New Jersey Zoning Dispute Pits Adult Community Against Funeral Home
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It's a zoning dispute like no other. An adult neighborhood in Jackson Township, New Jersey is upset about a new neighbor.
Residents of the Westlake Golf and Country Club adult community told CBS2's Scott Rapoport they are worried about a new neighbor planning to move in nearby.
"It's a constant reminder of death," Donna Sacks, 70, said.
The 55-year-old and older clientele, many of whom came to Jackson for peace and solitude, said a proposed funeral home is the problem.
The proposed 19,000 square-foot facility is to be built by the Oliverie Funeral Home on a 6 acre lot down the road from Westlake.
Many have called the idea demeaning and hurtful.
"It just reminds you that, you know, you don't have that much time left," Barbara Silverman said.
Many people said it would be impossible to miss the funeral home when they are coming and going from Westlake, and said they feel like they are being targeted because of their age.
"That they're gonna roll us across the street over to the funeral home," Sacks said.
The situation has left some residents angry and emotional.
"I don't need the funeral staring me in the face every time I go out," Linda Selznick said.
Last week, more than 150 residents packed a zoning board meeting to voice their concerns including issues like potential traffic congestion resulting from the funeral home.
The board approved a variance allowing the funeral home to be built there.
"We're aware that they are upset," manager Gerladine Oliverie said. "It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone or to target anyone. I just wanted to service the community I grew up in."
She said her company still has to get approval from the county and the state.
In the meantime residents are considering hiring a lawyer to continue the fight.
The board of trustees for another adult community next door to the proposed funeral home endorsed the plan.
