02/14/2023 Planning Board Meeting

City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Opening: The meeting of the City of Cape May Planning Board was called to order by Vice Chairperson Michael Jones at 6:37 PM in the City Hall Auditorium. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice was provided. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Mr. Bezaire, Chairperson Absent Mr. Jones, Vice Chairperson Present Mr. Belasco Present Mr. Crowley Present Mr. Gorgone Present Mr. Lundholm Present Mayor Mullock Absent Mrs. Reed Present Councilmember Yeager Present Mr. Maloy Alt # 1 Present Mr. Padussis Alt # 2 Present Also Present: Richard King, Esquire, Board Solicitor Craig Hurless, Board Engineer and Planner Karen Keenan, Board Secretary Minutes: Motion made by Mr. Gorgone to approve the meeting minutes of January 24, 2023, seconded by Mr. Belasco and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Belasco, Mr. Gorgone, Councilmember Yeager, Mr. Maloy, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: Mrs. Reed, Mr. Lundholm. Mr. Crowley joined the meeting at 6:39 PM. Application(s): Adis, Inc. 1317 Beach Avenue Block 1146, Lot(s) 10, 6, 7, 11-24 Attorney Ron Gelzunas introduced the application for preliminary and final site plan approval renovate the pool and patio areas of the property with no new variances being requested. He said there will be no change to guest accommodations and the number of restaurant seats will remain at 146 seats. He introduced Architect Richard Garber, Environmental Compliance Consultant/CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) Expert Junetta Dix, Professional Engineer City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2023 1 and Professional Planner Andrew Schaeffer, Adis Inc. Principal George Andy and La Mer Beachfront Resort Manager Francesca Santoro, who were all sworn in along with Board Engineer and Planner Craig Hurless by Solicitor King. Architect Garber was accepted as an expert by Vice Chairperson Jones on behalf of the Board. He explained the architectural plans provided in the application via a PowerPoint presentation including the existing conditions and proposed renovation of the indoor/outdoor restaurant expansion and relocation of the pool. He stressed the reduction in lot coverage from 75.9% to 74.3% and said the project will contain noise pollution. Architect Garber said the project has been conceptually approved by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and advised that the HPC was complimentary on the project. He added that some lawn features were removed at the suggestion of the HPC. Board members were allotted time for questions of Architect Garber. Environmental Compliance/CAFRA Expert Junetta Dix presented her credentials and was accepted as an expert by Vice Chairperson Jones on behalf of the Board. She explained that the application for the property within 150 feet of beach or dune triggers the need for a CAFRA permit. She said the waiver for an environmental impact statement was appropriate, as there are no changes to the wildlife habitat and natural vegetation. She added that she sees no issue obtaining the CAFRA permit. Board members were allotted time for questions of Environmental Compliance/CAFRA Expert Dix. Engineer Schaeffer presented his credentials and was accepted as an expert by Vice Chairperson Jones. Engineer Schaeffer advised the architect had indicated that no gutters and downspouts are included in the project, so there are stones and perforated piping to collect stormwater. The project includes new grading and stormwater management into the existing stormwater management system, and no new variances required. He presented Exhibit A-1, a site plan, and described in detail the proposed project. He said the project will conserve natural resources and provide improved light, air, open space and circulation with improved access for pedestrians to the street. Board members were allotted time for questions of Engineer Schaeffer. Member Reed asked about the doors. Architect Garber said the bifold doors are to allow people to move in and out, and the plan is to control access points. Member Crowley asked about the mercantile license and number of seats. Architect Garber said they are not expanding the space not the number of seats at 146; they are formalizing seats inside and out. Member Reed asked about the bar seating, and George Andy said the seats will never exceed 146. Board Engineer Hurless then summarized his report dated January 31, 2023. He described his completeness review and the waivers he supported with all to be conditions of approval. He said the application materials indicated Lots 8 and 9 to be included with the applicant and should be City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2023 2 revised to exclude those lots. He said the Board has typically accepted the CAFRA permit in lieu of the Environmental Impact Statement requirements, and he supported the waiver. He summarized the zoning requirements and said the proposed total accessory use does not exceed the 25% permitted. The number of employees was confirmed to be 28 per the 2015 approved site plan, and Engineer Schaeffer and George Andy testified there have been no changes to number of employees. Engineer Hurless said no additional variances have been requested; the application is for amended preliminary and final site plan approval. He then shared his general review comments 1-12 in detail with all items being conditions of approval including the Shade Tree Commission condition that encouraged preservation and retention of the white pine and holly trees existing on the site, as listed in their report dated February 3, 2023 and evidence of final Historic Preservation Commission approval. Engineer Schaeffer indicated all trees will remain. The Fire and Police Departments approved the project, and Public Works Department had no comment. Board members were allotted time for questions of Engineer Hurless. Member Padussis asked about the green space to be created and whether it could be used for special events that may require additional employees. Attorney Gelzunas said there is no plan to utilize the open green space for parties; the space would be utilized by guests only. Discussion was opened to the public and closed with no public coming forward to comment at 7:29 PM. Solicitor King explained the vote to the Board. Motion made by Mr. Lundholm to grant preliminary and final site plan approval without new variances and previously granted variances continuing, subject to the waivers and conditions discussed by the Board Engineer at the hearing and outlined in the review memorandum, from Board Engineer Craig R. Hurless, PE, PP, CME, dated January 31, 2023, seconded by Mr. Gorgone and carried 9-0. Those in favor: Mr. Belasco, Mr. Gorgone, Councilmember Yeager, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Lundholm, Mr. Maloy, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Motion made to adjourn by Mr. Lundholm at 7:32 PM with all in favor. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan, Board Secretary City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2023 3