Hare Krishna Temple on Route 34 Back on Agenda

The Old Bridge Planning Board will on Route 34 near the Matawan border at its meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. 

The temple is proposed on 6.3 acres of land on Route 34 between Highview Terrace and Sheila Court in Old Bridge Township in the R30 Zone.

The meeting will be held at the Old Bridge's Municipal Complex at the intersection of Route 516 and Cottrell Avenue.  

According to Jonathan Heilbrunn, the applicant's attorney, the proposed plan includes two buildings, a temple and a single family home. The proposed temple is a 23,312 square foot, one-story building with a basement that would accomodate 420 congregants.

The ground level of the building would be about 11,656 square feet and would serve as a worship area. The basement level, which is also 11,656 square feet, would include a kitchen, dining area and several multipurpose rooms. The single family home would be built for the temple's priest and family.

There are 146 parking spots included in the plans. A formula used by the township would require only 140.

The application was first submitted in 2008. The board last heard the application on April 10, but was unable to finish their proceedings due to time constraints.