This week's news in Hunterdon County towns

Readington Township -- Township officials have approved an ordinance establishing a zone surrounding Solberg Airport that limits the type of development allowed and brings Readington into compliance with state regulations. The Solberg family, owners of the airport, objected. The Township Committee unanimously adopted the ordinance June 6 following a public hearing during which several residents expressed concern over the impact it would have on their properties. The new zone "complies with both the letter and the spirit" of the state Air Safety and Zoning Act of 1983, which creates safety zones and governs development around airports, according to Mayor Gerard Shamey.

For years, the township has refused to adopt such an ordinance, despite a mandate from the state that every municipality that hosts an airport do so. The sticking point was "routine improvements" that the law allows airport owners to perform. Concerns that allowing "routine improvements" could allow the airport owners to expand its facilities and attract jet traffic were appeased by a May 10 letter from DOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri, said Committeewoman Julia Allen. The letter states that "construction of new structures or additions to operational surface would not be considered a routine improvement and are subject to local municipal zoning ordinances."

The new ordinance lists permitted uses within the zone, and also establishes a historic airport sub-area. Among the allowed uses are a restaurant, museum, agriculture and passive recreation.

Copyright © 2007 Hunterdon County Democrat

Date: June 14, 2007 Source: NJ.com
Excerpt taken from: http://www.nj.com/news/hunterdon/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1181847649241330.xml&coll=12