Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 7, 2014 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 7th day of January 2014 at 7:50 P.M., following the reorganization meeting in the Court Room, 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: Michael Kopas, Steve Tombalakian, John Forte, Mayor Robert Conley, Peter Flemming, Tom Johnson. Judy Mullins, and Jeff Gertler who arrived at 7:56 p.m. Excused: Astri Baillie Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frank Russo, Board Engineer Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the December 3, 2013 regular meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mrs. Mullins, seconded by Mr. Forte. 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. Seeing no one he closed that portion of the meeting. NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 13-012 Amended Application with Variance 175 Park Avenue, LLC Block: 401 Lot: 2 175 Park Avenue Mr. Glenn Pantel, Esq. began by giving a brief explanation of the application. He stated that this application involves the removal of the roundabout, the addition of 30 parking spaces (and other parking lot improvements necessary to accommodate the additional parking), and relocation of the proposed 40' tall flagpole to the northwestern corner of the property. 1 Planning Board January 7, 2014 The proposed total parking remains substandard and a parking variance is required to permit 937 spaces whereas 1,081 spaces are required. Additionally, waiver relief is required to permit parking spaces that are 8.5’ wide. Trees impacted by the proposed parking lot/circulation improvements are proposed to be relocated on site. Mr. Kevin Webb, P.E., Langan Engineering, 989 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, was sworn in. Mr. Webb was recognized as an expert witness in site engineering. The following exhibits were marked: Exhibit A-1: As Built Survey of Existing Conditions – Sheet 1 of 1 Exhibit A-2: Site Improvements – Sheet 1 of 1 Mr. Webb testified that no building changes are proposed and only physical changes to the parking area will be discussed this evening. Three areas will be altered and were pointed out to the Board using Exhibit A-1; they include the roundabout in the northeast corner, one drive aisle to the east and one drive aisle to the north. These changes will result in the addition of 30 parking spaces, each 8.5’wide. These parking spaces will match the parking spaces already on site. 13 trees will need to be relocated with these requested changes. However; there will be no net change of trees on the property. There is one slight lighting change and that is to include one new light to the north side of the parking area. The addition of this light will improve the lighting in this area. Construction of this project is expected to last 30 days. Mr. Russo stated his concern with the roundabout elimination and its impact on traffic flow into the facility during construction. Mr. Webb replied that they do not expect the project to be more than thirty days and would engage the local police department if necessary. Mr. Webb then discussed with the Board the relocation of the flag pole which will be located off the northwest corner of the building. The same pole and up-lighting will be utilized at this new location. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board members and its professionals if they had any questions for Mr. Webb. Mr. Flemming inquired about the topography from the old to the new site of the flagpole. Mr. Webb stated that the new site is higher in elevation by approximately 15 feet. Mr. Flemming asked if the new circulation would affect the handicap spaces. Mr. Webb stated that it would not impact these spaces. Mrs. Mullins asked what provisions would be provided for the trees that are to be moved. Mr. Webb told the Board that all provisions would be provided to keep all trees established. Mrs. Mullins questioned why these changes were being requested. Mr. Webb stated that the site is a victim of its own success. The building is being utilized more than what was anticipated. Mr. Kopas asked if more parking will be needed. Mr. Webb stated that with the addition of these 30 spaces the tenant is closer to satisfying its daily demand today. At this time the following was marked: Exhibit A-3: N.J. Transit Agreement for Bus Service/Stop A copy of this agreement was given to the Board secretary. Mr. Webb stated that they will comply with all Omland Engineering’s comments from the December 10, 2013 memorandum. 2 Planning Board January 7, 2014 There being no further questions from the Board or its professionals, Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to any questions from the public. Mr. Joseph Chiarolanzio, 5 Belleau Avenue, Madison. Mr. Chiarolanzio questioned Mr. Webb about the buffer on Chateau Thierry. Mr. Webb stated that the area can be reevaluated and suggested that a meeting with the board professionals be arranged to look into this area. There being no further questions from the public that portion of the meeting was closed. Mr. Pantel called his next witness. Mr. Karl Pehnke, also of Langen Engineering 989 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, New Jersey was sworn in. Mr. Pehnke gave his qualifications as a traffic engineer to the board and was accepted as an expert witness this evening. Mr. Pantel asked Mr. Pehnke to discuss the temporary impact on traffic on the adjacent roadway system that may be caused by the proposed improvements. Mr. Pehnke stated that this is a short term construction project and all measures will be taken to insure safety at this site. He stated that the construction will be done in stages and if there is any impact on the public roadway, a traffic safety officer would be obtained. