Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING JUNE 16, 2015 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 16th day of June 2015 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 6, 2015, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 7, 2015, 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, John Forte, Tom Johnson, Jeff Gertler arriving at 7:45pm, Astri Baillie, Peter Flemming, Mayor Robert Conley Excused: Michael Kopas, and Tom Lewis 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 June 2, 2015 regular meeting minutes were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. Mr. Flemming noted a small correction to the minutes. A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by Ms. Baillie, seconded by Mr. Johnson. 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 1 Planning Board June 16, 2015 OLD BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 15-001 Minor Subdivision & Preliminary & Final Site Plan with Variances KRE Madison NJ Urban Renewal, LLC Block: 3001, Lot: 28 Green Village Road School Special Use Area Redevelopment A transcript of this hearing was prepared by Bridget Lombardozzi of Precision Reporting Service. Mr. Jim McCann, Esq. Applicant’s attorney began by reminding the Board of the application before them that was presented at hearing on April 7, 2015 and June 2, 2015. This is a continuation of that hearing. Mr. McCann stated he had two witnesses this evening to provide testimony. The first was Mr. Brian McMorrow from Bohler Enginnering and the second Mr. John Harter, Parking/Traffic Consultant. The following exhibit, prepared by Bohler Engineering, was marked into evidence: Exhibit A-9: Colorized Preliminary Site Plan, having a Revision Date of 6/9/2015 Mr. Brian McMorrow, previously sworn in, remained under oath. Using the exhibit marked into evidence, Mr. McMorrow gave a detailed explanation of the parking management plan and the compromises that the applicant has considered after the last meeting, including shared, 2 hour parking with no overnight parking within the first eight spaces on the private road. Parking demand counts from various other projects in comparable areas was discussed. Mr. Jacquemart still questioned the statistics given and not the actual parking demand. Handicap spaces were addressed as well. It was determined during discussion that an annual parking report would be prepared and presented to the Board. This report would give the Board a better understanding of supply versus demand. Mr. Flemming suggested adding more landscaping between Green Village Road and the onsite parking in that area. The storm water management report dated June 11, 2015, stated that the utilities on site are able to handle all of the flows that will be resulting from the improvements. The Board reminded the applicant that the stairs to Drew should be constructed during the construction of the site. The Omland Engineering memorandum, dated April 6, 2015 was discussed. Mr. Frank Russo, asked Mr. McMorrow to confirm that the fire zones comply with the suggestions in the memorandum. Also discussed were the overhead utilities, easement language, Storm-water Operations Manual, and the clarification of the solid waste pick-up. The speed limit on the private road was talked about. The applicant has considered a speed of 25 miles per hour, while the Board asked that they consider 20 miles per hour. Dr. Blickstein and Mr. Russo also stated that they would like to see this project completed in one phase. This was agreed upon by the applicant. 2 Planning Board June 16, 2015 Mr. Tombalakian asked if the Board had any further questions of Mr. McMorrow. Mr. Flemming inquired about the trash and who would be bringing the trash out of the buildings. Mr. McMorrow stated that the trash would be brought out by the management company and picked up by a private hauler. There were no further questions from the Board or its professionals. Mr. Tombalakian then opened the floor to the public for questions of Mr. McMorrow. Seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. Next to testify was Mr. John Harter, 35 Technology Drive, Warren, New Jersey. Mr. Harter began by giving his qualifications to the Board. Mr. Harter was accepted as an expert witness. Mr. Harter began by elaborating on the changes to the parking management plan. He stated that he had read the last transcript with regard to parking and the Board’s concerns. He felt that the parking plan provided to the Board this evening included sufficient shared parking with the proposed restaurant and community center as well as the residential units. Mr. Harter stated that a luxury development as the one before the Board would need two stalls assigned per unit. The eight shared stalls closest to Kings Road would have a limit of 2 hour parking but not have any overnight parking, which is consistent with the Borough of Madison, however; the 14 space between Building A & B would be shared spaces, with a two hour parking limit and allow for overnight parking. There are 6 reserved visitor spaces in the rear as well as 32 shared parking spaces. Mr. Harter testified that the parking plan as presented will work for this site. Mr. Jacquemart, Borough Traffic consultant, stated that perhaps the applicant could reconsider that parking prohibition be 10:00pm on all 22 spaces in front. It was decided that any adjustments to the parking could be reconsidered after the annual report was received. St. Vincent School drop off and pick up was discussed. Mr. Harter stated that there should be no impact to the school or the site. The accident analysis that was provided to the Board was discussed. The data collected was from March 2012 through February 2015. Mr. Harter stated that here were a limited number of accidents on Green Village Road. A ten minute break was taken at 8:35pm. The Board returned to their seats at 8:45pm with all Board members present and the meeting was reconvened. Mr. Harter clarified some items to the Board. He stated that all residents would be assigned garage stalls. Also that a sticker system would be put into place by building management to ensure that the residents were parking in the garage before they parked on the private street of the development. Mr. Harter stated that the applicant is willing to make adjustments; they want the development to work for both the residents and the retail and community space. Ms. Baillie still had concerns with the parking situation. Mr. Tombalakian asked if the Board or its Professionals had any further questions for Mr. Harter. Seeing none he opened the floor to the public for questions of Mr. Harter. Seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. McCann had no further witnesses this evening. Mr. Tombalakian then opened the floor to the public for any comments concerning this application, seeing no one, the public portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. McCann began his summation. Mr. McCann stated that the project has been a work in progress starting with the redevelopment plan. The developer has been willing to work with the needs of the municipality, the Planning Board and the Board Professionals. 3 Planning Board June 16, 2015 All variances and design waivers that have been asked for will enhance the project from an aesthetic point of view. There is no detriment to the public good. At this point two items were marked into evidence by Mr. Loughlin. Exhibit B-1: Mr. McCann’s memo, dated April 24, 2015 with respect to covenants, restrictions and requirements for easements. Exhibit B-2: The lease for the Community Space executed between KRE and the Borough of Madison. At this time the Board began their deliberation. After deliberation, Mr. Loughlin was asked to go through the various conditions that will be implemented in the resolution. It was determined that this application will be filed by deed and plat. Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion with regards to the application and the stipulations and conditions as discussed this evening. A motion to approve this application was made by Mayor Conley, seconded by Mr. Flemming. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” – Mayor Conley , Ms. Baillie, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Forte, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Absent” – Mr. Kopas and Mr. Lewis PLANNING DISCUSSION –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 9:30 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 4