Politics & Government

Cranbury Zoning Board Rejects Christmas Light Show Appeal

Keith Shaw was issued four potential violations in February regarding his annual Christmas light show and the zoning board rejected his appeal on Wednesday.

The Cranbury Zoning Board has denied homeowner Keith Shaw’s appeal regarding his Christmas Spectacular at their Wednesday night meeting, according to a report by the Cranbury Press

After Shaw’s light display last December, Zoning Officer Jeff Graydon issued Shaw a notice in February that cited four potential violations of Cranbury Township’s Land Development Code, the report said. And on Wednesday, the Zoning Board upheld Graydon’s interpretation of the land development code. 

According to the Cranbury Press, Shaw’s potential violations include the violation of the use restriction of a residential zone, and three sign ordinance violations that had to do with size, number of signs, and advertising a permitted use. 

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The Shaw Christmas Spectacular is a nightly light show during the month of December that is conducted on Shaw's front lawn, located at 128 N. Main Street. The light show is coordinated with music and has been going on for six years. The show is free, but Shaw collects cash donations for local charities.  

Shaw's home is located within the Village Hamlet Residential Zone in Cranbury Township, Graydon explained, and commercial activities are not permitted in residential zones. The Christmas light display solicits donations for charities, which is a commercial activity, according to Graydon. 

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Despite the Zoning Boards decision to reject Shaw's appeal, Shaw told the Cranbury Press that he will continue to have a Christmas display this year and will make any changes needed to make that happen.   


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