As the majority of retail transactions continue to rapidly shift to the online sphere, the development of shipping warehouses continues to boom across the state of New Jersey and elsewhere in the country. The developers of these facilities have often been met with opposition from members of the community at local planning and zoning board meetings who are wary of the effects these facilities may have on their residential neighbors and the environment.

When developing these shipping warehouses, whether using existing structures or building them from the ground up, the developer is often required to obtain certain variances and permits. The applications for these variances are contemplated by the local planning or zoning board, which often allows a certain time for public comment on the application. A recent Robbinsville Zoning Board meeting reportedly lasted over four hours, with 80 members of the public showing up to testify in opposition during the public comment period. [1]

The community members opposing these types of developments generally fear the inundating of local roads with large trucks and other shipping vehicle traffic, the increase in noise from construction and constant shipping operations, and increased stormwater flooding issues resulting from the increase in impervious surfaces. [2] The environmental impacts include pollution due to the increased stormwater runoff and the permanent loss of forest and farmland in the case of new development. Community members should stay up to date on the project applications their local planning and zoning boards are considering to be sure they don’t miss their opportunity to comment publicly on a project that may affect their property.

Sources:
[1] https://communitynews.org/2021/03/01/robbinsville-zoning-board-oks-project-despite-neighbor-objections/
[2] https://www.njspotlight.com/2021/01/nj-warehouse-sprawl-pandemic-surge-e-commerce-white-township-hamilton-upper-freehold-pollution-runoff-truck-traffic-feared-overwhelm-rural-roads/