Township Debates, Approves Pingry Headmaster's Residence

In spite of a few qualms, the township approved variances allowing the Pingry school to build an on-campus residence for its headmaster.

According to the school's current headmaster, Nat Conard, residences of this type are very common for private schools, though the Pingry house will be significantly smaller than typical headmaster residences.

The house is designed to be on the cutting edge of "green" technology. It will be constructed out of recycled materials, use advanced solar technology and a geothermal system for heating and cooling. Among other things, the house is expected to serve as a symbol for the steps Pingry is taking to increase the efficiency of the entire school, while at the same time reducing negative effects on its environment.

During his opening statement to the board on why this house is important to the school, Conard said that, in addition to being the residence of his family, it would serve as a gathering place for alums and supporters of the school. "It is important to cultivate students or alumni for support," he said. "We need to make people feel good about supporting this institution." He also pointed out that a headmaster's residence is an important part of attracting future candidates for the position.

The board was not quick to agree, however, as they carefully scrutinized multiple aspects of the Pingry plan. "I'm frustrated by not having been provided (the master plan) in advance of this meeting," said planning board member, Kevin Orr while struggling to understand building plans presented by Pingry Facilities Engineer, Michael Virzi. The board's greatest concerns appeared to be whether or not the school's plans for the property would negatively affect the flow of traffic on Martinsville Road and the fact that the school already has four residential buildings on its campus.

One of those buildings is used as a dormitory, another is used as a guest house while the other two are never occupied and may be demolished. The committee expressed concern over the empty houses.

When asked if they had considered adding roads on the property, in addition to the driveway to the house, Engineer Paul VanGelder said that nothing on the property had been planned yet except the headmaster's residence and that it alone "does not call for another roadway."

"This project is proceeding with an environmental ethos," VanGelder said. "We are working to preserve the agricultural and residential feel of the area." As part of that ethos, the school is looking into acquiring a small, decommissioned barn to incorporate into the design of the house as a garage.

"This is a project that the entire township can be proud of," said Pingry Attorney, Roger Mehner in his closing statement. "We think that our record is very strong in the township as well as our stewardship of the campus."

Meeting Notes

Another brief order of business at the meeting was a hearing with Ecological Solutions regarding a development they are planning to begin construction on in 2011.

The group requested extension of approvals until 2013, but was granted just one year. They will have an option to extend approvals another year at a hearing in 2011.