similar situations in other complexes.

Serving as a traffic expert for the opposition, Alexander Litwornia said that he expects an additional 1,500 vehicle trips along Taylor Lane per day—up from the current tally of 800—if the complex is built and the road is improved. 

Attorneys also argued over whether a variance for the application is needed because a portion of the proposed complex is on land in Holmdel. The approximately 31 acre parcel of undeveloped land off of Taylor Lane runs along Route 35 near the Holmdel border.

Board attorney James Gorman recommended to board members that, based on precedent, the 1.47 acres of the site in Holmdel can be included in buffer calculations because there is “nothing going on” in terms of construction on that land.

“I think at the end of the day, [the applicant’s] argument is OK,” he said.