Planning Board

MINUTES PLANNING BOARD OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON REGULAR VIRTUAL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2023 A regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Madison was held on the 15th day of August 2023, at 7:30 P.M., via a Zoom electronic meeting. The meeting was called to order by Planning Board Chairwoman, Ms. Astri Baillie. Ms. Baillie requested the reading of the Public Meeting Notice. Mr. Harrington 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, 2023, the Board by Resolution adopted a schedule of meetings. On January 18, 2023, a copy of the schedule of meetings was 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”. Beginning in April 2020, in response to public safety considerations and legal authorization, the Planning Board began conducting its monthly meetings on the previously noticed dates remotely using the Zoom platform, and subsequently separate notices have been published each month advising of this change and indicating that the procedures and requirements for monitoring such meetings and for making public comment, along with an explanation of the audio muting function of the electronic communications platform being utilized, is provided with detailed information on “How to Use Zoom and Participate” found on the Rosenet Webpage Communications / Virtual Meetings at HTTP://www.rosenet.org/1273/Virtual- Meetings. The following roll call was recorded: Present: Astri Baillie, Mayor Conley, Peter Flemming, Carmela Vitale, Ann Huber, Melissa Honohan, George Limbach, John Morris Excused: Eric Range Absent: None Also Present: Vince Loughlin, Planning Board Attorney Dennis Harrington, Board Engineer Approval of Minutes: None Comments by the Public: None Resolutions for Memorialization – CASE NO. P 21-006 Preliminary & Final Site Plan with Variances 66 Main, LLC 66 Main Street and 3 Central Avenue Block: 1802, Lot: 4 The adoption of this resolution was carried to the meeting of September 5, 2023 at the request of the Applicant’s Attorney Mr. Azzolini. CASE NO. P 22-006 Minor Subdivision with Variances H Bros, LLC 133 Green Village Road Block: 3404, Lot: 28 Motion to carry the adoption of the resolution, with minor edits regarding tree removal and replacement, as presented by Board Attorney Loughlin, was moved by Ms. Huber, seconded by Ms. Honohan. The motion passed unanimously by those eligible to vote. NEW BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 22-004 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances Ledan Holdings, LLC 5 Central Avenue Block: 1802, Lot: 3 This case will be carried to the meeting of September 5, without further notice. OLD BUSINESS – CASE NO. P 22-008 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances 15 Prospect, LLC 13 and 15 Prospect Street Block: 2702, Lots: 19 & 20 Mr. Luke Pontier reviewed the application and prior hearing. He then recalled project Engineer Mr. Eric Keller, who is still under oath. Mr. Keller shared his screen and reviewed the revisions to the plans, which are last revised August 1, 2023. Mr. Harrington pointed out a discrepancy between the grade of the ramp between Engineer plan and the Architectural plans. Mr. Keller acknowledged and will correct. Board members questioned stormwater requirements, landscaping and access to the garage and the breakover grade. Questions were answered by Mr. Keller to the satisfaction of the Board. Board Chair Baillie then opened the meeting to the public. Ms. Adrienne Novak, 49 East Lane, questioned traffic study and wait times for the garage door to open, particularly during the school traffic times. Mr. Pontier called Mr. Jack Raker, AIA, project Architect. Mr. Raker, who is still under oath. Mr. Raker shared his screen and reviewed revisions to the plans which are dated August 4, 2023. Changes included coordination with the Engineering plans, signage details, floor plans and exterior door detail. There was discussion on the operating speed of the garage door, and visibility of pedestrians by exiting drivers. Ms. Huber questioned on the energy conservation features of the building. Ms. Ballie questioned the parking and traffic and the if comments from the Borough Police Department and Board Traffic Consultant Mr. Maltz were addressed. Mr. Keller said the Board Traffic Engineering consultant concurred with the parking analysis. There was discussion on the access to the garage and utilization of the adjacent driveway. Mr. Pontier stated the application stands on its own is what is before the board. Board Chair Ms. Ballie opened the meeting to the public. Ms. Novak asked about the west elevation, no windows, and detail. Mr. Raker stated windows not permitted due to code requirements. Presented exhibit which showed detail of the west façade. Mr. Pointer then called Mr. John McDonough, Professional Planner, who was sworn in, and accepted as an expert. Mr. McDonough shared his screen and reviewed exhibits which have been provided and posted on the Borough website. Mr. McDonough reviewed the variances, and testified as to the planning issues, compliance with the Borough Master Plan, the positive and negative criteria. Mr. Limbach asked if there was anything valuable in the existing which should be salvaged prior to demolition. Mr. Pontier stated the applicant was agreeable to having the building reviewed and documented by an historical documentarian and welcomed Board members to inspect the buildings. Mr. Harrington questioned the impact of the new building on the existing driveway which is shared by two restaurants. Mr. Keller shared his screen and represented the impact would not be significant. Mayor Conley mentioned there is a second exit used by the restaurants. Mr. Flemming questioned whether the entrance should be right turn in/ out only due to safety concerns. Mr. Keller offered that it is not warranted due to the low traffic volume. Mr. Flemming also expressed concerns regarding the use of Prospect Street by the Fire Department due to the clearance under the railroad overpass. Chair Baillie opened the meeting to the public for questions. There were no questions. Chair Baillie asked Mr. Pontier for a summary and closing of the application. A 10 minute break was then taken from 9:37 to 9:47. Chair Baillie opened the meeting to the public. Several attendees expressed concerns regarding the loss of the historic buildings, people are concerned, tree removal, steep slopes, urbanization. Chair Baillie asked Mr. Pontier for a closing statement. The Board then deliberated on the application. Members expressed satisfaction with the application, proposal for conforming three stories, on site parking. Mr. Loughlin reviewed the conditions to be included in an approving resolution. Chair Baillie asked for a motion to approve with conditions. Mayor Conley moved for approval, which was seconded by Mr. Limbach. The motion was approved with seven ayes and one nay. Chair Baillie mentioned there is a Site Plan Subcommittee prior to the next meeting. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Baillie asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:26 pm. Moved by Mr. Flemming, seconded by Mayor Conley. A voice vote of “aye” was heard by all members present and carried. Respectfully submitted, Dennis Harrington, Acting Board Secretary