Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING MARCH 5, 2013 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 5th day of March 2013 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 15, 2013, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 16, 2013, 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: Jeff Gertler, Tom Johnson, Judy Mullins, Mayor Robert Conley, Michael Kopas, Astri Baillie, and Steve Tombalakian Absent: Excused: John Forte, Peter Flemming, Sr. Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Frank Russo, Board Engineer Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the January 15, 2013, re-organization and regular meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Ms. Baillie, seconded by Mrs. Mullins. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all eligible voting members and recorded. Comments by the Public: Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to the public for anyone that wished to be heard on any matter not on this evening’s agenda. There was no public present at the meeting that wished to be heard. Planning Board March 5, 2013 RESOLUTIONS FOR MEMORIALIZATION – There where no resolutions to be memorialized this evening. NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 13-003 Minor Subdivision John De Simone Block: 4312 Lot: 3 16 Lathrop Avenue Mr. Jason Rubin, Esq. applicant’s attorney gave a brief summary of the application. Mr. De Simone proposes to demolish the existing single-family home on the site and construct two new two-family homes. Mr. Rubin stated that this is a conforming subdivision. Mr. De Simone and Mr. Fred Meola were in attendance to testify this evening. Mr. John De Simone, 420 River Road, Chatham was sworn in and accepted as a witness. Mr. De Simone has been building houses in Madison for over thirty years. The lot now holds a one family home built in the 1930’s His plan is to demolish the home and subdivide the property. Once the property is subdivided he will build two two-family homes on each lot. Mr. Loughlin, Esq. questioned Mr. De Simone about the styles planned for the homes. Mr. De Simone stated that each home would be three bedroom units, with a one car garage, partially finished basement, eat in kitchen and a great room. Each unit would also have 2.5 baths. Each unit would have curb appeal and non-look a-like features, similar to the two homes that were just built by Mr. De Simone on Woodland Road. Mrs. Mullins asked Mr. De Simone if the three existing trees on the site plan that are going to be removed would be replaced. Mr. De Simone stated that all options will be considered in order to save the trees; if this is not obtainable new trees will be planted. Mr. Fred Meola, Engineer, 28 Whippany Road, Whippany, NJ 07981 was sworn in. The Board accepted Mr. Meola’s qualifications as an expert witness. Mr. Meola stated to the Board that the water and sewer connection will be reused. Each unit will have a separate water, gas and electric line. Questions regarding the driveways and curb cuts were discussed at length. Mr. Rubin again stressed to the Board and its Professionals that this is a totally conforming subdivision and the illustration of the homes proposed is not a part of this application. The Board acknowledges this comment by Mr. Rubin but stressed that variation is key. Planning Board March 5, 2013 At this time Mr. Tombalakian asked if there where any further questions from the Board or its professionals. Seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. He then opened the floor to the public for questions of Mr. Meola or Mr. De Simone, seeing no one wishing to speak he closed that portion of the hearing. The Board began their deliberation and a motion to approve this subdivision application with conditions as discussed was made by Mr. Kopas, seconded by Mrs. Mullins. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” - Mrs. Baillie, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Johnson, Mayor Conley, Mr. Kopas, Mrs. Mullins and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None Excused – Mr. Forte, and Mr. Flemming OLD BUSINESS - There was no old business before the Board this evening. PLANNING DISCUSION – LED Sign Ordinance - Ms. Blickstein began the discussion referring back to the previous work session discussions that the Planning Board has already had regarding LED lighting for gas stations. She took those discussion items and presented a memorandum dated, August 8, 2012 with a revision date of January 25, 2013 which was distributed to all Board members prior to this evenings meeting. Slight modifications were discussed and Ms. Blickstein was advised to prepare another edit. This item will be placed on the April 2, 2013 agenda of the Planning Board. A Master Plan update discussion was led by Astri Baillie. She stated that in working with Ms. Blickstein it was thought that a revision to the Master Plan should zero in on the land use element. Ms. Blickstein asked for some direction and requested the Board to form a subcommittee to deal with the goals and objectives that will focus on the Land Use Element and the Sustainability Element. Mr. Tombalakian told the Board that the next regular scheduled meeting of the Planning Board set for Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 was being cancelled. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mrs. Mullins made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:45 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