EDISON, NJ – A new warehouse project, approved by the Edison Planning Board, is drawing concern from residents and officials alike due to its proximity to a popular dog park and the Metuchen border. The approval of 135 Whitman Renewal LLC’s plans for a large-scale warehouse development on Whitman Avenue has raised questions about traffic, noise, and the overall impact on the residential area.
Last week, the Edison Planning Board formalized its decision by adopting a resolution granting approval for the development at 135 Whitman Ave. The proposed project includes two buildings: a substantial 50,400-square-foot structure, nearly the size of a football field, and a smaller 10,125-square-foot building.
The larger building is slated to contain 46,100 square feet of warehouse and distribution space, complemented by 4,300 square feet of office space. The plans also include 31 car parking spaces and 11 trailer parking spaces, indicating the potential for significant truck traffic.
The smaller building will house 8,925 square feet of warehouse and distribution space, along with 1,200 square feet of office space, four overhead doors, and 19 car parking spaces.
The project’s location, adjacent to the Metuchen-Edison Community Dog Park, has fueled concerns among local residents about the potential disruption to their neighborhood. The increased truck traffic, noise, and potential environmental impact are primary worries.
Adding to the controversy, Metuchen officials have voiced strong opposition to the project. Metuchen’s land use attorney and planner attended the Edison Planning Board meeting to express their concerns, leading to a stipulation that warehouse vehicles exiting the site will be prohibited from turning into Metuchen. This measure aims to mitigate the impact on Metuchen’s residential streets, but it does not alleviate the overall concerns about increased traffic in the surrounding area.
Despite the opposition, the Edison Planning Board proceeded with the approval, citing the applicant’s compliance with township regulations. The approved plans also indicate that the existing access to the property from the adjacent dog park will be maintained.
The approval of this warehouse project highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development and residential quality of life. As the project moves forward, residents will be closely monitoring its impact on their neighborhood and the beloved dog park. The debate surrounding this development underscores the importance of balancing economic development with the preservation of community character and quality of life in residential areas.
