MIDDLESEX TWP — Preliminary approval was granted to the Hawkins Crest development plan Tuesday night by members of the township planning commission.

Hawkins Crest is a single-family residential development that would sit north of Route 228 and west of Harbison Road.

The plan, which was presented by Gregg Heinemann of Sandy Hill Development, would convert 61 acres of agricultural land in 50 housing lots.

Preliminary approval of the plan was tabled in September after the commission determined several items needed to be addressed. Specifically, the commission wanted to see the results of a traffic study and an environmental risk assessment.

Those concerns have been addressed, according to Heinemann.

“We meet all the requirements in the zoning ordinance,” Heinemann said.

Heinemann said he also met with neighboring property owners who raised concerns in September about how such a development would affect their enjoyment of their homes.

“We talked about different things that we could try to do,” Heinemann said.

The installation of topsoil and trees would help prevent “light pollution” generated by Hawkins Crest residents, according to Heinemann. He told commissioners he also discussed various utility easements with the neighbors.

“So you're saying that those agreements with (neighbors) are part of the reason why we should approve (this)?” asked Alex Wing, a member of the commission.

“No,” Heinemann said. “(We're) just trying to be a good neighbor.”

Commission member Dave Fowler asked about infiltration rates. The plan's geo-technical assessment has been conducted, but a formal report has not been prepared. The plan needs documented confirmation that it meets stormwater requirements.

HRG and township engineer Jeff Mikesic told the commission the only other administrative item to be addressed was a revision of the plan's traffic assessment. Mikesic said the distribution is “pretty heavy” toward Route 228.

Still, Mikesic said a revision to the assessment wouldn't have dramatic results.

“Even if they would change that distribution, it's not likely to change any of the outcomes,” Mikesic said.

The commission determined the pending items are administrative.

Members unanimously voted to recommend supervisors grant preliminary approval on the conditions formal confirmation of the infiltration rate and a revision to the traffic distribution are provided.