Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 2018 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 15th 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 Vice Chairman, John Forte. Mr. Forte 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: Tom Lewis, Peter Flemming, John Forte, Rachel Ehrlich arrived at 8:06 pm, George Limbach, and Ann Huber Excused: Mayor Robert Conley, Astri Baillie, Steve Tombalakian, and Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Also Present: Frank Russo, Assistant Borough Engineer Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the May 1, 2018 regular and 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 Ms. Huber, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Mr. Flemming, Mr. Forte, Ms. Huber, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Limbach “Nays” – None “Absent” – Mayor Conley, Ms. Baillie and Mr. Tombalakian Comments by the Public: Mr. Forte 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 18-003 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances Fairleigh Dickinson University 285 Madison Avenue Block: 101, Lot: 6 Mr. Jason Tuvel, Attorney for Fairleigh Dickinson University began by giving a brief description of the plan. Fairleigh Dickinson University plans to replace the existing lacrosse/soccer field with a new artificial turf multi-purpose field surrounded by an 8-lane, 400 meter all weather track. The area currently used for field hockey in the northern part of the site will be modified for use for field events, such as discus and hammer throw. Impervious coverage on the parcel is currently 5.6% and will double with 11.43% purposed. 38 trees are proposed for removal, with the existing trees along Madison Avenue to be removed, along with the removal of vegetative areas with numerous smaller trees to accommodate the new multi-purpose field. Landscaping, including 41 trees and various shrubs are proposed along Madison Avenue and the southeast edge of the multi-purpose field. Steep slope disturbance is proposed, which requires variance relief. Other variances include front yard setback, fence height for the new fence along Madison Avenue, the height of the ball stopper fence, and the height of the hammer/discus throw cage. Signage variances are also required to add a new sign with letters attached to a masonry wall, triggering both sign area and sign height relief. 1 Planning Board May 15, 2018 Mr. Tuvel also stated that significant improvements will take place at the site. He also stated that Track and Field will be a new team sport to the University. Mr. Tuvel also remarked that all comments on the memorandum, dated March 28, 2018 from Mr. Frank Russo, Board Engineer would be complied with. Tonight’s first witness, Mr. Michael Smith, Derck & Edson, 33 South Board Street, Lititz, Pa. was sworn in. Mr. Smith gave his educational background to the Board and was accepted as an expert witness. The following exhibits were marked: Exhibit A-1: Aerial Photo obtained by Google Earth Exhibit A-2 through A-4: Color photos of the current conditions of the site prepared by Jennifer Lee of Derck & Edson within the last 3-6 months. These photos have not been altered. Mr. Smith began by orienting the Board to the current site and its conditions. Mr. Smith explained that the existing portable bleachers will be staying on site and be used for the proposed project. Exhibit A-5: Colorized photo of the proposed site plan. Exhibit A-6: Colorized Steep Slopes Plan Exhibit A-5 was introduced to the Board members and the public showing the proposed new multipurpose synthetic turf field, and an 8 lane track. Mr. Smith touched upon the fact that Field Events (Javelin, Hammer and Disc and Shot- put Area) are being planned for the current Field Hockey playing field located near South Oak Court. The current baseball field on the site will not be touched. Storm water improvements on the site were discussed. Mr. Smith stated that an underground collection bed will be installed under the turf field for water runoff. A landscape buffer will also be installed along Shadylawn Drive which will also aid with storm water. Mr. Smith also confirmed that all comments from Mr. Russo’s memorandum, dated March 28, 2018 would be addressed. The proposed landscape enhancements were discussed which included the elimination of the chain link fence along Madison Avenue and the installation of a new ornamental fence with brick peers, the addition of nine (9) new trees, a new brick sign and plantings and the creation of a buffer mound closest to the Shadylawn residents. The variances for steep slope disturbance, was the next subject to be discussed. Mr. Smith commented that there would be no negative impacts to either Fairleigh Dickinson University or the neighboring areas. Mr. Smith touched briefly upon proposed lighting; stating that the only lighting being proposed at this time was ground lighting for the new sign on Madison Avenue. Mr. Flemming referred back to Exhibit A-3 and inquired about the photo taken along the southern property line adjacent to Shadylawn Drive. Mr. Smith discussed the Shadylawn Drive border. Mr. Lewis referred to the chain link fence along Shadylawn Drive. Mr. Smith verified that the chain link fence is to remain along the Shadylawn Drive property line. Mr. Flemming asked if there were any future plans for lights. Mr. Smith advised that there are no lights planned for this site plan. Mr. Russo asked if additional information regarding the landscape berm along Shadylawn would be discussed by Mr. Smith, Mr. Tuvel stated that this would be addressed by the landscape architect. Mr. Russo inquired on the anticipated distances of NCAA javelin athletes given the direction of the throws from the participants. Exhibit A-7: Colorized plan showing Record Throwing Distance Mr. Smith used the exhibit to indicate where the three field events including javelin throwing, discus, and hammer throw for the track and field team would be located. Mr. Forte asked if the Board or its professionals had any further questions for Mr. Smith; seeing none he opened the floor to the public for questions. Alison Johanson, 63 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked how far the track would be located from the current fence on Shadylawn Drive. Mr. Smith replied that the track would be 50 feet from the property line which is in compliance with the town Ordiance. Mrs. Johanson asked if lights were being planned for this site. Mr. Smith stated that question could be answered by the FDU representative when he came up to testify. 