Board approves subdivision BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Fords residents concerned about population impacts WOODBRIDGE - The Planning Board unanimously approved a minor subdivision on Bennet Street in Fords, which brought concerns from neighbors. "Adding three more homes in our community would add to the population and add more traffic in the area," said resident Bridget Smythe. The applicant, Jeffrey Wittman, proposes to subdivide a 26,250-square-foot parcel into three lots at 16 Bennet St. Tract A will consist of 11,250 square feet, with dimensions of 110 feet by 75 feet. Tract B will be 7,500 square feet with dimensions of 75 feet by 100 feet, and tract C also will be 7,500 square feet, 75 feet by 100 feet. The lots are in the R-7.5 Single Family Residential zone. No construction was proposed at the time. Over a dozen residents came to the board meeting on March 12 to express their concerns about the subdivision. Resident Anthony Mazza testified that the future construction would affect their small community. "We are a close knit community with 20 or so kids," he said. "This area does not need more homes because homes are already in high demand and are not selling." Resident Lynn Leitner said the construction of new homes would significantly dwarf her ranch home. "There's going to be a 35-foot wall next to my house," she said. Board Attorney Marc Rogoff said the residents who were concerned about the rules of the R-7.5 zone should relay their concerns to the Township Council. "These [subdivisions] are permitted uses based upon the R-7.5 zone," he said. "The board can't predict if there would be two to three homes built in the area, and since there is no construction proposed at this time, they are entitled to the subdivision." Board member Patricia Osborne added that since the subdivision is a permitted use, the board could not take traffic into consideration. After listening to all of the residents' comments and before he voted in favor of the application, board Chairman Raymond Miller said he hoped the applicant would be a good neighbor.