Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 17th day of September 2019 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, Mr. 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 15, 2019, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 16, 2019, 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: Astri Baillie, Mayor Conley, John Forte, Tom Lewis Rachel Ehrlich, Steve Tombalakian George Limbach and Peter Flemming Excused: Ann Huber Absent: None Also Present: Frank Russo, Assistant Borough Engineer Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Susan Blickstein, Board Planner Frances Boardman, Board Secretary Approval of Minutes: Copies of the minutes of the August 6, 2019 regular 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 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 none that portion of the meeting was closed. RESOLUTIONS FOR MEMORIALIZATION – CASE NO. P 19-006 Resolution granting the Minor Subdivision to 173 Kings Road, LLC on property located at 173 Kings Road commonly known on the Borough of Madison Tax Map as Block: 3901, Lot: 4 for adoption. The draft resolution was sent to the applicant’s Attorney, Mr. Steven Schaffer, Esq. as well as the Planning Board members and it’s Professionals for review prior to this evening’s meeting. 1 Planning Board September 17, 2019 Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board if they had any further comments or questions concerning the resolution. Mr. Tombalakian asked for a motion to approve the resolution this evening, a motion was made by Ms. Ehrlich, seconded by Mr. Flemming; the following roll call was recorded: “Ayes” – Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Forte, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Tombalakian, and Ms. Baillie “Nays” – None “Abstain” –, Mr. Limbach, and Mayor Conley, “Excused” – Ms. Huber NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 19-005 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances 16 Waverly Place, LLC 16 Waverly Place Block: 2702, Lot: 28 A transcript of this evening’s hearing is being prepared by Laura Carrucci of Hall of Fame Deposition Services, Inc. Mr. Steven Azzolini Esq. began by giving a brief summary of the application before the Board. The subject site, previously Investor Savings, contains a single-story building with approximately 1,745 square feet and a basement level below. The Applicant proposes to expand the ground floor commercial space to the rear to add +/-534 square feet, as well as to add two stories of apartments above the commercial floor. A total of three new residential units are proposed, two 2-bedroom units on the second floor and one, larger three-bedroom unit with a rear balcony on the third floor. The building footprint is approximately 2,220 square feet. Variances are required for impervious coverage, off-street parking, parking stall dimension, parking setbacks, parking lot grade, parking lot landscaping and bicycle parking. In addition to variances, the application requires Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval. Mr. Azzolini provided a list of witnesses for this evening, Peter Korzen, PLS, PE., Marc Marion, Architect, Keenan Hughes, Planner and Andrew Jafolla, Traffic Expert. He also stated that the Applicant was present if the need arose for questioning. Mr. Peter Korzen, 26 Berkshire Street, Whippany, NJ was sworn in and accepted as an expert witness. Mr. Korzen began his testimony by going over the existing conditions of the property using the plan set that was provided to the Board and Professionals with the application package consisting of four sheets, dated April 4, 2019. Mr. Korzen pointed out the three parking spaces in the rear of the property, the retaining wall and steps which will be kept as part of the proposed application. All utilities are presently provided from the front of the building and will remain as such. There is a 4-foot higher grade in the front of the building then in the rear. At this, time Mr. Korzen discussed the grading plan. 2 Planning Board September 17, 2019 Mr. Korzen testified that the asphalt parking area in the rear of the building is being kept, and the three parking stalls will be restriped and remain for the addition of the three new apartments proposed. These parking spaces will be delineated by new signage. The Zoning data chart was discussed, which is shown on Sheet 1 of 4. Each variance that is being requested was clarified, including the variance for parking; where three spaces are being provided and six are required by Ordinance. Mr. Korzen stated that a Fire Service line would be provided in front of the building. Mr. Russo’s memorandum dated August 14, 2019 was discussed. Several items noted and discussed at length include the Master Signage Plan, Solid Waste and Recyclables collection as well as the ground mounted air conditioning units. Mr. Korzen stated that all items will be complied with in the Engineer’s memorandum. At this time Mr. Russo asked Mr. Korzen about the clock signage currently on the front of the building. Mr. Korzen stated that this digital sign will be removed and the sidewalk repaired. