Plannng Board

City of Trenton Planning Board Public Hearing Thursday, May 8, 2025 City Hall Members in Attendance: Charles Romanow, Chair Jonathan Conner Diana Walker Caty Dominguez Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed Anthony Santora Members Not in Attendance: Randy Baum, Vice Chair Markus Green Jeff Halpern Joseph Harrison Staff in Attendance: Massiel Ferrara, Supervising Planner Andrei Alexeev, Principal Planner Brian Weakliem, Program Analyst Alexis Smith, Planning Board Attorney Cherry Oakley, Planning Board Secretary PUBLIC HEARING Current Planning Board Membership (as of 5/8/25) Class Term Ending Date Board Member I (Mayor’s Representative) Mayor’s Term Markus Green II (City Employee) 12/31/25 Anthony Santora III (City Council 12/31/25 Joseph Harrison Representative) IV (City Resident) 12/31/26 Patricia Ni’ma- Mohammed IV (City Resident) 12/31/28 Randy Baum IV (City Resident) 12/31/25 Jeff Halpern IV (City Resident) 12/31/27 Caty Dominguez IV (City Resident) 12/31/25 Jonathan Conner IV (City Resident) 12/31/26 Charles Romanow ALTERNATES IV (City Resident) 12/31/25 Diana Walker IV (City Resident) 12/31/26 VACANT 1 The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by Mr. Romanow. The Open Public Meetings Act was announced and a quorum was verified. Approve meeting minutes of March 27, 2025 Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X X Diana Walker X X Caty Dominguez X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X Anthony Santora X Approve meeting minutes of April 24, 2025 Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X Diana Walker X Caty Dominguez X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X X Anthony Santora X X Memorialize Resolutions – 576 South Cliniton Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X Diana Walker X Caty Dominguez X X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X Anthony Santora X X 2 Case was called at 7:22PM 24-P-54MU: 54 Murray St. Applicant : Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey Property Address: 54 Murray St. Block: 2605 Lot(s): 8 Redevelopment Area: Hermitage Avenue Redevelopment Area 2023 Zoning District: RM-1 Landmarks Historic Preservation District: N/A Project Description: Applicant is seeking approval to construct a 2-story single family home on a currently vacant lot. The Attorney for the Applicant, introduced the application. He noted that this property was previously owned by the City of Trenton and the ownership was transferred to the Applicant to redevelop into income limited housing. He also confirmed that notice was properly served. The following people were sworn in: • Ms. Lori Leonard CEO of Habitat for Humanity for Central New Jersey • Mr. Andrew Smith, Project Manager and Engineer through Lanahan Ms. Leonard described what is planned for the home that Habitat is building. They will be providing modular housing, meaning it a fully completed home will be installed within one day. She described how the homeowner will be selected and the timeline that they will follow to occupy the home. Mr. Smith referencing Exhibit A-1 Site Aerial AR1 he described the site and what is surrounding the lot. He provided the history of the property where there was a single-family home on the property from 1927 to 1979, but it is currently a vacant lot. The lot’s existing width is 35’ where 45’ is required. Exhibit A2 CS 101 Engineering Plan, that orients the developer to the property. There will be a net increase to the impervious coverage of the property of 725 sq ft. This home will use on-street parking like the other homes on Murray St. Heating a cooling will be by heat pump affixed to the home. Trash and recycling will be stored in bins consistent with the other homes on the street. This site is in the Delaware Water Commission’s Zone A so this application has also been submitted to them but they have not yet reviewed the project. Referencing Exhibit A3- Rendition of the House he noted that this home will enhance Murray Street. Mr. Gray, the Board’s Consultant, confirmed that there was an assessment of the parking situation at this location and there is ample parking available. He also confirmed that the Applicant will be responsible for repairing any damage to the concrete sidewalk that results from construction. 3 Ms. Michele Taylor, confirmed with the Engineer that there are no objections to anything contained in their memo and they will comply with all recommendations. She noted that there is no detriment to the community with this project and it complies with the LDO. The Applicant confirmed that this house is the first of several homes planned for the area. The remaining lots are still owned by the City of Trenton and the transfer of ownership will occur as needed in the future. Ms. Leonard testified that they have placed other homes like this in Mercer County and Bordentown. She noted that the homes will be varied so that they do not all look the same if lined up. This home is being sold for $110,000. Approve application for 24-P-54MU: 54 Murray Street Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X Diana Walker X Caty Dominguez X X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X Anthony Santora X X Case ended at 7:41pm Case was called at 7:43pm 2. 