The city received an interesting request from Breezy Point
Resort, Whitebirch, Inc., concerning a lot the city owned. This lot is used as a storm sewer retention
pond and serves Airport Road. It also is
adjacent to property owned by Whitebirch near their maintenance facility. Their desire for the lot was to improve their
ability to deal with the impervious coverage requirements. By adding in additional property they have
additional space to deal with in meeting the maximum requirement.
Impervious surfaces shed water. Pervious surfaces absorb water. Impervious surfacing includes roof tops,
driveways, sidewalks and parking areas. The
maximum allowable coverage for these surfaces in that zoning district is
50%. This means that no more than 50% of
the surface area of a parcel of land can be covered with impervious
surfaces.
By acquiring additional land the factor of pervious versus
impervious improves. The resort wanted
to provide for an expansion of their facilities. With the added roof top, parking and
driveways it was becoming difficult for them to meet the required
standard. They wanted to maintain
centralized facilities as it makes sense for their operations. Expansion at
this location was improved by adding the additional property.
The city agreed to sell the property to the resort with the
understanding that the use as a storm sewer retention pond would continue. It was also agreed that no building would
occur on the site and the site would need to be consolidated with abutting properties. In doing so the resort was able to expand
their maintenance operations in a way that makes sense for them. The city was able to work with them to
address concerns and provide for development.
The outcome is really a win for all parties involved. The use of the property owned by the city is
maintained. The resort is given the
opportunity to provide for their expansion needs. Additional tax base and business growth are
outcomes. By working together we solved problems and common goals for
the betterment of the community.