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its professionals if they had any questions of Mr. Pehnke. Mr. Gertler asked if Langan Engineering had designed the original parking on the site. Mr. Pehnke replied that the design had been done by the architect at the time. Mr. Johnson inquired how the percentage of cars coming off of Park Avenue was obtained. Mr. Pehnke replied that the percentage was not obtained by a traffic count at this location but by other businesses within the area. Mr. Russo asked if the work would be done at off peak hours, and when they expected the work to begin. The details of when the labor will be done will be worked out with the contractor. Mr. Pantel stated that the applicant has a pressing need for these parking spaces and will start work as soon as possible. Mr. Tombalakian asked the public if they had any questions of the traffic engineer, Mr. Pehnke. Seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. Mr. Pantel concluded the presentation and gave his closing. The floor was opened to the public for comment, seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing and the board began its deliberation. Mr. Loughlin addressed the conditions that will be included in the resolution. Motion to approve this application with the conditions as stated during testimony was made by Mr. Gertler, seconded by Mr. Flemming. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” -, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Flemming ,Mayor Conley, Mrs. Mullins, Mr. Kopas, Mr. Tombalakian, Mr. Forte and Mr. Johnson “Nays” – None “Absent”: Mrs. Baillie 3 Planning Board January 7, 2014 CASE NO. P 13-007 Minor Subdivision RNJ Contracting, LLC Block: 404 Lot: 59 3 Belleau Avenue Mr. James Bryce, Esq. began by giving a brief explanation of the application. He stated that Mr. Joe Seneca, the owner of the property proposes to demolish the existing single-family home on the site and construct two single-family homes. He has only one witness this evening. Mr. Nick Wunner, Engineer, but the applicant, Mr. Joseph Seneca, was also present for any questions. Both parties were sworn in. Mr. Seneca, 32 Hillside Avenue, Florham Park, NJ. Mr. Wunner, P.O. Box 303, Succasunna, New Jersey was sworn in. His qualifications were given and he was accepted as an expert witness in engineering this evening. Mr. Wunner stated that this is a very straight forward subdivision. As stated earlier by Mr. Bryce these developed lots will be completely conforming. The following exhibits were marked into evidence. Exhibit A-1: Color rendering of the existing site survey. Exhibit A-2: Color rendering of proposed subdivision survey. Mr. Wunner stated that both houses as shown will face Belleau Avenue and will be completely conforming to the R-3 zone. The RSIS requirements will be met with regard to parking for a four bedroom house. Ms. Blickstein’s memorandum dated March 12, 2013 was addressed. The revised driveway was addressed accordingly and has been revised. No easements are in effect at this time. All trees are indicated on the site plan that will be remaining. Omland Engineering’s memorandum dated October 31, 2013 was addressed next. Mr. Wunner commented that most remarks in this memorandum are done at the building permitting stage. Mr. Russo stated that there is nothing out of the ordinary in his memorandum. Mr. Bryce stated that he had two concerns with Mr. Russo’s memorandum. The first was the Operation and Maintenance manual attached to the deeds and that bonding and inspection fees be posted. Mr. Russo explained to Mr. Bryce that the bonding is a tickler of sorts, to keep in mind that all items are completed before the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Mr. Loughlin told Mr. Bryce that this was not a valid objection. The board would like the mature trees that are to remain on the site indicated better on the revised site plan as well as tree protection measures. Mrs. Mullins would like to see additional street trees on Belleau Avenue and Chateau Thierry. The applicant was advised to work with the Shade Tree Committee for a list of acceptable trees. Mr. Tombalakian asked the public if they had any questions of Mr. Wunner. Seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. Mr. Bryce concluded the presentation and gave his closing. The floor was opened to the public for comment, seeing none the Chairman closed that portion of the hearing and the board began its deliberation. 4 Planning Board January 7, 2014 Mr. Loughlin addressed the conditions that will be included in the resolution. Motion to approve this application with the conditions as stated during testimony was made by Mrs. Mullins, seconded by Mr. Flemming. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” -, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Flemming ,Mayor Conley, Mrs. Mullins, Mr. Kopas, Mr. Tombalakian, Mr. Forte and Mr. Johnson “Nays” – None “Absent”: Mrs. Baillie OLD BUSINESS - None PLANNING DISCUSION – None CORRESPONDENCE – None Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Tombalakian made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:38 P.M.; seconded by Mayor Conley. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 5