by Julie Fink, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—At its meeting on February 13, the Hammonton Environmental Commission granted the request for a waiver of the environmental impact statement by Al Wendt and Rich Wendt for their multi-use establishment at 90 N. White Horse Pike.
According to attorney Niall O’Brien of Archer and Greiner the 3.21 acre property situated in a B-2 zone will be undergoing upgrades and modifications of the existing structures.
The multi-use site contains an auto service station, car wash, lube facility, truck rental unit and launderette.
The applicant was before the board under the town requirements for a major site plan, although the changes to the site are more under the guidelines of a minor site plan, according to O’Brien.
The town ordinance requires an application with a total square footage of more than 5,000 feet and a lot area of more than 3 acres to be submitted as a major site plan, according to licensed planner Lance Landgraf of Marathon Engineering.
“Although categorized as a major site plan, we believe this development is so minor in nature that it does require your consideration for a waiver of an environmental impact statement,” O’Brien said.
The proposal is for the removal of the existing auto lube facility and the construction of a 3,643-square-foot addition to the auto service building to make it an all-encompassing auto service facility housed in one building, O’Brien said.
The laundry mat will be relocated to the rear of the auto service station and the car wash will undergo two small additions totaling 877 square feet, he continued.
The traffic pattern and parking will be redesigned and improved and the four existing property lots will be consolidated into one, according to O’Brien
“This will allow greater use for parking and ease of use,” he said.
There will be a decrease in impervious coverage and a reduction in building coverage, according to Landgraf.
“This will be a better use of the property and it will make it safer for everyone,” Al Wendt said.
In other commission news, the tree removal request by St. Joseph High School for the removal of four trees was reviewed and various options were discussed.
The commission approved the removal of one tree that was indicated to be leaning and the trimming and grooming of the other three.
The tree removal request by Geoffrey Gentile at 813 S. First Road was approved due to the condition of the twin trunks found on the tree.
“If one trunk is dead then removing just one is hazardous; they both should go,” member Kathy Sedia said.