25-P-MIHIC-Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center Applicant: New Jersey Economic Development Authority Property Address: 1 Pennington Ave. Block: 3901,3902,3903 Lot(s): 48, 1.01 Redevelopment Area: Canal Banks Redevelopment Area 2023 Zoning District: RH-2 Landmarks Historic Preservation District: N/A Project Description: The Applicant is seeking approval for the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center, located at 1 Pennington Ave. Ms. Smith advised the Board of was their review would consist of tonight, and what any vote might address should the Board choose to vote. Mr. John Schulli, of the EDA, introduced the project being reviewed as a courtesy tonight. He described the location of the project site and what is presently there. He provided the history of the State’s Innovation Plan and what was contained therein. He described the goal of the Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Center and its planned priorities. He noted 4 that community engagement helped to develop the plans for the Center. He described the partnerships they will lead and program within the Center. The following people were sworn in: • Mr. Ben Mitmenn, Engineer • Mr. Zack Whiting, Architect from the Ballinger firm Mr. Mitmenn presented his credentials and was accepted as an expert in Engineering before this Board. Referencing the slideshow projected on the Council Chamber’s screen he described the photos of the site under development. With the Site Plan slide, he described the proposed improvements. There will be EV parking spaces and three separate stormwater retention basins, two of which will be underground. The plans have not been submitted to the DRCC but will be after this courtesy review. He detailed how emergency access will occur on the site and how Titus Avenue vehicular access will occur. There are 25 bicycle parking spaces proposed on the north side of the building. Mr. Whiting presented his credentials and was accepted as an expert before this Board. He described what the building will look like and that it is situated to hold the streetline. The fourth floor was setback to give some scale to building given the surrounding buildings. They are pursing LEED Silver rating for this building with a green roof on the second floor. There will be two skylights to offer daylight to the interior spaces. They are looking for this building to be a community center as much as a healthcare center and be a beacon within the City. He described the walkway material and its durability and will be made of Pre-cast concrete. The vertical fins on the building will help with managing the daylight and heat. Mr. Whiting indicated that they are looking at this façade as being a compliment to the Battle Monument. The streetscape has a green buffer with street trees. Mr. Aarond Schrager, Board’s Traffic Engineer, noted that there was a conflict of interest that was remediated regarding the review of this project. He noted that there were 28 comments in their memo, and confirmed that the Engineer accepted those recommendations. He noted that there could be a conflict with some of the perimeter walls. Mr. Mitmenn noted that they are not proposing any additional sidewalk and they are still working through the landscaping. They are trying to come up with some screening for the sidewalk that is consistent with standards. He noted that there was a meeting with the City specific to Titus Street. There will be a cut through for pedestrian activity that will be provided on the left side of the building. The circulation plan through the site should be provided. Mr. Shraeder indicated that the grading and drainage comments should be addressed and Mr. Mitmenn indicated that he will likely be able to comply with the comments. Mr. Shraeder indicated that if a traffic study were completed it could provide some reductions in the parking that is currently planned. Mr. Mitmenn indicated that one was done and described where it can be found. The Board’s professionals will review and provide feedback. Ms. Michelle Taylor, the Board Planner, summarized their letter. The Applicant confirmed that the connection of the sidewalk to the Senior Center will be better connected in the 5 direction of the Henry J. Austin Center. She noted that there is concern about the interface with the roadway. Mr. Mitmenn indicated that the only concern they had regarding the comments was the sidewalk down the left side of Titus and the buffering needed for the existing residential homes. They are still working on those plans. The six foot high wall down Pennington is not to be removed. Ms. Taylor noted that the City has received a $200,000 grant to make improvements in this area for the Battlement Monument that will provide an ‘emerald green necklace’ of trees in the area. Mr. Baum, a Board Member, did provide plans for that area that will provide a visual benefit in preparation of the area for next year’s 250th Anniversary of the country. The Applicant has not had a chance to review those plans to date and Ms. Taylor noted that it would be of benefit for the Applicant to shift the building to better integrate this planned development into what will be occurring