Following review at a March 8 public hearing, Borough Zoning Commission (BZC) members approved the construction of a 2,100-square-foot one-story building for FAITH Food Pantry at St Rose of Lima Church's nine-acre campus at 46 Church Hill Road.

BZC members unanimously approved both a special permit and a site development plan for the building, which will be constructed at the southeastern section of the church property, near the youth soccer field. BZC members placed several conditions on the approvals.

At the hearing, architect John Madzula, representing the church, explained the food pantry project.

The food pantry building will be set up to receive food items dropped off by people donating to the charity. Also, the structure will contain a client services area and food sorting/storage facilities.

FAITH Food Pantry formerly was located in the basement of St John's Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook Center. After that Episcopal church closed last fall, the food pantry moved to industrial space at 31 Pecks Lane, where it is now temporarily located.

Rob Sibley, town deputy director of planning, informed BZC members in a letter that based on the construction site's characteristics, the project will not require a wetlands protection permit.

Mr Madzula explained that the building would have no basement and would be constructed atop a concrete slab. The 30-by-70-foot structure with a pitched roof would be clad with cedar siding. The architect termed the building " a straightforward structure."

Lee Paulsen, the chairperson of FAITH Food Pantry, told BZC members that she is happy that St Rose Church has taken the initiative to have the food pantry at its church campus. The new pantry facility "will be a good home" for the group, she said.

In February, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), in its role as the borough's planning agency, endorsed the construction project.

FAITH accepts food donations from people seeking to help the local needy.