Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 2, 2012 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 2nd day of October 2012 at 7:30 P.M., in Room #140, Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road, Madison, NJ. The meeting was called to order by Planning Board Chairman, Steve Tombalakian Mr. Tombalakian requested the reading of the Public Meeting Notice. Ms. Boardman read the following statement in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. “Let the minutes reflect that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in the following manner: At the reorganization meeting of the Board held on January 3, 2012, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 4, 2012, a copy of the schedule of meetings was posted at the bulletin board at the entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial, was sent to the Madison Eagle and the Daily Record, and filed with the Borough Clerk all in accordance with the “Open Public Meetings Act”. The following roll call was recorded: Present: Michael Kopas, Dr. Vincent Esposito, Mayor Conley, Astri Baillie, Tom Johnson, Steve Tombalakian, Jeff Gertler (arrived at 7:42 pm), Absent: Excused: John Forte, and Peter Flemming, Sr. Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Esq., Planning Board Attorney Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frank Russo, Board Engineer Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the September 18, 2012 regular meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. Corrections to the minutes were made by Ms. Baillie and Mr. Johnson. These corrections were read into the record and noted by the Board Secretary. Motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Baillie. A voice vote of “Aye” was heard by all eligible Board Members, with Dr. Esposito abstaining. Comments by the Public: Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to the public for anyone who wished to be heard on any matter not on this evening’s agenda. Seeing no one wishing to be heard, Mr. Tombalakian closed this portion of the hearing. Planning Board October 2, 2012 Resolutions For Memorialization – CASE NO. P 11-011 Request for Extension of Time for Subdivision Deed Filing Dr. Louis DeBiasse (Louisyann Realty, Inc.) Block 1301, Lots 9.01 & 9.02 37 Elm Street Resolution granting the application of Dr. Louis DeBiasse for the Extension of Time for Subdivision Deed Filing on property located at 37 Elm Street, Madison commonly known on the Borough of Madison Tax Map as Block 1301, Lot 9 A draft resolution was prepared and sent to the applicant’s attorney, Mr. Samuel DeAngelis, the Planning Board members and Board Professionals prior to this evenings meeting. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board or its Professionals if they had any comments or concerns regarding the Resolution. Hearing no comments or concerns Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to approve the resolution. Motion to approve the resolution was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Kopas. The following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kopas and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Abstain” – Dr. Esposito, Mayor Conley and Ms. Baillie “Absent” – Mr. Forte and Mr. Flemming, Sr. NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business before the Board this evening. OLD BUSINESS - CASE NO. P12-005 Amended Application with Variances 122 Main Street, Madison LLC Block 1803, Lot 11 122 Main Street This case was first heard on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at which time it was carried without further notice to this evening’s meeting. Mr. Samuel DeAngelis, Esq. reintroduced Mr. Arthur Metzler. Revised plans, dated September 26, 2012, were distributed to all Board members prior to this evening’s hearing. The amended lighting plan was distributed at this evening’s hearing. Planning Board October 2, 2012 Mr. Metzler remains under oath. Mr. Metzler told the Board that he had taken their recommendations back to Walgreens and several compromises have been made. The following exhibits were marked: Exhibit A-2: Elevations Exhibit A-3: Lighting Plan with last revision date of 10/2/2012 Exhibit A-4: HLB Lighting Design letter dated September 25, 2012 Changes to the Master signage plan include relocating the Walgreens 50 sf sign on the eastern building façade further north toward the parking lot and centering the signage over the windows. A slight modification was made to the awning to keep the signage off the limestone band; these awnings will now be 2’ 3” high. Walgreen’s has confirmed that they want to keep the 6sf. blade sign located on Main Street and the drive aisle along with the other two blade signs as proposed. The lighting plan that was distributed to all Board members this evening from Korzen Engineering having a last revision date of October 2, 2012 was discussed. Mr. Metzler stated that there were no changes to the parking lot lighting plan as previously approved. He proposes to eliminate the lighting underneath the awnings and place fifteen black wall sconces along the building focusing on the entrance points. These sconces will be shown on the final lighting site plan for signature if approved. Further discussion brought up the timing of the lights and when they should be turned off. Ms. Blickstein stated that this should be made a condition of the resolution, and that they be turned off by closing. While not a part of this amended application, the required switch gear box located along the eastern side of the building was discussed with Mr. Metzler. It was suggested that perhaps he work with the Madison Electric Company. Screening, such as lattice work and/or additional plantings were suggested to soften the visual impacts of this feature. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board members if they had any further questions of Mr. Metzler, seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. He then opened the floor to the public, seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. The Board began their deliberation, on the motion of Mr. Gertler, seconded by Mayor Conley the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kopas, Mr. Gertler, Mayor Conley and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – Ms. Baillie “Abstain” – Dr. Esposito “Absent” – Mr. Forte “Recused” - Mr. Flemming, Sr. PLANNING DISCUSSION – • LED Lighting – Gas Stations Ms. Blickstein stated that she would revisit the signage at the Sunoco station and make a determination after the dimensions were available. Planning Board October 2, 2012 • Solar Renewable Energy A memorandum, dated August 21, 2012 from Ms. Susan Blickstein was distributed to all Board members. Discussion regarding small scale solar systems took place; Ms. Blickstein informed the Board that small scale systems would require specific standards as an accessory structure. Ms. Blickstein suggested that more information be explored and that this issue be revisited when priorities are set for the New Year. CORRESPONDENCE – None at this time Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to adjourn the regular meeting, motion made by Mayor Conley at 9:00 P.M.; seconded by Mr. Kopas. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary