The Holmdel Capelli Sports Complex

 Details of the Capelli Proposal:

  • Location: West property - Rte. 520 across from Vonage

  • Privately-owned facility

  • Eight competition-grade full-size soccer fields - Six have artificial turf, two natural grass

  • 55 ft indoor facility with artificial turf

  • 28 - 80 ft. light towers, 45 - 25 ft. light fixtures, 67 sq. ft. illuminated sign

  • Parking for 400+ cars (overflow needed)

  • Turf field runoff from goes into Category 1 Willowbrook Stream that feeds the Swimming River Reservoir

Timeline

July 2014 

  • Holmdel TC introduces “Conditional Use” change of Conservation R-4R zone to add recreational use 

  • Township Committee (TC) fails to notify neighboring landowners

August 2014

  • “Conditional Use” ordinance adopted despite opposition from CILU and others

  • Zoning applies only to this property (spot zoning)

 Sept 2014

  • Developer Capelli submits plans to Planning Board (PB)

 January 2015

  • Adjacent property owners notified of PB meeting                                                                     

  • PB Meeting canceled due to snowstorm

 February 2015

  • Colts Neck residents sue Holmdel TC for failure to notify adjacent property owners

  • PB meeting delayed while TC decides what to do

March 2015 

  • TC re-introduces “Conditional Use” ordinance to satisfy notification requirements

  • Now applies to all R-4R zones in southern Holmdel

 April 2015

  • Public pressure causes TC to rescind “Conditional Use” ordinance; Capelli application still in play

 May 2015

  • Capelli ceases legal action, nixes sports complex

 July 2015

  • State funding available to preserve property provided the township contributes 16% of cost (about $640,000) TC votes against securing the funds  

 April 2018

  • Property sold to developer for low density housing

 April 2022

  • Application before PB for Heavenly Estates Development with 17 homes and open space lots