Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING APRIL 4, 2017 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 4th day of April 2017 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 17, 2017, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 18, 2017, a copy of the schedule of meetings will be posted at the bulletin board at the entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial, 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: Mayor Robert Conley, Michael Kopas, Tom Lewis, Peter Flemming, Steve Tombalakian, Jeff Gertler and George Limbach Excused: Astri Baillie, and John Forte Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frank Russo, Assistant Borough Engineer Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the March 7, 2017 regular meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mr. Lewis, 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 – CASE NO. P 17-002 Minor Subdivision with Variances Mohamed Seyam 241 Kings Road Block: 3902, Lot: 4 Mr. Sam DeAngelis, Esq began by giving a brief description of this application. This application involves the transfer of property from one single-family lot (Lot 4, owned by the Applicant, Mohamed Seyam) to a neighboring lot owned by Stephen McCann in the R-3 District along Kings Road. An area to the south of the existing Lot 5 is currently part of existing Lot 4, which is “L” shaped. The proposed subdivision would create two lots of approximately the same depth. A building coverage variance would be triggered on Lot 4 and the current non-conforming lot area condition would be alleviated for Lot 5. Mr. DeAngelis stated that present to testify this evening is Mr. Fred Meola, Engineer; Mr. Mohamed Seyam, Applicant and neighboring property owner Mr. Steven McCann. Mr. Fred Meola, 28 Whippany Road, Whippany, New Jersey 07981 was sworn in. Having appeared before the board on many occasions Mr. Meola was accepted as an expert witness. Mr. Meola began by explaining to the board the current conditions of Lot 4 owned by the applicant Mr. Seyam, and Lot 5 owned by Mr. McCann. It was noted that Mr. Seyam is currently building a new home on Lot 4 and would be selling the property once it has been completed. The following exhibit was marked into evidence: Exhibit A-1: Map of Kensington Gardens, Dated December 27, 1948 1 Planning Board April 7, 2017 Mr. Meola gave the Board a brief explanation of the original subdivision of the properties from 1948, using the exhibit marked. He pointed out to the Board that this lot line adjustment would bring the lots back to the original lots shown in 1948. A memorandum from Dr. Susan Blickstein dated February 27, 2017; revised March 22, 2017 was discussed; also discussed was the memorandum from Assistant Borough Engineer, Frank Russo dated March 10, 2017. Mr. Russo advised the Board that he believed the subdivision proposed would normalize the lot lines. Mr. Russo asked the applicant if he was agreeable to fixing the sidewalks at the property. Mr. Seyam stated that he was in agreement and would fix the sidewalks. Mr. Tombalakian asked if the Board and its Professionals if they had any further questions for Mr. Meola, seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing. Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to any member of the public wishing to ask Mr. Meola any questions, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. Mohamed Seyam, 36 Central Avenue, Madison was sworn in to testify. Mr. Seyam stated that he is a builder in town and purchased the property in question and is in the process of building a new home that will be marketed. During the course of construction Mr. Seyam was approached by his neighbor Mr. McCann, owner of Lot 5 expressing an interest in buying the rear portion of the property to make a better configuration of both lots. Mr. Seyam acknowledged that all conditions stated in Mr. Russo’s memorandum dated March 10, 2017 would be complied with. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and its Professionals if they had any further questions for Mr. Seyam, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to questions from the audience. Mr. Oliver Round, 235 Kings Road, Madison asked if the adjusted lot line subdivision would result in a larger home being built on Lot 4 or the home on Lot 5 being significantly expanded. Mr. Seyam stated that he has no intent on changing the home that is being built on Lot 4. Mr. Steve McCann property owner of Lot 5 was sworn in and testified that the home was purchased and renovated for his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter and he has no intention to build onto this home, he just wanted to square off the lot so that his daughter and her family could enjoy the rear yard. Seeing no further questions Mr. Tombalakian closed that portion of the hearing. The Board began their deliberation Motion to approve was made by Mayor Conley, seconded by Mr. Flemming and the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Mayor Conley, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Gertler, Mr. Kopas, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Limbach, and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Abstain” – None “Excused” – Mr. Forte and Ms. Baillie OLD BUSINESS – None PLANNING DISCUSION – 2016 Zoning Board Annual Report The 2016 Zoning Board Annual Report review was carried to the next Planning Board meeting. It was also determined that the Board would discuss parking requirements in the CBD1 Zone. It was determined that there was no new business scheduled before the Board for the April 18, 2017 or the May 2, 2017 meeting; with that in mind the regular Planning Board meeting scheduled for those evening were canceled. Ms. Boardman reminded the Planning Board that a special meeting with the Mayor and Council was scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 6:00pm. Dr. Blickstein stated that she would like to schedule a meeting with the Master Plan Sub-Committee. Dr. Blickstein will send out an email to determine a date and time for such meeting. CORRESPONDENCE – None Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Tombalakian made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:15pm.; seconded by Mayor Conley. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 2