Edison, NJ – A controversial proposal to construct a 210-spot parking lot for a car dealership in a quiet residential neighborhood has ignited fierce opposition from local residents. The developer, Ray Catena, owner of Old Post Realty LLC, is seeking approval to build the lot on a property located at 604 & 610 Old Post Road, despite the fact that “inventory motor vehicle parking” is not a permitted use in the LR & RB zone.
Adding to the concerns, the project proposes a 70% impervious coverage rate, far exceeding the 40% maximum allowed. Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground, leading to increased stormwater runoff and potential flooding issues. Residents fear the parking lot will exacerbate existing drainage problems in the area and negatively impact the environment.
The proposal has been met with strong resistance from the neighborhood, with residents voicing their objections at numerous Zoning Board meetings since August 2022. Their primary concerns center on a multiple environmental issues, increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the potential decrease in property values. They argue that the large parking lot is incompatible with the residential character of the area and will disrupt their quality of life.
Councilman Rich Brescher said he would like to see the hearing postponed as he has received information that the developer has been contributing to Mayor Sam Joshi’s 2025 re-election fund in hopes a favorable ruling. “I have been advised that Mayor Joshi has solicited campaign contributions from the developer” said Councilman Brescher. “Unfortunately, this information can not be verified as Mayor Joshi has not filed his quarterly reports with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission as required by law since the second quarter of 2023. I would ask Mayor Joshi to comply with the law and disclose all his contributors immediately.”
While Mayor Joshi’s NJELEC reports remain outstanding, records indicate Raymond Catena made substantial contributions to his colleague, Mayor Jonathan Hornik’s successful 2023 re-election campaign in Marlboro. Catena, owner of a Jaguar, Land Rover, and Range Rover dealership in Marlboro, donated a total of $10,200 to Mayor Hornik’s campaign, according to NJELEC records, $5,200 on May 2nd, 2023, and an additional $5,000 on September 6th, 2023.
Mayor Joshi and Mayor Hornik also use the same law firm of Rainone Coughlin Minchello. The business entity annual statement for the firm shows they billed Edison $745,199.20 in 2023. That same year they billed Marlboro $232,892.99 while contributing $16,800 to Mayor Hornik’s re-election campaign. $5,800 on 1/25/23, $10,000 on 8/21/23 and $1,000 on 10/2/23. It is unknown if the firm has contributed to the 2025 re-election campaign of Mayor Joshi due to the outstanding reports.
Despite the overwhelming opposition, the developer continues to push for approval, leaving residents frustrated and concerned about the future of their neighborhood. The case has been repeatedly adjourned and carried over, with the next hearing scheduled for Tuesday September 17th 2024 at 7pm. The community remains determined to fight the proposal and protect their neighborhood from what they see as an unwelcome intrusion.
