Transcript for Piscataway Planning meeting on May 10 2023
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May 10 2023 · Planning
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Speaker 0The Piscataway Township Planning Board meeting will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided in the following ways. Notice posted in the Courier news notice posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building notice made available to the Township clerk. Notice sent to the Courier News and the starlet. Will the clerk please call the roll
Speaker 1Mayor Wahler. Courtney, can you see if the Mayor is muted? He got it. Thank you. Councilwoman Cahill Here. Ms. Corcoran. Thank you. Here. Ms. Saunders. No, we can't hear you. Carol. Reverend Kinneally. Courtney. Mr. Bash? Basher. Ahamed?
Speaker 3Yes, I'm here. Hi.
Speaker 1Hi. Madam chair
Speaker 0Here.
Speaker 1Mr. Foster and Mr. Atkins here.
Speaker 0Okay. Will everyone please prepare to salute the flag? The flag is over my right shoulder.
Speaker 4Okay. Yeah, you're good. Okay. Okay. You can hear me?
Speaker 0I can hear you now. Reverend Kinneally. Okay. I pledge Allegiance.
Speaker 4Allegiance to the flag. States of America Nation, indivisible. Liberty. Liberty.
Speaker 0We have the swearing. End of the professionals, please.
Speaker 5Okay. Can you please raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give the truth? Nothing the truth.
Speaker 4I do. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome,
Speaker 0Mr. Barlow. Are there any changes to our agenda tonight?
Speaker 3Yes. Madam chair number 13, the amended resolution for the Yates matter. That's going to be carried until the June 14th meeting. That's the only change I'm aware of.
Speaker 0Okay. That's so noted. For the record, can I have a motion to pay the duly audited bills?
Speaker 4No. Madam chair. Dawn. Corcoran. I'll make that motion.
Speaker 0Thank you. Can I have a second?
Speaker 4Second. Mr.. Dacey. Okay.
Speaker 0Thank you. Thank
Speaker 1You.
Speaker 0Roll call please.
Speaker 1Mayor. Wahler.
Speaker 4Yes.
Speaker 1Councilwoman can. Yes. Yes. Ms. Corcoran? Yes. Ms. Saunders?
Speaker 5Yes. Yes.
Speaker 1Reverend Kinneally. Mr. Atkins? Yes. Mr. Ahmed?
Speaker 4Yes.
Speaker 1Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes. Item number eight, adoption of resolution to memorialize action. Taken at April 20. April 12th, 2023. Ms.
Speaker 5Chairman, I like to adopt the resolution to memorialize taking at April 12th, 2023. Application 22 P B 0 6 0 7 B.
Speaker 0Do I have a second motion? Did the motion
Speaker 1Mayor Wahler?
Speaker 4Yes.
Speaker 1Councilwoman. Cahill. Yes. Ms. Corcoran? Yes. Ms. Saunders? Yes.
Speaker 5Yes.
Speaker 1Reverend Kinneally.
Speaker 4Yes.
Speaker 1Mr. Atkins? Yes. And Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 3Ms. Saunders, we're getting a little bit of feedback. I could it be because you have two open ones to
Speaker 5One of 'em. Hear.
Speaker 3Oh.
Speaker 1Yeah. But it's a bad echo. Carol, you could lower one down. Maybe.
Speaker 5I tried, tried that.
Speaker 1Don't
Speaker 5Do it again. Yeah,
Speaker 4We'll take what we can get.
Speaker 1Exactly. All right. Number nine.
Speaker 0Do we have item B?
Speaker 3No. B. B turned into 13 and 13. Got adjourn. So we're there was a
Speaker 0All thank you item number nine, adoption of the minutes from the regular meeting of April 12th, 2023.
Speaker 3Now she's muted. Can't win. Maybe someone else can make a motion for the minutes.
Speaker 1I'll make that motion. Madam chair.
Speaker 0Thank you. Mayor. Go ahead. I'll
Speaker 1Second. I'll second that. Madam chair.
Speaker 0Thank you.
Speaker 1Mayor. Wahler. Councilwoman. Councilwoman. Cahill. Yes. Ms. Corcoran? Yes. Ms. Saunders? Yes. Yes. Reverend Kinneally. Mr. Atkins? Yes. And Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes. Okay. Item number 10 23 PB oh seven slash oh eight V as in Victor? Yes,
Speaker 1We can hear you, but yeah, I can hear anybody.
Speaker 0Okay. Can I, can you hear me now?
Speaker 1Yes, I can hear you.
Speaker 0Okay. Loud and clear. A, a diner. L l c. This matter is being represented by Mr. Dash. Would you proceed sir?
Speaker 3It's Mr. Dacey. Madam chair.
Speaker 6Madam. Chairman. I am here. Katie.
Speaker 3Yep. I'm aware of that. Mr.? Dacey. Yeah. Mr. Mr. Stalls matter. Madam chair.
Speaker 0Okay.
Speaker 3Aa diner.
Speaker 0Oh, Mr. Stall. Thank you.
