Residents Raise Environmental Concerns, Question Character of Townhouse Project

The attorney for the proposed townhouse development on Mountain Way continued his request for variances during Wednesday night's Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.

Attorney Robert Garofalo has appeared before the board 10 times over the past four months to make the case for building a 22-unit townhouse community near single-family homes along Mountain Way, Rocky Heights and South Powder Mill Road. 

After testimony from professional planner John McDonough and opposing commentary from several area residents, the fate of the development proposal was not settled. The zoning board will take up the request for the 11th time at its Aug. 3 meeting.

Vincent Kellett was one of the residents who voiced concern over the project. Kellett discussed the environmental effect the townhouse construction could have on the area, noting the presence of steep slopes and the possibility of runoff.

"Our family has been there since 1973. It's a terrific neighborhood to raise a family," Arnt Thuen said of the Mountain Way area, which is comprised largely of single-family homes on large lots. "I'm all for improving, but this goes beyond what is reasonable."

Rick Jilleba heads Preserve Mountain Way, a group of citizens opposed to the townhouse proposal. 

"I don't think the property is consistent with the Parsippany master plan," he said. "It doesn't fit with the existing neighborhood. I believe what the applicant intends to do is to establish the character of [existing townhouse complex] Glenmont Commons up Mountain Way to the Denville line." 

McDonough conceded the project would increase population density in excess of what is permitted under zoning laws and create some environmental disturbance, but he repeatedly asserted that there are numerous reasons for granting the building variances.

"Characteristics of the site make it unique and distinct from the surrounding properties," he said, noting that the uniqueness was due to the topography of the land involved.

The planner added that the project would provide affordable housing that would be "inherently beneficial" to Parsippany. He argued that there is a larger market demand for multiple-family dwellings rather than for single-family homes.

"Multi-family, in this economy, is a more sustainable project," McDonough testified. "This project is consistent with good planning."

Board members did not appear to be convinced: Steve Dickens asked to see statistics to corroborate the planner's claims about the popularity of multi-family homes over single-family models. Gordon Meth inquired about sidewalks.

"My client would be happy to contribute," Garafolo said.

The 700 Mountain Way project originally was intended to feature 38 for-sale townhouses for residents age 55 and older. After neighbors raised concerns, the project was revised to have only 22 units and no age restrictions. 

The Wednesday meeting was the first for new board member Steve Coppadona, who was sworn in by Board Attorney George W. Johnson.