Supporting Documentation · May 28, 2026
Planning Report 01 09 2026
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Planning Report – Seton Hall Preparatory School, Health and Fitness Center January 9, 2026 700 Prospect Avenue, Township of West Orange, NJ John McDonough Associates, LLC Land Use Planning · Landscape Architecture 7 101 Gibraltar Drive, Suite 1A, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 · Phone: 973.222.6011 · Fax: 973.786.6537 Planning Justifications for ‘C’ Variance Relief Legal Basis for Relief The requested ‘C’ bulk variance relief can be granted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.c.(2), whereby the benefits of the application taken as a whole substantially outweigh any detriments. Positive Criteria Pursuant to Pullen v. Township of South Plainfield Planning Board, 291 N.J. Super. 1, 676 A.2d 1095 (App. Div. 1996), the project benefits to be considered by the board flow not from each specific deviation themselves, but rather from the application taken as a whole. In this vain, the following purposes of zoning, as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2, are furthered as a result of the proposed application. • Purpose A, which speaks to the promotion of the general welfare, is furthered with the continued improvement of an existing inherently beneficial use. The proposed light pole height is necessary to effectuate its intended purpose, which is to provide lighting for the athletic field. This enhances visibility, safety and the overall functionality of the field. • Purpose M, which speaks to the efficient use of land, is furthered by working within the existing development footprint of an existing, established land use. The proposal does not result in any site improvements being located closer to any property lines than the existing conditions. Negative Criteria The application satisfies the negative criteria as it does not result in a substantial detriment to the zone plan or the public. The application seeks to retain the existing development footprint and simply provide lighting for the existing facility. The applicant has provided a lighting plan demonstrating that the additional lighting will be concentrated on the athletic field, with no substantial impacts to any neighboring properties. The relief relates to a distinct property that has received approval for an athletic field and has continually evolved to better accommodate the needs of the community at large. Conclusion The proposed modifications will represent a positive addition to the SHP campus and continue to advance
nd has continually evolved to better accommodate the needs of the community at large. Conclusion The proposed modifications will represent a positive addition to the SHP campus and continue to advance its academic mission to promote the growth and development of young people. The application does not propose the enlargement of any existing fields or buildings on the site, with the only physical modification being the addition of 4 new light poles.
Planning Report – Seton Hall Preparatory School, Health and Fitness Center January 9, 2026 700 Prospect Avenue, Township of West Orange, NJ John McDonough Associates, LLC Land Use Planning · Landscape Architecture 8 101 Gibraltar Drive, Suite 1A, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 · Phone: 973.222.6011 · Fax: 973.786.6537 The school is an inherently beneficial use which carries extreme weight in the statutory balancing test. For all the reasons set forth in this report, the proposed modifications will constitute an improvement to the existing athletic facility, and will integrate well with the neighborhood, and the community. It will have minimal, if any, negative effects. From a land use planning standpoint, the application satisfies the four-prong balancing test under Sica v. Board of Adjustment of the Township of Wall. The application also satisfies the balancing test of Pullen v. Township of South Plainfield Planning Board, 291 N.J. Super. 1, 676 A.2d 1095 (App. Div. 1996). Therefore, the statutory criteria for grant of use relief are met, and approval is warranted.
Planning Report – Seton Hall Preparatory School, Health and Fitness Center January 9, 2026 700 Prospect Avenue, Township of West Orange, NJ John McDonough Associates, LLC Land Use Planning · Landscape Architecture 9 101 Gibraltar Drive, Suite 1A, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 · Phone: 973.222.6011 · Fax: 973.786.6537 Qualifications of Preparer John McDonough Associates, LLC is a land use planning and landscape architecture consulting firm with office location in Parsippany, New Jersey. John McDonough, LA, PP, AICP is a licensed professional planner and landscape architect in the State of New Jersey. Both licenses are current and in good standing. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. All licenses have been obtained through requisite showing of educational and experience requirements and passing of license examinations (none have been achieved through reciprocity). All licenses are maintained through participation in mandatory continuing education courses. Mr. McDonough has been practicing as a land use consultant in New Jersey for over 35 years. He has been recognized as an expert in land use matters before hundreds of boards and commissions throughout the State of New Jersey, and in Superior Courts. Mr. McDonough has been a regular speaker at the League of Municipalities annual conference and at Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. In 2022, he was a speaker at the national conference of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
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- Sep 29, 2026
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