Speaker 4Thank you Tom. Jim, I may Madam chair Jim Stall. S t a h l. The firm is Boris Golden Foley. Ola Hyman in North Brunswick. And I'm pleased to be here this evening. I don't know why. You know, Tom, when you did everything, everyone got a little bit skewed because I'm, I'm here twice. One under George Fairfield and one under myself. I don't know whether it's you did it or what. It's a little I
Speaker 3Can, I can promise you I did nothing.
Speaker 4I know I didn't. Ok. Well, it's probably Dawn's fault. Alright. If I may, I
Speaker 0Definitely did it.
Speaker 1No, that's, that's, that's the TV guy, George. So somehow, yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 4Alright. I'm Jim Stoller. I represent AA Diner. I have two witnesses tonight. I have the client who will describe what the services he provides as a All-American diner. And I have an architect and hopefully a Dawn will be able to share the plans, which I sent her earlier today. Cuz I'm a little like Tom Barlow. I know how to use computers, but I never passed that lesson about sharing documents. And my architect is on the road, so he didn't have a full computer available. And now Tom, I just wanted to advise the board. This is when I started this project. I sent to Dawn the proposal for a change in tenancy. She indicated properly that because of the change in use from what was a retail use to a restaurant, the parking changed and therefore we would need a, a variance. What we are here tonight for is the preliminary and final site plan approval, and they see variance.
Speaker 4I will tell you that we're wa we're requesting a waiver from any site plan because nothing is gonna be done on the outside with the exception of the signage, which would be consistent with Piscataway ordinance. And I can tell you that the items in Henry's, Henry Henry Stein's memo date, April 25th, 2023 can, will all be accomplished either by way of my client or the Centennial Shopping Center Management. Now I would indicate, and I I don't think it's an, an issue and I will leave that Commissioner Barlow, whose opinion I do respect. I do not have a planner. And the reason I do not have a planner, I, I felt was almost be insulting to the board because this is, you may recall an existing shopping center existing uses with the exception of one change of use. So the parking is about 2,512 existing. And by the change in the use, it does change the total parking. But I, I just don't see, I mean, it's something that this board in its expertise and its experience, I think can, can pass judgment on without a, a planner lecturing them with regard to this change of parking. So if I now can proceed Dawn or Laura, you have my affidavits of publication and service. Does this board have jurisdiction?
Speaker 3The board has jurisdiction. Mr. Dacey. Thanks
Speaker 4Tom. And I also acknowledge receipt of Mr. Uhrin Reiner's report dated April 21st, 2023. Which will i, I will address with the architect at the end of the presentation, assuming that's the way that the chair wants to proceed. Madam chair, may I proceed?
Speaker 6Yes, you may.
Speaker 4Thank you. Ahed, please raise your right hand.
Speaker 6Yes sir.
Speaker 4Where are you? You disappeared. Oh, I'm sorry. Not
Speaker 6Here.
Speaker 4Two ahs here. It's okay.
Speaker 6Are we talking about
Speaker 3Ahed was?
Speaker 6Yes. Yes. Okay. It's right here.
Speaker 4Okay. That's
Speaker 3Your client, right? Mr. Stall?
Speaker 4Yes, but I don't see him. He's
Speaker 3The,
Speaker 4There he is. There
Speaker 3He is.
Speaker 4Hear the good looking guy with the beard. Alright. Oh, thank
Speaker 3You Ms. Saunders. Yes.
Speaker 5Yes. Can you, you please raise, raise hand. Sorry, sorry, I'm again, you swear that testimony about to give nothing but the truth?
Speaker 6Yes, I do.
Speaker 5Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 4All right. Spell your first name and your last name. Just for the record. I don't know if we did that yet. Go ahead.
Speaker 6My first name is Amed. And last name is Wasim.
Speaker 4Spell your last name for the record.
Speaker 6W a s like sugar, e e m.
Speaker 4All right. Amed, I've been calling you by your first name since you and I know each other a long time. First of all, are you the principal member of AA Diner?
Speaker 6Yes, sir.
Speaker 4And that diner is what you intend to put in the Centennial Shopping Center, correct?
Speaker 6Yes sir.
Speaker 4And you have approximately how many other diners do you have in New Jersey?
Speaker 6I have actually four diners.
Speaker 4And you've been in the business, I'm sorry, Jersey
Speaker 6Three and Pennsylvania. I have one.
Speaker 4Thank you. I knew I missed one somewhere. And how long have you been in the diner business, sir?
Speaker 6About 14 years.
Speaker 4Alright. And you're familiar, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes, sir.
Speaker 4And you're gonna be, you may not be on site at this location, but you have the overall responsibility for the operation, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4And the staff that you're gonna have, how many staff are you going to have full-time
Speaker 6Per shift? Four people.
Speaker 4And who will those be? What are they gonna be?
Speaker 6A manager, full-time chef, a cook, and couple of waitresses probably.
Speaker 4And the facility, as I've indicated, is an American style diner, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes, sir.
Speaker 4And you're gonna, in addition to having sit down and I'll get to the seats in a minute, you're gonna also have takeout and you're going to have internet ordering, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4There's, and this may be obvious, but I have to ask it for the record, there's no drive-in or drive up, is that correct?
Speaker 6No.
Speaker 4And the location is where there had been a retail use before, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4And you have, you're gonna be operating seven days a week, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4And 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM is that correct?
Speaker 6For now? Yes.
