Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING MAY 1, 2018 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 1st day of May 2018 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 16, 2018, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 17, 2018, 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, Tom Lewis, Peter Flemming, John Forte arrived at 7:45 pm, Rachel Ehrlich, Astri Baillie, George Limbach arrived at 7:40 pm, Ann Huber, and Steve Tombalakian Excused: Also Present: Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frank Russo, Assistant Borough Engineer Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the April 17, 2018 regular and executive meeting were distributed to all Board members for their review prior to this meeting. A motion to approve the regular minutes as presented was made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Flemming. A voice vote of “Aye” was heard by all eligible Board members on both sets of minutes. 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 Review and Recommendation Items – On referral from the Governing Body: Ordinance 26-2018 “Ordinance of the Borough of Madison Amending Chapter 195 of the Borough Code Entitled “Land Development Ordinance Regarding Grade and Design Regulations”. Dr. Blickstein began by summarizing the concerns and questions that have arisen with this proposed Ordinance. She clarified the content of the Ordinance for the Board. She expressed that pre-existing non- conformities are not an issue; and are permitted and can continue in the various zones. She explained to the Board that many other communities including Chatham Borough deal with these zoning issues differently and regulate Floor Area Ratio (FAR) which is a D variance and has a higher burden of proof. If necessary, modifications can be made to this Ordinance after the Zoning Board of Adjustment submits their Annual report. Dr. Blickstein suggested to the Board that corner lots in the R1 and R2 Zones be looked at regarding front facing garages. 1 Planning Board May 1, 2018 Mr. Tombalakian concurred with Dr. Blickstein regarding front facing garages based upon previous applications that were heard before the Board. Mr. Lewis stated that he does not feel that corner lots need an exemption from this Ordinance. An email received from Mr. Steve McCann, dated May 1, 2018 was discussed. Dr. Blickstein suggested that perhaps a member of the Board attend the Mayor and Council meeting on May 14, 2018 to touch upon and comments or concerns the Mayor and Council may have. At this time Mr. Tombalakian opened the floor to any member of the public that wished to speak regarding this matter. Mrs. Catherine Dailey, 20 West End Avenue provided the Board with her comments opposing the recommendation of this Ordinance. Four points that Mrs. Dailey touched upon included:  Shorter driveways are more environmentally friendly  Long driveways are not a valuable use for the property owner  The proposed changes will decrease the value proposition for prospective purchasers  Forward facing garages are not necessarily ugly Mr. Forte stated that one of the principal concerns was to make sure that the character of the neighborhoods was protected. The Mayor explained that Zoning is forever evolving and neighborhoods should be preserved. Dr. Blickstein explained that the Zoning Board Annual Report will show if this Ordinance is inaccurate. Upon review and discussion of the above mentioned Ordinance Ms. Baillie made a motion to recommend the Ordinance to Mayor and Council for adoption, seconded by Mr. Forte; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Ms. Baillie, Mayor Conley, Mr. Forte, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Limbach, Ms. Huber, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Ehrlich and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Abstain” – None “Excused” – None Mr. Loughlin recommended to the Chairman and the Board that a resolution be memorialized this evening regarding the referral of Ordinance 26-2018 and the amendments to Chapter 195. Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to adopt the resolution this evening as prepared by Mr. Loughlin. On the motion of Ms. Baillie, seconded by Mr. Forte; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Ms. Baillie, Mayor Conley, Mr. Forte, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Limbach, Ms. Huber, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Ehrlich and Mr. Tombalakian “Nays” – None “Abstain” – None “Excused” – None NEW BUSINESS – None OLD BUSINESS – None 2 Planning Board May 1, 2018 PLANNING DISCUSSION –  Outdoor Dining A draft for discussion purpose regarding Outdoor Dining was distributed to all Board members prior to this evenings meeting. Dr. Blickstein gave an overview of this draft. The discussion defined the contextual purposes of the proposed amendments in the CBD2 Zone with respect to Outdoor dining being a permitted accessory use in the front yard of any dining establishment in the CBD-2 district, provided that the standards in Chapter 195-33.B (11) (a), (b), (f), (i), and (l) are met. Sidewalk Dining vs. Outdoor Dining was discussed with the Board. Dr. Blickstein is looking for direction from the Board on the issue of Outdoor Dining. It was decided that this topic will be placed on the May 15, 2018 Planning Board agenda for continued discussion. CORRESPONDENCE – None Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:35pm.; motion was made by Mayor Conley, seconded by Mr. Forte. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 3