Diamond Chip Mega Warehouse Hearings Resuming in Sparta
SPARTA, NJ – The planning board in Sparta is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on Wednesday, November 4, as Diamond Chip Realty is set to continue its application hearings for two massive warehouses located at 33 Demarest Road. This comes on the heels of a significant legal battle, with a $100 million federal lawsuit filed by Diamond Chip against Sparta Township lingering in the background.
Proposed Warehouse Details
The Diamond Chip proposal includes two large buildings totaling 698,000 square feet. Construction plans reveal:
- Building A: 570,000 square feet, featuring 51 dock doors, 2 drive-in dock doors, and a height of 56 feet.
- Building B: 128,000 square feet, with similar dock facilities and a height of 35 feet.
- Total of 248 parking spaces planned.
This hearing aims to determine whether the proposed project aligns with local ordinances. Should the planning board find the project proposal lacking, it will need to seek a variance from the zoning board, complicating the process further.
Concerns About Planning Board Transparency
As the hearings approach, questions regarding the planning board's composition have arisen. Attorney Ken Porro has kept the specifics of the board members under wraps, leading to concerns about transparency. This lack of disclosure is particularly troubling given the community’s vested interest in the outcome of these hearings.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
Another matter under scrutiny is the potential conflict of interest involving Deputy Mayor Mike Sylvester. Records show that DCR and their legal counsel contributed $27,500 to the Skylands Victory PAC, an organization that heavily supported Sylvester's recent campaign. With Sylvester's involvement in mediation sessions related to the ongoing lawsuit, residents are questioning his ability to remain objective in planning board discussions.
The planning board meeting will take place at 7 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend as significant decisions impacting local development hang in the balance.
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