Speaker 4For now. Those thank you. That was, so you made, depending on how much people like your food and your operation, it could become more or it could become less. Am I correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 3I'm sorry, Mr.. Dacey, what were the hours?
Speaker 4Seven to seven.
Speaker 3Seven to seven. Thank you sir.
Speaker 4Thank you. And questions had come up with regard to garbage and recycling. I know there's an enclosure that is the dumpster enclosure. And you're aware that that will have to be fixed or reconstructed either by you or the landlord. Is that correct?
Speaker 6By the landlord, yes.
Speaker 4Right. And with regard to the recycling and the garbage, how will that be picked up?
Speaker 6Both once, once a week
Speaker 4By the same hauler?
Speaker 6Yes. Republic Services.
Speaker 4And how many, how many days a week is that pickup? One or two?
Speaker 6Two
Speaker 4If. Alright, now with regard to loading, you are a diner. Are there loading doors in the back of the facility?
Speaker 6Not exactly. It's like in a little alley. We have to walk little bit. It's two stores away in the back? Yes.
Speaker 4And just give me, so the board understand, are there gonna be any tractor trailer deliveries as you were aware of?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4All right. How many times a week?
Speaker 6At least three times a week.
Speaker 4Well, let's go back again. I used the word tractor trailer as opposed to straight job or a box truck. What kind of truck is gonna deliver?
Speaker 6Not the 16 wheeler, but it'll be a truck, like full size truck.
Speaker 4Right. That's why I asked you the question, cuz I, I said tractor trailer, you said there's no intent and I'm not trying to lead you too much, but there's no intent to have a 16 wheeler, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes, it can be. This would
Speaker 4Be, I'm sorry,
Speaker 6It cannot,
Speaker 4This would be BA bakery refrigerated for dairy products and regular food. Is that correct? Yes. And how many trucks per week total do you anticipate delivering food?
Speaker 6Between four to five.
Speaker 4Four to five over a seven day period, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4And to the extent you can, do you advise the vendors to come at a certain time of day?
Speaker 6Well, early before 12 o'clock. 12 noon.
Speaker 4Before 12 noon. Thank you. Hold it. Give me one second here. And as you and I discussed, you're gonna make sure that people from your staff periodically go outside and make sure that they pick up all litter and other items of garbage that people may disrespect the shopping center and put in the garbage. Is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 4And you can have one shift or two shift on the seven to seven
Speaker 6One? We try to stay within, yes. One shift only
Speaker 4If you have to, you'll break the two, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes. Yeah, maybe kind of it's only 12 hours operation really starts within No, no later. No earlier than 8, 8 30. So maybe the manager will be, the only one will be there earlier and the rest of it's gonna be one shift for nine to 10 hours? Yes.
Speaker 4And the part of the takeout that we were discussing before that would be Uber, DoorDash and GrubHub. Uber Eats those type of facilities. Is that correct? Yes. And you use them at your other locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes, sir.
Speaker 4Let me, I, I wanna use the one in North Brunswick. You know how many seats you have in that facility?
Speaker 649. 49. Oh, no, no, sorry. No. And North Brunswick I have 300 seat.
Speaker 4How many?
Speaker 6300.
Speaker 4300. Well I didn't, you know, I didn't realize that. And you don't know how many parking spaces you have in that parking lot? I
Speaker 6Have. I have approximately 150.
Speaker 4One 50. And do you ever have, I'm sorry, I thought so. I was saying, do you ever have any problems with regard to parking or over parking in that facility?
Speaker 6Never.
Speaker 4There's also, I get So you have in the back and you have in the front, is that correct?
Speaker 6It's all around the property. Mostly. Most of them on the front.
Speaker 4And but of the 300 you also have dining rooms or, or what do you call it? Help me. Event rooms. Is that correct?
Speaker 6Up to 60 people? Yes.
Speaker 4Right. So you don't, you don't fill, I'm only using as a comparison Madam chair. You, you don't fill 300 seats. You wish you would, but you don't do you in that facility?
Speaker 6Never. Never happened.
Speaker 4Right. Now, let's come to Piscataway. Now Piscataway, you're gonna have tables, is that correct?
Speaker 6Booth and table? Yes.
Speaker 4Booth and tables. You're also gonna have a counter, am I correct?
Speaker 6Yes, sir.
Speaker 4And what is your anticipated number of seats in the, that facility?
Speaker 649.
Speaker 4And that includes the, the bar you, I think you call it a juice bar, the regular tables and the booth?
Speaker 6Yes. Including would
Speaker 4You, you interrupt? I mean, I interrupted you. What, what was the bar again?
Speaker 6Counter. They call it counter.
Speaker 4Oh, it's regular counter.
Speaker 6Yeah. All
Speaker 4Right. I thought it was something special that you named it as. This is my last question before the board asked. Have I missed anything that you wanna tell the board about your operation?
Speaker 6I think we covered almost everything. Yes.
Speaker 4Well that's my, that's my job. But you have the experience and 49 seats, is that correct?
Speaker 6Yes sir.
Speaker 4Do you remember what was there before? I know you may not. I men's
Speaker 6Smith, it was a men's warehouse clothing.
Speaker 4Oh, that was it. A men's warehouse or a clothing clearance.
