03/11/2025 Planning Board Meeting

City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Opening: The meeting of the City of Cape May Planning Board was called to order by Chairperson Bill Bezaire at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Auditorium. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice was provided. Roll Call: Mr. Bezaire, Chairperson Present Mr. Jones, Vice Chairperson Absent Mr. Crowley Present Mr. Gorgone Present Mr. Lundholm Present Deputy Mayor McDade Present Mayor Mullock Absent Mrs. Reed Absent Mr. Riggs Absent Mr. Padussis Alt # 1 Present Mr. Crippen Alt # 2 Present Also Present: Rich King, Esquire, Board Solicitor Craig Hurless, Board Engineer and Planner Karen Keenan, Board Secretary Application(s): 409 Elmira LLC 409 Elmira Street Block 1060 Lot(s) 33 Attorney Anthony Monzo of Monzo Catanese DeLollis, PC introduced the application for site plan, preliminary and final extension of approval for three years. He advised the board that the new property owner would like time to explore financing options and demand for the units. Solicitor King asked if any zoning changes had occurred that affect the site, and Attorney Monzo replied he was not aware of any changes. Engineer Hurless summarized the variances granted for parking, the curb cut and the side yard setback. He also explained the extension of time can be permitted and that it should not be granted beyond three one year extensions in order to conform to municipal land use law. Deputy Mayor asked for an explanation of the request for a three-year extension. Attorney Monzo said the new owner, 1842 Investments Cape May LLC, would like time to study options and the market. He said the owner plans to seek board approval for interim use in the very near future. City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2025 1 Board members were allotted time for questions. Motion made by Deputy Mayor McDade site plan, preliminary and final – extension of approval for two years from December 2024, subject to conditions of approval 1-14, as outlined on pages four and five in the November 20, 2024 memorandum by Board Engineer Craig R. Hurless, PE, PP, CME and subject to all conditions discussed at the hearing and all conditions set forth in Resolution 12-13-2022: 1, seconded by Mr. Lundholm and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Deputy Mayor McDade, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Lundholm, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Crippen, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. The vote was held in abeyance to open the matter to the public. Discussion was opened to the public within two hundred feet at 6:51 PM. Lindsay Michel, 523 Lafayette Street, was sworn in by Solicitor King. She saw the stop work order and asked if it was related to the application. Attorney Monzo said the work is only for interior renovation, which was stopped and was then allowed to continue with permits. She asked about parking. Attorney Monzo said there will be a hearing in the future about the proposed change of use, and no changes to parking are under consideration in the current application. Discussion was opened to the public beyond two hundred feet at 6:54 PM. Discussion was closed to the public at 6:54 PM. Attorney Monzo explained that the existing use and future use are in the same use group in the construction code but not in the municipal code. Deputy Mayor McDade asked for a follow-up explanation from the construction and zoning officials. The board confirmed the vote stands. Discussion: State Development and Redevelopment Cross-Acceptance Response Engineer Hurless explained the process for the state plan and the importance of participating in the process. He will work with city staff to formulate a plan and start working through the process. Chairperson Bezaire recommended Member Crowley be involved to share his experience and expertise. Member Crowley suggested members read the preliminary state plan. Motion made by Deputy Mayor McDade to engage Engineer/Planner Hurless to prepare the response to meet the associated timeline, seconded by Chairperson Bezaire and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Deputy Mayor McDade, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Lundholm, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Crippen, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Payment of Bills City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2025 2 Motion made by Mr. Gorgone to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Mr. Crippen, and carried 7-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Deputy Mayor McDade, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Lundholm, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Crippen, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Motion made to adjourn by Mr. Crowley at 7:23 PM with all in favor. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan, Board Secretary City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2025 3