Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 6, 2015 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 6th day of October 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, Tom Johnson, Jeff Gertler, Astri Baillie, Peter Flemming, Michael Kopas, and John Forte Excused: Mayor Robert Conley and Tom Lewis Absent: None Also Present: Keith Loughlin, Substitute Planning Board Attorney, Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frank Russo, Board Engineer Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the September 15, 2015 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 Mr. Flemming, seconded by Mr. Kopas. 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 – CASE NO. P 15-009 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances KL Realty Holdings, LLC Block: 2401, Lot: 2 223 Main Street 1 Planning Board October 6, 2015 Resolution granting the Preliminary & Final Site Plan with Variances to KL Realty Holdings, LLC for the Preliminary & Final Site Plan with Variances on property located at 223 Main Street, Madison commonly known on the Borough of Madison Tax Map as Block 2401, Lot 2 The draft resolution was sent to the applicant’s Attorney, Mr. Sam DeAngelis, Esq. as well as the Planning Board members and its Professionals for review prior to this evening’s meeting. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its Professionals if they had any further comments or questions concerning the resolution. Seeing none he asked for a motion to approve the resolution as drafted, a motion was made by Mr. Forte, seconded by Ms. Baillie; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” –Ms. Baillie, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Forte, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kopas and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Abstain” – “Excused” – Mayor Conley and Mr. Lewis NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 15-010 Minor Two Lot Subdivision with Variances US REO Fund 1, LLC Block: 211, Lot: 2 161 Madison Avenue Mr. Nino Coviello, Esq. began by giving a brief summation of the application. The witness here to testify this evening is Richard Schommer, Engineer and Planner. Mr. Richard Schommer was sworn in and accepted as an expert witness this evening. The following exhibit was marked: Exhibit A-1: Minor Subdivision Exhibit, dated 9-01-2015 Mr. Schommer began explaining to the Board that this application before them is for a minor two lot subdivision in an R-3 (Single-Family Residential) Zone. The current existing residence will be demolished and two single family lots will be created. The property is adjacent to the Borough’s Water Tower on Madison Avenue. Mr. Schommer stated that Lot 2.01 is fully conforming, while Lot 2 requires a variance for lot area and lot width. All zoning requirements will be met for each home that will be constructed. An approval from New Jersey Department of Transportation will be required for the proposed changes to the property. The Shade Tree Management Board’s memorandum dated May 31, 2015 Was discussed and the applicant is acceptable to all statements herein. Individual lot grading plans will need to accompany the zoning/building application for the new homes. These plans will be reviewed by Mr. Frank Russo, Board Engineer. A discussion with respect to a shared driveway on this subdivision took place. Mr. Schommer feels that a shared driveway does not present a better plan and creates additional hazards to the potential homeowner. 2 Planning Board October 6, 2015 The memorandum received from Bowman Consulting, dated October 6, 2015 was discussed. Mr. Coviello stated that his client was acceptable to all conditions outlined in the communication. The Board then moved to the memorandum prepared by Dr. Blickstein dated May 29, 2015; revised August 5, 2015. It was suggested that the applicant move the footprint of the homes back, creating a front yard setback of 35-40 feet for Lot 2 and 40-45 feet for Lot 2.01. The applicant was reminded that there should be variation in the designs of the homes that will be presented. The existing house must be taken down prior to building the new homes. Ms. Baillie asked if there was any way to reduce the macadam driveways. Mr. Kopas suggested that a berm be created to act as a landscaping screen and that year round shrubbery be planted. A grading and landscaping plan will need to be provided. Ms. Baillie asked if the home was historic. Mr. Coviello stated that it was not. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its Professionals if they had any further questions of Mr. Schommer seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. The floor was then opened to the public for questions and or comments on this application, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. The Board began their deliberation. A list of conditions to be included in the resolution as discussed this evening was recited back to the Board and the applicant by Dr. Susan Blickstein. Motion to approve this application was made by Mr. Forte, seconded by Mr. Flemming. A roll call was requested and recorded as follows: “Ayes” – Ms. Baillie, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Forte, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kopas, and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Excused” – Mayor Conley and Mr. Lewis OLD BUSINESS – None 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 8:15 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