Speaker 6Alright,
Speaker 4So that's all I have. Madam, chair of this witness,
Speaker 0Members of the board. Do you have any questions of Mr. Ahmed? Wasin?
Speaker 7Madam chair? Dawn. Corcoran. Just wanna get clarification on the number of seats because on your plan it shows that you're going to have 46 seats. And I know you testified you're gonna have 49. Just wanna make
Speaker 6Sure.
Speaker 749?
Speaker 6Yes sir. Yes ma'am.
Speaker 4Okay. I think Dawn, I think that the architect may be able to confirm that Mr. Ragab, but he'll be on next. I had the same question. The number shifted a little bit, but we'd rather go for more than less. So there's no misunderstanding.
Speaker 7And you know what? It really doesn't affect, regardless, when we apply the, the parking requirement, it still comes to 19, regardless if it's 46 or 49. But again, just wanted to clarify. Thank you.
Speaker 4Thank you very much. Any may have
Speaker 0Any other questions from this witness? Members of the board? If not, we can open it to the public.
Speaker 4Oh, okay.
Speaker 7Actually I take that Madam chair, if I may. It does, I do take it back. It would require one additional parking space if it was 49 seats opposed to 46. So,
Speaker 3Okay. So Dawn, just to clarify, the, the, the diner requires 20 seats if it was a stand, 20 parking spaces, if it was a standalone business, correct.
Speaker 7If it was standalone in terms of, are you saying retail Tom
Speaker 3The original, if it was, if it was just a diner, wherever it is, it would require, require 20 spots based on 49 seats.
Speaker 7Correct.
Speaker 3Okay. And just so the board's aware, there's 2,512 spots on this site and under the parking calculation for the whole site, it would, it would require now 2,547 spots. So under what
Speaker 7Actually, so there was an error on the plan. You always have to round up, and I know Ron called this out in his report as well as in my zoning report, we both did. So really it would, the requirement would be 2,554 if there was 49 seats. So, okay. Just go off of Ron's report in my report and Mr. Stahl's application.
Speaker 3Okay. Cause Ron had, anyway,
Speaker 8Well, just to build on the point being, there's a lot of spots.
Speaker 7There's, there's more than sufficient parking on this site.
Speaker 3Okay. I just wanted to make it clear that regardless of the use though, there's still only about 2,500 and changed spots and this still requires 2,500 and changed spots. That's
Speaker 7Right.
Speaker 3And I, so I'm sorry, we, we, we kind of jumped on you there. Madam chair. I think you had opened it up for the public for questions. I dunno if you, I don't know if you wanna wait till all of his witnesses go and then
Speaker 0So we can for right now.
Speaker 3Okay. Thank you Mr.
Speaker 8Barlow. It puts it in perspective, that's for sure.
Speaker 3Okay.
Speaker 0Okay.
Speaker 4Madam chair, do you want me to put my second or do you wanna open it up for each witness? Whatever you want. Of course
Speaker 0I'd like to open it up for each witness. That's fine. So find, we won't get, you know, cross, cross questions. Ms. Buckley, do you see anyone in this? In the,
Speaker 1Well you have to ask the Madam chair if anybody has,
Speaker 0If anyone in the public wish to respond to this witness, would you please press the button to show, show your hand.
Speaker 1Noah Madam chair.
Speaker 0Okay, thank you. Close to the public. Okay, you may proceed. Mr.
Speaker 4Thank you. Madam chair Ash, want you to raise your right hand,
Speaker 3Ms. Saunders or do you want me to,
Speaker 5Can you hear me? Yep, ma'am. Yes. Okay. Can you please raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give will the truth and nothing but the truth?
Speaker 9I do.
Speaker 5Please state and spell your name for the record.
Speaker 9My name is Ashra Ragab. R A G A B.
Speaker 5Thank you. Thank
Speaker 4You. Ashra, are you a licensed New Jersey architect?
Speaker 9Yes, I am.
Speaker 4For how long have you been so licensed?
Speaker 922 years.
Speaker 4And where did you have your education?
Speaker 9City College of New York, 1994. Bachelor of Architecture.
Speaker 4Have you been qualified as a licensed architect and other municipalities? Sony, Georgia Planning. Thank you. Madam chair. I asked that Mr. Riga be qualified as a, an architect.
Speaker 0He is so qualified to testify
Speaker 4Board. Thank you. Thank you. Madam chair. Alright. As briefly, you designed the interior of the facility, is that correct? Yes. And I don't even know if we need the plan right now it's, the board has it, there are no exterior changes proposed with the exception of the sign, which would be consistent with Piscataway requirements, am I correct?
Speaker 9That's correct, yes.
Speaker 4We're not looking for any variances would be on a directory or however sent the shopping center and Amad do the deal, is that correct?
Speaker 9Yes.
Speaker 4Let's just, so Dawn has the right number inclusive of tables, booths and the counter. How many seats are there?
Speaker 946. I mean, what we're showing on the drawings are 46, but we are including three staff in the, in the occupancy. So the total occupancy we are showing on the drawings is 49, but that includes the staff.