2 Planning Board May 15, 2018 Mary Vigotov, 73 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired as to the current distance of the soccer field from the property line on Shadylawn Drive. Mr. Smith did not have an answer for Mrs. Vigotov. Mr. Russo answered that the current field is approximately 150 feet from the property line. Jennifer Vasquez, 75 Shadylawn Drive, Madison again requested the distance from the current chain link fence to the painted soccer field as located on the Exhibits A-3 and A-1. It was determined that the chain link fence is 200 feet from the edge of the painted soccer field. Alison Johanson, 63 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired on how the decision was made to take a 200 foot buffer and reduce it to 50 feet. Mr. Smith replied that the 50 feet side yard setback was the permitted setback by Borough Ordinance. Mrs. Johanson asked why such a vast number of trees were being removed and couldn’t the track be pushed further away from the residential homes on Shadylawn. Mr. Smith stated that the Landscape Architect could comment on these questions. Curtis Merryweather, 71 Shadylawn Drive asked why an 8 lane track was being proposed, Mr. Smith stated that an 8 lane track is standard for a Division III track and field program. James Backman, 27 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired how many previous projects Mr. Smith has engineered that was set at the side yard setback limit. Mr. Smith did not know the exact number, but replied that most of his projects were in urban areas. Virginia Hicks, 61 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked for clarification on the fence line versus property line. Mr. Smith stated that the fence is currently located on the property line. Paul Vasquez, 75 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired into the signage being proposed on the site. Mr. Smith stated that the signage would be discussed later in the application. Jam Van Dyke, 65 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked if the proposed project could be moved farther west away from the residential homes on Shadylawn Drive. Mr. Smith affirmed that all aspects were looked at and the least amount of steep slope disturbance would happen at this location. Mary Ann Vigotov, 73 Shadylawn Drive, Madison expressed a concern for the height of the soccer field and track. Mr. Smith stated that a portion of the field will be raised while a portion will be lowered. Ms. Vigotov asked if the fence along Shadylawn Drive would be replaced, Mr. Smith replied that the existing fence along Shadylawn would not be changed. James Backman, 27 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired if FDU had considered moving the site. Mr. Smith answered that moving the site would not be a solution and additional steep slope issues would need to be addressed. The applicant evaluated multiple versions before submitted the plan before the Board this evening. Curtis Merryweather, 71 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked what the time frame of the scope of work would be completed. Mr. Smith stated that the FDU representative yet to testify could comment on this inquiry. Mr. Russo asked Mr. Smith if the Planner would be discussing the steep slope variances. Mr. Smith stated that the Planner would be discussing these variances. Since there were no further questions for Mr. Smith from the public that portion of the hearing was closed. Next to testify was Steve Sproles, 33 South Broad Street, Lititz, Pa., was sworn in as the Landscape Architect and gave his credentials to the Board. Mr. Sproles was accepted as an expert witness. The following exhibits were marked: Exhibits A-8 and A-9: Colorized Views of the track from the neighboring properties Exhibit A-10: Plant Material Exhibit A-11: Colorized Illustrated Sections between FDU and Shadylawn Residents Exhibit A-12: Colorized Illustrative Sections of the Southern Property Line Exhibit A-13: Scoreboard views from Madison Avenue 3 Planning Board May 15, 2018 Mr. Sproles discussed each exhibit individually beginning with Exhibit A-8 and A-9 detailing the 50 foot buffer that will be placed on the site and what the views would be from the neighboring properties along Shadylawn Drive. Exhibit A-10 was discussed at length; Mr. Sproles stated that the intent of the materials being used will enhance the space being viewed by the neighbors. Exhibit A-11 was used by Mr. Sproles to give a sense of scale of the proposed landscape berm. Again Mr. Sproles commented that the intent of the berm was to be attractive to the back yards of the residents on Shadylawn Drive using an eye-catching plant palette using Native Plantings. This berm will be a visual separation from the neighborhood and the University. Mr. Sproles recounted the Shade Tree Management Board’s memorandum dated April 8, 2018. Exhibit A-12 and A-13 was used to discuss the proposed masonry sign wall and the proposed 8ft ornamental fence along the Eastern Corner traveling the site along Madison Avenue. The sign and ornamental fencing will enhance the entire space. Mr. Flemming