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board if they had any questions for Mr. Korzen. Ms. Baillie asked if the applicant had considered sharing the solid waste collection with the neighbor. Mr. Azzolini responded that no waste disposal sharing had been discussed. Mr. Flemming asked about the Tenant only parking signs. Mr. Korzen provided information on the signage and stated that the leases would have a provision regarding the time and day of trash pickup. Mr. Lewis asked Mr. Korzen what the width of the rear parking lot area was. Mr. Korzen replied that the lot is 26 feet wide. Ms. Ehrlich asked where the trash would be kept in the interior of the building. Mr. Korzen stated that the architect would be able to answer that question. Mr. Tombalakian asked the public if they had any questions for Mr. Korzen, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. Andrew Jafolla, Dynamic Engineering, 245 Main Street, Chester, NJ. Mr. Jafolla was sworn in; he provided his qualifications to the Board and was accepted as an expert witness. Mr. Jafolla gave the Board the RSIS standards for this application. He testified that where mass transit is available a one-car household is feasible thus making these apartments marketable with only one parking space provided. Mr. Jafolla also stated that off-site parking is available by residential permit. He also commented on the size of the parking stalls and confirmed that the 8 ½ foot stall width was adequate. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board and Professionals if they had any questions for Mr. Jafolla, seeing none he then opened the floor for questions from the public, seeing none that portion of the hearing was closed. Next to, testify this evening was Mr. Marc Marion, Architecture Plus, 1130 Route 202, Raritan, NJ. Mr. Marion provided the Board with his background and qualifications and was accepted as an expert witness this evening. 3 Planning Board September 17, 2019 The following exhibits were marked into evidence: Exhibit A-1: Color rendering of front elevation Exhibit A-2: Interior building changes, dated September 17, 2019. Mr. Marion gave a detailed account of the proposed architecture and room layout. The Historic Preservation Commission review letter, dated May 21, 2019 was discussed as was the blocking of the side windows at property located at 14 Waverly Place. Mr. Marion explained the changes made to the interior of the building as shown in Exhibit A-2. There is now bicycle storage under the stairs, and the three ground mounted air conditioning units previously shown in the rear of the building are now being placed on the roof. Building and signage materials being proposed were discussed with the board. The impacts to the neighboring property were the proposed building addition would now close off the bedroom windows was discussed at length. Mr. Azzolini stated that the applicant is entitled to build to the property line. Ms. Baillie stated that the Planning Board has to consider public health and safety issues in making its decision. Mr. Azzolini stated that access from the neighboring property owner to evaluate the situation and see what modifications could be made had not yet happened. Seeing this as an issue Mr. Tombalakian suggested that the applicant return to the next board meeting on October 15, 2019 without further notice to continue. Mr. Forte also asked if a sample of materials being used could be provided for that meeting. Dr. Blickstein also asked for revised architectural drawings for the Board members and the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Tombalakian asked the Board if they had any further questions, Mr. Flemming inquired if a tenant had been secured for the retail space. Mr. Azzolini confirmed that the tenant would be a permitted use in the CBD-1 Zone; but no tenant had yet been secured for this space. Mr. Flemming stated that if a restaurant were being considered that would have an impact on the trash collection. Seeing no further questions from the Board or its Professionals the floor was opened to questions from the public. Mary Beth Donato, 14 Waverly Place asked about the precautions that would be undertaken during the construction especially to her building right next door. Mr. Azzolini assured Ms. Donato that all precautions necessary during construction would be demonstrated. Mr. Azzolini agreed to the continuation of this application at the October 15, 2019 Planning Board meeting. A brief recess was taken at 8:38 pm, the meeting resumed at 8:46pm with all members present. OLD BUSINESS – None 4 Planning Board September 17, 2019 PLANNING DISCUSSION – The October 1, 2019 regular meeting of the Planning Board was cancelled, the October 15, 2019 Planning Board meeting will be held for the continuation of Case No. P 19-005. The meeting dates for the month of November were discussed. Several dates will be considered and room availability will be determined and an email will be sent to the Board and Professionals. 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 8:54 pm.; seconded by Mr. Forte. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Frances Boardman Board Secretary 5