Speaker 4Oh, thank you very much. So it's 46 patrons and three for staff? Yes. That's where you came up to here? 49. I'll leave it to Dawn to do the calculation. Now on that one is if we have a typical kitchen, men and ladies bathroom seats. Other than that, this is what I would call a typical New Jersey diner floor plan. Is that correct?
Speaker 9That's correct.
Speaker 4Probably televisions for news and sporting events on the walls. Is that correct?
Speaker 9Yes.
Speaker 4All right. Anything unusual from this facility from that owned by Mr. Sima and other municipalities including the North Brunswick Oasis?
Speaker 9No, it's booths, tables and some and a, a juice bar or a counter, as you called it, with some stools on it. It's just typical of any diner establishment.
Speaker 4All right. I don't think there was anything in the Cmma report. That's all I have. Madam chair.
Speaker 3Mr. Stall, did you want to share the exhibits or no?
Speaker 4I, I given to Dawn? No, no. Tom, I, I don't see any reason. Oh, you have him? I
Speaker 3Have him, yes. That's why I was just asking.
Speaker 4Alright. I don't think so.
Speaker 3Okay.
Speaker 9So the only, the only note I would make is I made site calculation for parking. I came up with 24 5 34 required, but again, it's, it's quite a large site, so I might have missed something. Somebody had said 25 40 something somebody had says 25 50. But the, the bottom line is this particular application only is responsible for eight additional parking spots out of, out of deficiency of the whole site. So we need eight parking spots more than what's assigned for this, for the previous use. And that's, that's what this virus is about.
Speaker 4Well, we never argue with Dawn with regard to the calculation, but just so we're consistent, also, this shopping center does not have assigned parking spaces for the different tenants, am I correct?
Speaker 9Yes,
Speaker 4It's got the EV parking, it's got the handicapped and it may have some other parking for I'm, I don't, I haven't walked to site, but there may be some for pregnant women. I know that's a new thing or for curbside, but it's okay. Okay. Thank you. That's all I have. Madam chair.
Speaker 10Okay. Thank you Members of the board. Do you have any questions of this witness? Madam chair. Madam chair. Madam chair. It's Councilwoman. Kayla, I have a question. Yes, go ahead. Maybe I apologize. Maybe Mr. Stall can answer this. I thought that And is this, it's only one level, right?
Speaker 4Yes. One floor. First floor, yes.
Speaker 10Okay. So are I, did I hear something about like a private parties or
Speaker 4No, no, I'm sorry. That was my, I was comparing this site to a, a site in North Brunswick near my office called the Oasis that is also owned by Mr. Wasim. It's a larger facility with some party rooms or event rooms. I didn't mean to confuse, I just was trying to do some comparison. I, I
Speaker 1Apologize. Okay. So thank you. Thank you
Speaker 0To the members of the public. You are now gonna have the opportunity to question this witness. Would you please in indicate by pressing the hand button on your computer on your screen?
Speaker 1Noah Madam chair.
Speaker 0Thank you. Close to the public
Speaker 3Madam chair. I just wanna clarify one, one thing with, with Ron and Dawn, just so I'm clear, the variance there for would be 2,512 parking spots are present and proposed, whereas 2,553 would technically be required. I just want make sure that's we're all on the same page.
Speaker 7What happens is when there's fractions, you have to round up. Yep.
Speaker 3Not a problem.
Speaker 7There was just a little bit of a Yep. You
Speaker 8Know those, those lousy fractions
Speaker 3I had
Speaker 0Written.
Speaker 85 53 required 25 12 existing
Speaker 3Proposed. Okay. I just want to make sure that I have my numbers right. Thank you both.
Speaker 9I have only one. I'm sorry to interrupt again, but those TI 25 54 are for the whole site. There's quite a number of accomplishments on that side. This particular project is only responsible for eight parking spots, not for 40 parking spots. We are have assigned 11 parking spots and we need 19. So we need eight more. That's it.
Speaker 8I, I think that that's very good for, for planning testimony to say that we only have a, you know, that, that's only the increase. I mean, you know, it's a big site.
Speaker 4Thank you Ron.
Speaker 0Members of the board, you've heard the test. Are you finished Mr. Stall, would you like the summary or
Speaker 4No? No, the short application. And everyone here I know listens carefully.
Speaker 0I just wanted to afford you the opportunity to be heard. Members of the board, you've heard this application. What, what's your pleasure?
Speaker 7Madam chair. Dawn Corcoran. I'd make, I'd like to make a motion that we approve the application subject to the Piscataway staff report and subject to the CME report.
Speaker 0Do I hear a second? Mayor Sheriff
Speaker 4Reverend Kinneally.
Speaker 0Second. Thank you. Roll call please.
Speaker 1Mayor Wahler? Yes. Councilwoman Cahill? Yes. Ms. Corin? Yes. Ms. Saunders? Yes. Reverend Kinneally? Yes. Mr. Atkins?
Speaker 4Yes.
Speaker 1Mr. Ahamed?
Speaker 5Yes. Yes.
Speaker 1Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes. Thank you Mr. Star.
Speaker 6Thank
Speaker 4You very much. Have a good night and be safe.
Speaker 0You too. Item number 11.
Speaker 4Okay.
Speaker 5Madam chair. This is Carol Saunders. I need to recuse myself from this application.
