750 Walnut Avenue Update May 7, 2024

To minimize negative impacts of the construction project ongoing at 750 Walnut Avenue by Hartz Mountain Industries, the latest update provides information pertaining to Traffic Mitigation and Landscaping.

Traffic Mitigation:

• Township addressed traffic mitigation and landscaping at 750 Walnut Avenue.
• Township asked the county to move up the plan to reduce the speed limit to 25 mph on Walnut Avenue along 750 Walnut Avenue. The township is introducing an ordinance May 7, 2024, to pass this speeding limit change.
• Township spoke to the developer to have the driveways more clearly labeled.
• Traffic enforcement has been stepped up.
• Looking into dead end at Behnert Place.
• Any costs associated with these traffic mitigation efforts will be funded from the money Hartz has placed in escrow for traffic improvement.

Landscaping:

• The landscaping was initially planned to be planted in the final stages of the project, but Hartz agreed with the Township request to move it up to May to address resident concerns.
• Starting this week, the landscaping in rear will be planted and evergreens will be planted on the front berm.
• Expected completion date is end of May.
• Hartz will follow the landscape plan approved by the Planning Board.
• Township remains in discussion about 100-plus trees removed from the property.