Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2014 A special meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 20th day of November 2014 at 7:30 P.M., 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 7, 2014, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 8, 2014, 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: Steve Tombalakian, Astri Baillie, Tom Johnson, Peter Flemming, Jeff Gertler, Judy Mullins, John Forte, and Mayor Robert Conley Excused: Michael Kopas Absent: None Also Present: Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Frank Russo, Board Engineer Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the November 4, 2014 regular meeting minutes 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. Gertler. 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. RESOLUTIONS FOR MEMORIALIZATION – None NEW BUSINESS –None OLD BUSINESS – None 1 Planning Board November 20, 2014 PLANNING DISCUSION – KRE MADISON URBAN RENEWAL, LLC Proposed Amendment to GVRS Redevelopment Plan The Redevelopment Plan governing the GVR site dated October 12, 2011 had a maximum height of Four Stories/45 feet with incentives in Sub Zone II. The maximum height with incentives was then increased in August 2013 to Four Stories/50 feet in response to concept plans and feedback received during the RFP process regarding height regulations. Mr. Robert Powell, Esq began by explaining to the Board that KRE had heard all of the Board’s concerns at the last meeting held on November 4, 2014 and certain changes were incorporated into the plan which includes reducing the height in Building A by (1) one foot and provide a landscape plan that will buffer the site from the surrounding neighbors. Mr. Thomas B. Bauer, 82 Perce Avenue, Manasquan, New Jersey was sworn in. His qualifications were given and accepted by the Board. A landscape presentation was given by Mr. Bauer using a slide show presentation. This presentation showed the perimeter of the landscape buffer. He discussed with the Board what could be maintained on site and what new buffering was proposed, and how it would affect the neighboring residential and commercial sites. A slide was presented showing the proposed retaining walls by the pool area. Mr. Bauer stated that the pool would meet all requirements. KRE will save as much natural buffer as possible on the site. Grading along the Kings Road frontage was discussed. Mr. Bauer stated that the site is handicap accessible and in compliance with ADA requirements. Mr. Bauer concluded his presentation at this time. Mr. Powell gave a summery to the Board of Mr. Bauer’s presentation and the grading issues. Mr. Dean Marchetto was the next to testify. He had already been sworn in on November 4, 2014. Mr. Marchetto stated that every effort had been made to minimize the height as discussed at the last meeting. He stated that the topography of the site causes a hardship on the developer. The site is not level and also has many unusual contours. He stated that the Redevelopment Plan that was put together conflicts with what the site will allow. Mr. Jim McCann, Esq., Attorney for KRE informed the Board that the actual standard for this evening’s meeting was for the Board to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council to amend the Redevelopment Plan. He also stated that when the applicant returns to the Planning Board for Site Plan approval there would be no variances to discuss. Mr. Gertler expressed his concerns. Being part of the subcommittee that worked on the Redevelopment Plan he stated that the Committee had worked extremely hard and had many detailed discussions regarding the plan. Mr. Forte was satisfied with the landscaping plan as presented this evening. Mr. Tombalakian addressed the issues at hand with the Board and Dr. Blickstein. Dr. Blickstein stated that she had all elements that were addressed this evening and discussed with the Board. 2 Planning Board November 20, 2014 After this discussion with Dr. Blickstein and the Board members, Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to direct Dr. Blickstein to Amend the Green Village Road School Redevelopment Plan. A motion was made by Mrs. Mullins, seconded by Mr. Forte; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” –Mr. Tombalakian, Ms. Baillie, Mr. Flemming, Mrs. Mullins, Mr. Forte, and Mayor Conley “Nays” – Mr. Gertler, and Mr. Johnson “Abstain” – None CORRESPONDENCE – None An announcement was made at this time that the December 2, 2014 Planning Board meeting would be cancelled. The next meeting of the Planning Board will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Tombalakian made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:00 P.M.; seconded by Mr. Johnson. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 3