Speaker 0Okay. Thank you. Alright,
Speaker 5I'll be back.
Speaker 0You're excused. You're excused.
Speaker 5Okay. Excuse
Speaker 0Item number 22 dash PB dash 27 slash 28 V as in Victor, k d capital ventures L L C. And now we have here from Mr.. Dacey.
Speaker 6Yes. Madam Chairwoman. Good evening. Members of the board. Good evening. This matter. I rep, I represent the applicant, KD Capital Ventures Lll C This matter has been carried from the April 10th meeting of the planning board of Piscataway. We had previously provided sufficient legal notice. I understand that no notice was required to be provided again. We had previously, by way of brief recap, provided the testimony from our licensed engineer and planner, Tony Galler Uhrin with respect to the positive and negative criteria and the legal proofs with respect to the, the variances that are required. We also had explained the, the site plan in some, in some detail. We are prepared tonight to answer any questions that may be remaining from the board, but with that, I don't wanna burden the board's time if there are no specific questions. I understand the board had carried this meeting. There were my notes reflect some notations from some members of the public, but I believe that from our perspective, that those issues should not be bearing upon this application. So I respectfully submit to the board for its consideration. If it has any questions, we'll be happy to answer that. I have Christian credo engineer from Harbor Consultants on on with me tonight to answer any questions. But I submitted respectfully, Madam chairwoman to the board for any questions.
Speaker 0Mr. Barlow is, do you have any comments as to what Mr. Dash has said?
Speaker 3I I don't have anything other than Mr. Dash. Did you say you have a different individual from Harbor? Not Tony.
Speaker 6Yes. Tony couldn't be here. Tom here. That's fine. It's Christian. Christian Cueto. Christian, you on the line? Yes, I'm here.
Speaker 3Okay. Can, can I just add of an abundance of question? Let's swear him in. Okay. And just qualify him that way. If there are any questions from the public that require his comment, we've done that. Sure.
Speaker 6Fine.
Speaker 3Okay.
Speaker 6Christian, please
Speaker 3If you could state your name and spell your last name for the record.
Speaker 4Okay. My name is Christian Cueto. Last name is c u e t o.
Speaker 3And what's your professional address, sir?
Speaker 4My professional address is three 20 North Avenue East Cranford, New Jersey oh seven 16.
Speaker 3Okay. If you could, your right hand, you swear the testimony give before the board will be the whole
Speaker 4I do.
Speaker 3Okay. Do you just him real quickly, Mr. Dacey? Sure,
Speaker 6Sure. Christian, if you could provide the benefit your education to the board.
Speaker 4I graduated from N J I T with a degree in civil engineering. I've been practicing civil engineering for the past 15 years. I appeared to before many boards. I actually sit on the, the board of Borough of Kennelworth as the borough engineer there. And my license is in good standing.
Speaker 6And you reviewed the plans that are the subject of this application?
Speaker 4Yes, I have
Speaker 6Madam chairwoman, Mr. Barlow, I submit Mr. Cueto for any questions that may, may, that may potentially arise.
Speaker 0Yes. Thank you. I he he can testify. Okay. Okay.
Speaker 3Thank you. So, so Madam chair, just to refresh the board's recollection, all the testimony was in with regards to this minor two lot subdivision. All of the testimony was received. There were some questions from some neighbors who I, who if memory serves me, had utilized the property, the, the vacant portion of the property and had some questions they asked about their continued use of it, et cetera. Because there is a road opening moratorium right now, the board thought it prudent to just adjourn the matter one month to allow those individuals to explore their options and if they wanted to come back, if they had any additional questions. So I would think it's appropriate at this time. Chairwoman Smith, if you want to either see if the board has any follow-up questions since last month and then open it to the public.
Speaker 0Agreed members of the board is, are there any further follow up questions that you might have on this issue? Okay. Members of the public, I'm going to open it to you for comment. Anyone having a question? You may signify so by tapping the appropriate box on your screen to indicate you wanna have the question? You have the question?
Speaker 1Yes. Madam chair. There's J J H W.
Speaker 3Okay. Those are her hand raises. Yes. And just so the members of the public, anybody that wants to ask a question, I'm just gonna ask you to state your name, give us your address, and then I'm going to swear you in and then you can have whatever questions or comments. Okay? Okay. Who is JJ HW
Speaker 11Joyce. Okay. Joyce Hancock Williams.
Speaker 3I'm sorry. Joyce Hancock. Hancock.
Speaker 11Williams.
Speaker 3Williams. And is that w i l l i a m S?
Speaker 11Yes.
Speaker 3And your address? Ms. Williams?
Speaker 111 55 Park Avenue. Park
Speaker 3Avenue. Okay. Can, do you have a camera that you can put on?
Speaker 11Do you know what I, I was trying to put my camera on, but I I for some it, I wasn't able to get it to work, so I'm not really sure. But can everyone hear me?
Speaker 3Yes, we can. So you could raise your right hand and
Speaker 11I will, I promise I'll raise my right hand.
Speaker 3Okay. Do you swear the testimony you'll give before this board will be the whole truth?
Speaker 11Absolutely.
Speaker 3Okay. And what would you like to tell the board, Ms. William?