inquired as to how far from the property line to the sign was being proposed. Mr. Sproles stated that the property line to the edge of the sign was approximately 8-12 feet. Planting materials around the proposed sign was discussed along with lighting detail. Mr. Sproles remarked that the proposed berm will start right behind the proposed masonry wall sign. Mr. Sproles expressed to the Board that the masonry wall sign is being used as a marker on the corner of the campus. Mr. Limbach questioned the spacing and lack of evergreen trees being proposed. He stated that with the plantings being used it would take eight years or more before the trees mature. Mr. Limbach suggested that more evergreens be planted along the berm. Mr. Sproles stated that could be accomplished. Mr. Limbach asked why tulip trees were being proposed; Mr. Sproles stated that the tulip tree is native to the area. Mr. Lewis commented on the Shade Tree Management Board’s memorandum dated April 8, 2018 stating that the Shade Tree Management Board suggested that the applicant should consider planting additional deciduous trees. He also questioned if the applicant had considered reducing the elevation of the field. Mr. Sproles replied that the applicant is trying to find balance with this application. Mr. Forte also stated that there is deficient screening at 61 Shadylawn Drive and 63 Shadylawn Drive and the applicant should consider more plantings. Ms. Erhlich questioned the proposed sign at the corner of the property, and inquired if the sign could be a different shape or be reoriented further away from the property located at 245 Madison Avenue. Mr. Limbach asked if the applicant was proposing an irrigation system for the plantings. Mr. Sproles stated there was no irrigation system proposed. Mr. Russo stated that a Maintenance Guarantee will need to be provided by the applicant if the applicant is approved which will cover landscaping details for two years. Mr. Forte asked if the Board or its Professionals had any further questions for Mr. Sproles. Seeing none he closed that portion of the hearing and a five minute break was taken at 9:20pm. The meeting resumes at 9:37 pm with all members present. Mr. Forte then opened the floor to the public for questions of Mr. Sproles. John Hicks, 61 Shadylawn Drive, Madison inquired about the view and the noise that the residents along Shadylawn would be subject to. Mr. Sproles answered that the impact to the neighbors was not taken into consideration. Virginia Hicks, 61 Shadylawn Drive, Madison was sworn in and the following exhibits were entered: Exhibit H-1: Rear yard photos from 61 Shadylawn Drive Mrs. Hick stated that these photos show the 8-20 foot canopy buffer that exists at the property today. Alison Johanson, 63 Shadylawn Drive, Madison referred back to Exhibits A-8 and A-9 asking where the proposed person on the exhibits was standing. Mr. Sproles stated that the exhibits show the person standing on the FDU property. Mrs. Johanson asked if the applicant would consider looking at the University from the rear properties of the Shadylawn Drive homes. Mr. Sproles stated that the applicant would evaluate all comments made from the Planning Board and the public this evening. 4 Planning Board May 15, 2018 James Backman, 27 Shadylawn Drive, Madison questioned what was being done to mitigate the noise. Mr. Sproles informed Mr. Backman that the mounding and vegetation on the berm would mitigate the noise, and that the noise ordinance of the Borough of Madison would be adhered to. Mary Ann Vigotov, 73 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked for verification of the berm height being proposed. Mr. Sproles stated that the berm would be 5 feet or greater. Virginia Hicks, 61 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked the Board when the public would have a chance to comment on this application. Mr. Forte assured Mrs. Hicks that after all testimony was provided and prior to the conclusion of the application time would be allotted for comments from the public. Kathleen Van Dyke, 65 Shadylawn Drive, Madison was concerned with the height of the berm and inquired why the neighbors were not considered on this application. Mr. Sproles stated that there is proper separation from the University and the neighbors and they are in compliance with the Borough of Madison Ordinance regarding the setback. FDU will consider modifying and supplementing the landscaping. Jim Van Dyke, 65 Shadylawn Drive, Madison asked if there would be any vehicular access by the proposed signage on Madison Avenue. Mr. Sproles replied that no new access gates are being proposed along Madison Avenue. Mr. Forte asked if there were any further questions from the public, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. Tuvel reiterated that the applicant and their professionals had heard the comments by the Board Members and the public this evening and modifications to the plan need to be taken into consideration. Mr. Tuvel stated that new exhibits will be presented at the June 5, 2018 Planning Board hearing. Ms. Huber and Mr. Forte informed the Board secretary that they are not available for the Planning Board meeting scheduled for June 5, 2018. Ms. Boardman stated that a recording of tonight’s hearing would be provided for the three board members that were not in attendance this evening. OLD BUSINESS – None PLANNING DISCUSSION –  Outdoor Dining  Residential Infill Development It was determined that these topics will be placed on the June 5, 2018 Planning Board agenda for continued discussion. CORRESPONDENCE – None Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Forte asked for a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 10: 25pm.; motion was made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms. Huber. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 5