in this area. The Applicant asked that the plans be provided to them for review and consideration of better integration of their project. The City indicated that they plan to work with the EDA on the open items. Mr. Steve Martorana, Architect with the EDA, indicated that there will be a construction agreement and there is a commitment to approximately $500,000 of public art. The Board described that grading needs to be done so that those outside do not need the assistance of those inside in order to utilize the front common area. Additionally, the Board recommended that the EDA direct dollars to creating a bike rack that is more of an artistic installation instead of purchasing a pre-fab one. The Board asked if the sidewalk could be continued through North Warren across the driveway with texture to discourage vehicles from moving through that space quickly, thereby increasing safety. The Board indicated that there is a guidance document available from the Complete Streets guide to assist with the Board’s recommended changes. Mr. Martorana indicated that there will be bike signage. Mr. Charles Romanow asked if there were any members of the Public who wanted to speak for or against this project. Pastor Webber, neighbor to this project on Pennington Avenue, was sworn in and confirmed that the parking lot will accommodate all parking needed by those coming to the building. He described the tension around parking in the area by the current residents and how they want to avoid escalating those tensions should this project come to fruition. Ms. Amorelle Gordon, City Resident on Titus Avenue, was sworn in and indicated that parking is a significant problem in the area. She noted that currently it is a free open space that brings dog walker and State Workers to the area for positive activity. With the construction of a wall and the removal of the cul de sac, there will be a detriment to them. Mr. Martorana indicated that on Titus Ave there will be a decorative fence with a landscape buffer instead of a wall in deference to the residents that are there. The cul de sac currently exists on State owned property and they are working with the City on access to the Senior Center. He noted that Ringold Street does not exist. Ms. Gordon noted that the parking lot does not look like it will accommodate all the potential people who will be using the building. She also asked what will happen during off hours. Mr. Schulli indicated that there is an estimate of 200 total people that will be on the site during construction but that number should be less during operation. The additional 6 greenspace on Titus Ave will remain open greenspace because of the stormwater retention requirements. Mr. Whiting noted that there is a bus stop of North Warren and they are considering some benches that would be a natural addition to help with accommodating the people who will be waiting for transportation pick-ups. The Board pointed out that the parking will likely fill up because those utilizing the services within the building usually are accompanied by someone who would stay for the appointment, rather than their clientele getting to the building by bus. Mr. Martorana noted that with the extension of Titus Ave area in front of the smaller greenspace, the State is looking to deed over part of that area in order to construct a roadway that gives the City access to the Senior Center by creating a public road. Mr. Charles Romanow asked if there were anyone else from the Public who wanted to speak for or against this project with no answer from the gallery and after Ms. Smith listed the recommendations the Board will send to the EDA regarding this project the following vote was set forth: Prompt the Board’s Attorney to write a letter to the EDA with the recommendations noted on the record Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X X Diana Walker X Caty Dominguez X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X X Anthony Santora X Case ended at 8:51pm Case called at 8:52PM 2. 23-P-148ES: 148 E. State St. Applicant: 148 East State St., LLC Property Address: 148 E. State St. Block: 504 Lot(s): 3 Redevelopment Area: Canal Banks Redevelopment Area 2023 Zoning District: DT Project Description: Applicant received approval for Preliminary and Final Site Plan to construct a mixed-unit comprised of commercial space on the first floor and 10 residential units on the floors above as memorialized in City of Trenton Planning 7  Board Resolution number 2023-11. The applicant is requesting a one (1) year extension on all final Planning Board Approvals related to this project. Ms. Smith indicated that there is currently a financing issue outside of the Applicant’s control and therefore they are seeking a 1 year extension on approvals. The following vote was set forth: Grant the 1-year extension on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval Member Aye Nay Ab-stain Motioned Seconded Charles Romanow X Jonathan Conner X X Diana Walker X X Caty Dominguez X Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed X Anthony Santora X Ms. Massiel Ferrara advised the Board of the NJPO training available. Meeting Adjourned 8:56pm Respectfully submitted Cherry Oakley, Planning Board Secretary 8