Speaker 11Do you, I I just wanna go over some things. It's going take me a few minutes, not very long. So let me just first say thank you for the opportunity to have my say. I love this out way. I've lived here all, all of my life except for the years that I was in college earning my degree, and I lived in Pittsburgh for three years due to a work transfer. Now, at the last planning meeting, there was mention of the way the properties were divided. I can explain that because I know the history of those properties. So if you'll just give me, indulge me for about five minutes. Mr. MJ Jackson migrated north from Georgia and he purchased property of this area because it reminded him of his southern roots. He owned property on Highland Avenue, Fisher Avenue and Hansen from River Road to hose lane in the blocks between Park Avenue, Fisher and Hansen, which run parallel and the cross streets, Deerfield and Foster.
Speaker 11He owned property that he sold to relatives and he sold it to them according to their family needs and what they could afford. And of course, this was prior to the zoning that we now have in place. So I hope that that answers the question on why the properties are aligned the way they are. His first home in New Brunswick Highlands, now known as Piscataway and referred to by insiders as the Heights was a three family dwelling on Deerfield Avenue. He and his wife Elizabeth, lived on the top floor apartment. A nephew, Calvin Inman and his wife Sally, lived on the second floor. And another niece, Beatrice Smith and her husband Charles, lived on the first floor.
Speaker 3Ms. Williams. Ms. Williams. Yes. I I I don't, I don't mean to cut you off and I, and I don't mean to be rude in any way, but each, each speaker is limited to three minutes because
Speaker 11No, I can, could I I'll be I'll wrap it up then.
Speaker 3Yeah. The history doesn't really, I, I don't think it that goes to the application. Okay. I just didn't want you to not get to talk about what's important to you.
Speaker 11You know what, the history is important because what I'm trying to have you see is that it was all relatives who owned the property and he sold it to them according to their family needs and what they could afford. Because at the last meeting, there was comments on the way the properties were aligned. I, Mr. Jackson, when he purchased his, bought a new home, he purchased that property at 1 64 Fisher Avenue. The lot in question was always used as his backyard. When he passed on, his son, Dan moved into that house and he made a garden outta that lot. So what I'm trying to illustrate is that it was never an unkept unmaintained property when Mr. Jackson could not take care of the property any longer. He hired a relative that has a landscaping business to maintain it. So the property was always maintained. It was never just this empty, overgrown lot.
Speaker 11So next door, the house at 1 79 Park Avenue that is currently owned by Mr. Rollins, Mr. Jackson's son, Lawton Jackson, lived in that house. He created a u-shaped driveway so that all the relatives in that immediate area could use it. My house being one of them. My father built this house in 1959. So I've had use of that driveway. Our, our family since Mr. Jackson built the house. I wanna illustrate that it was always maintained that we, and, and I also wanna say, because this was brought up too, and it was very insulting. We never squatted, we never used the driveway illegally or trespassed. It was property owned by family and meant to be used by the connecting homes. With all that said, my request to the zoning board is that they not make a decision based on a map with lines numbers, that before the next meeting, they take a look at the actual property and ask themselves the question, if they lived in either house adjacent to this lot, 1 79 or 1 55, would they want a house built on it?
Speaker 11That close? It's my understanding that zoning laws were created to regulate land use and development to protect residents from crowded living conditions. And I feel that this house would cause more congestion and it just, it would be a crowded living condition for the people in this block. There are approximately 81 homes on Park Avenue and only six of them have driveways that only accommodate one car. And there's only about four people who only own one car. Most of the residents have two or more. So Park Avenue is already a nightmare with parking. Lastly, I will conclude on the plaque outside the municipal building, there's a quote that says, those who have feelings of veneration for their predecessors, respect veneration from those who follow. Thank you for listening.
Speaker 3Bless you. I have any chair. Bless you.
Speaker 11Madam chair. There's one more person of Jeffrey Williams.
Speaker 0Yes, Mr. Brick. Mr. Williams, would you step forward please? Figuratively? Yes.
Speaker 12Can you see me and hear me?
Speaker 3I can hear you, sir, but I cannot see you
Speaker 12And I don't know why. Cause I have my camera on. I don't know why.
Speaker 3Okay.
Speaker 12But I will raise my hand and you can swear me in if you'd like.
Speaker 3I, I will. One second. It's Jeffrey. J e f f e r y?
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 3Williams. W i l l i a m s?
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 3And your address, sir?
Speaker 121 55 Park Avenue in Pisca.
Speaker 3Okay. If you raise your right hand, you swear the testimony you give before this board will be the whole truth?
Speaker 12I do.
Speaker 3What would you like to tell the board, sir? I,
Speaker 12I just actually have two questions for the board. So in the last meeting, I know the Mayor said there is a moratorium of cutting into the street, into the sidewalk. And I guess, I don't know if my question is to the board or to KD capitol, if you approved a lot to be subdivided, does that mean that they can't build a house until the timeframe for the moratorium is up? Or are they asking for an exemption to the moratorium?
Speaker 3This board cannot grant exemptions to the moratorium. Right. It doesn't have that power. The moratorium is on, I believe Fisher Avenue until October of 25 and Park Avenue until September of 29. This board does not have the authority to grant an exception to that.
Speaker 12Alright.
