11/13/2023 Planning Board Meeting

City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes Monday, November 13, 2023 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. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Mr. Bezaire, Chairperson Present Mr. Jones, Vice Chairperson Present Mr. Crowley Present Mr. Gorgone Present Mr. Lundholm Absent Mayor Mullock Absent Mrs. Reed Present Councilmember Yeager Absent Vacant --------- Mr. Maloy Alt # 1 Absent Mr. Padussis Alt # 2 Present Also Present: Richard King, Esquire, Board Solicitor Craig Hurless, Board Engineer and Planner Karen Keenan, Board Secretary Resolution(s): Motion made by Mr. Gorgone to adopt Resolution number 11-13-2023: 1 Master Plan Consistency Review of Ordinance 492-2023 Amending Zoning Code to Clarify Provisions Regarding Bulk Setbacks to Public Property and Non-Conforming Structures, seconded by Mrs. Reed and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Minutes: Motion made by Mr. Jones to approve the meeting minutes of October 10, 2023, seconded by Mrs. Reed and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, November 13, 2023 1 Application(s): 555 Elmira LLC 555 Elmira Street Block 1061 Lot(s) 16 Attorney Ron Gelzunas introduced the application for a by-right minor subdivision to create two lots. He introduced Engineer and Planner John Kornick who was sworn in by Solicitor King along with Board Engineer Craig Hurless. Engineer Kornick was accepted as an expert by Chairperson Bezaire. Engineer Kornick referred to the Plan of Minor Subdivision prepared by Surveyor George Swenson. He said the lot is currently a grass field, and approval was obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for flood hazard area permit, a freshwater wetlands transition area waiver and coastal area permit for construction of two single family homes. He said the intention is to not seek any bulk variances at the property, and appropriate board approval would be sought if needed. Engineer Kornick agreed to all of the conditions in the Board Engineer’s memorandum dated October 11, 2023. Board members were allotted time for questions on Engineer Kornick. Engineer Hurless then summarized his memorandum dated October 11, 2023 including his completeness review with the map and final plat details required as conditions of approval prior to getting any permits to construct on the lot. He also recommended that the required plot plans be recorded in a deed notice in case the new lots are transferred to another developer. He said the application complies with the zoning requirements. He described the past Zoning Board approval at the property, and the recent change in zone to R-3 medium density residential density for the property. Engineer Hurless asked if the proposed lot numbers had been approved by the Tax Assessor and the applicant agreed to have the lot numbers verified. The General Review Comments 1-22 were reviewed and explained in detail with all items being classified as conditions of approval. Engineer Hurless advised the Environmental Commission, Fire, Police and Public Works Departments approved the project with no conditions. The Shade Tree Commission approved the project with the condition that care needs to be taken so that the trees around the perimeter of the lot are not disturbed during construction. The applicant agreed to the conditions. Board members were allotted time for questions of Engineer Hurless. Member Crowley asked about parking and the jurisdiction of the Historic Preservation Commission for the property. Engineer Hurless said it will be determined if the project is in the historic district, and he will review plot plans to ensure that the parking confirms with the Residential Site Improvement Standards. Discussion was opened and closed to the public at 6:50 PM with no public coming forward to comment. City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, November 13, 2023 2 Motion made by Mr. Gorgone to approve the minor subdivision subject to all conditions discussed at the hearing and listed on pages two and three, including the requirement that the plot plans will include the checklist information required prior to issuance of building permits and also recorded in a deed notice, and conditions 1-22, as outlined on pages four, five and six in the memorandum, by Board Engineer and Planner Craig R. Hurless, PE, PP, CME dated October 11, 2023 and on the record at the hearing, and the Shade Tree Commission condition outlined in their October 24, 2023 report, seconded by Mr. Padussis and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Discussion: Payment of Bills Motion made by Mr. Jones to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Mrs. Reed and carried 6-0. Those in favor: Mr. Gorgone, Mrs. Reed, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Padussis, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bezaire. Those opposing: None. Those abstaining: None. Master Plan Implementation Member Crowley said that the demographic data in the master plan is outdated and in need of update. Engineer Hurless said the update would require a reexamination, which would be up to City Council. Solicitor King said that City Council may wish to examine the demographics. Engineer Hurless shared that new affordable housing requirements changes are expected in 2025 and could affect the housing element of the master plan. Open to Public There was no public present for comment. Motion made to adjourn by Mr. Padussis at 7:01 PM with all in favor. Respectfully submitted: Karen Keenan, Board Secretary City of Cape May Planning Board Meeting Minutes, November 13, 2023 3