Religious group presses on for O.B. development

After a dozen hearings over the course of two and a half years, the Dayalbagh Radhasoami Satsang Association of North America (DRSANA) will return to Old Bridge town hall for more testimony July 16.

The religious group has been appearing before the township Zoning Board of Adjustment since 2007 in hopes of securing a home for its ancient practices across from Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Pension Road.

"We've tried to accommodate all the requests of the zoning board and we're very hopeful to wrap things up," said David Himelman, the Old Bridge-based attorney representing DRSANA. "We may not get a decision, but at least we'll make more headway."

During next week's meeting, Himelman said the group will primarily focus on the testimony of Raymond Liotta, a professional planner from Mazur Consulting.

"The planner is the most significant aspect of the application in order to prove our case," said Himelman. "We've been working up to a crescendo, so to speak."

DRSANA, an Indian spiritual movement, purchased 20 acres of property between Pension and Englishtown roads in January 2007 in hopes of building an 18,240-square-foot prayer hall, along with 16 residential units and eight dormitory units for congregants and guests. The apartments would house members of the group, whose beliefs necessitate a lifestyle of selfless service and austerity. The other eight units would be used as temporary quarters for guests.

A use variance is required from the board before plans can take shape, as township zoning permits the house of worship but not the number of residential units sought in the application. The R-120 zone where the property sits allows for single-family homes on 3-acre lots.

The last hearing, on April 16, saw testimony from DRSANA engineer Jeremy Lange and architect Nidhip Adha.

Lange presented the site's improved drainage and storm water management plans, which were revised as requested by Township Engineer James Cleary. Among the outlined changes was an on-site piping system and two 6-foot-deep wet pond retention basins.

Adha explained the applicant's architectural plans included solar panels, natural stone, insulated windows, acoustical soundproofing, insulated glass and simplistic design. He also provided details regarding DRSANA's two-wing worship hall.

The house of worship has been opposed primarily by an attorney representing Michael Napp, the owner of Raceway Park, who believes the site's proximity is undesirable and will ultimately cause problems for the racetrack.

Board members are also concerned about the applicant's fiscal impact on the community. As a nonprofit religious organization, DRSANA is eligible for tax-exempt status. However, Himelman said the group is willing to enter into a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with the township, and the applicant offered to pay for its water and sewer hookups and any other municipal services required.

However, the board requested at the April 16 hearing that the applicant present a fiscal impact report due to looming worries regarding the proposed development's contribution to various additional municipal taxes. According to Himelman, the report has been completed and submitted.

"We've taken the proper steps and it shouldn't be an issue," he said. "But you never know."

Himelman said that the group hopes to have a decision soon so it can finally begin the construction process if approved.

"They're tired and want a decision made on this," he said. "They request to have it happen as soon as possible instead of postponed indefinitely."