Speaker 3So they, the subdivision can be perfected and that's, that's the relief the board, the, the, the applicant is seeking the subdivision and variances.
Speaker 12Alright, cuz that was my only concern because currently we have a house at three 80 Park Avenue, which I believe the board granted variance from for, it's actually was built in 2013. It doesn't have a driveway or a garage. But currently that house is still not finished and unoccupied. And that's 10 years. So my concern was if you, if you granted this, would they build a house here now that they couldn't technically finish until 2029?
Speaker 3I, I can't answer that question, sir. It sounds like it would be a, a bad business decision, but I can't, I can't answer that question.
Speaker 12Alright,
Speaker 13Is that all you? Hold on a sec, Mr. Barlow, if you want I can answer that course. I think the, the housing question that Mr. Williams was speaking about what was under construction and then it went into foreclosure and the ins that somebody else has purchased it at this point and is looking to finish it from what I understand from new Township attorney
Speaker 7And, and Mayor by May they also had to go back to the zoning board and they did just receive approvals because they had a couple of setback issues that had to be addressed. So those, again, that was just approved by the zoning board just maybe a month or two ago. So you should see some work proceeding on that home.
Speaker 3Hope that answered your questions. Mr. Williams.
Speaker 0Thank Mr. Williams.
Speaker 12Thank you.
Speaker 0Are there any other members of the public who wish to ask questions of this witness?
Speaker 1No, I'm Madam chair.
Speaker 0Thank you. I see no hands at this time. It's now closed to the public. You've heard all of the issues with reference. You've heard the, the commentary in response by Mr. Dacey board members. What is your pleasure at this time as to the, the approval of this application?
Speaker 7Madam chair. Dawn Corcoran. I'd like to make a motion that we approve this application subject to the staff report dated March 22nd, 2, 20 23 with the additional comment that the applicant required to install a blank conduit line for the new home for future fiber optics that was discussed at the prior, also subject to Director of Public works report and subject to the C report court.
Speaker 0Right. Have a second
Speaker 4Madam chair. Reverend Kinneally. I'll second that, that this application be approved. I'll second that. Thank,
Speaker 0Thank you. Vote call please.
Speaker 1Mayor? Wahler?
Speaker 13Yes.
Speaker 1Councilwoman Cahill? Yes. Ms. Corcoran?
Speaker 7Yes.
Speaker 1Reverend Kinneally. Yes. Mr. Atkins? Yes. Mr. Ahmed?
Speaker 13Yes.
Speaker 1And Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 12Madam chair.
Speaker 4We thank we thank, thank you and the board and for your time. Thank you.
Speaker 0Item number 1223 PB oh three slash oh four as in Victor Manuel and Guo and Miriam villain.
Speaker 4Good evening. My name is John Sullivan. I'm an attorney with the offices of Vest and Sullivan and I am representing the applicants. I guess first we should just check to see that the board has jurisdiction.
Speaker 3Yes sir. I've, I've seen the affidavit of service and publication and the board does have jurisdiction.
Speaker 4Thank
Speaker 0You.
Speaker 4Okay, so Mr. Angulo and Ms. Valentine are the owners of both lots three and 78 in block 6 0 3. The lot three is, the address is 1917 West fifth Street and Lot 78 is 1912 West seventh Street. And the properties do share a common rear property line. Overall lot area is just over 70,000 square feet. Zoning district is the R 75 and each lot is currently improved with the single family dwelling. The proposal before you is to subdivide, let's start with lot three is to subdivide lot three right down the middle and create two lots. Having each size the plenty of lot areas 13,700 and square, 750 square feet. But the lot width will only be 50 feet per each lot. So we would need a variance for that. There would also be a lot line adjustment to add the rear of lot three to lot 78.
Speaker 4The existing dwellings would remain on proposed lot 3.02 and 78.01. And a new single family home is proposed to be constructed on proposed lot 3.01. Our planner will request bulk variances. We did send buy sell letters to the owners of lots two and four. They have been submitted to the board in advance and I did hear from Mr. Wright, who I believe is the owner of Lot four and he had, he was willing to consider selling some of his property but it would only be the rear of his property as opposed to the frontage of his property. So it would not solve the lot with issue. Our witnesses tonight are Mr. Angulo, I believe, and or Ms. Valentine, Mr. Dga who is our licensed architect, Paul Fletcher who is our engineer. And Nick Grano who is our professional planner. Plans that we submitted were the subdivision plan prepared by Fletcher Engineering dated July 27th, 2022 and floor plans and elevations prepared by Mr.
Speaker 4Droga dated September 6th, 2022. If, if I could take a minute with the board in terms of classification of this subdivision, I originally looked at it as we're only creating one additional. So I thought it might be a minor, but based on my discussions with the the zoning office, it was classified as a major and that is how we submitted it. And we're here for preliminary major subdivision approval. I did notice in the C M E report it was viewed as a minor subdivision. So in reality, although we have three, you know, two existing lots, we're creating a third and we're doing a lot line adjustment. You know, I would ask for the board's determination as to whether it be considered a major or a minor.
Speaker 8And speaking for cme, we have no problem with however you classify it. Those are valid points.
Speaker 3Dawn, what is the, your
Speaker 7So the way we looked at it was anything over two lots is considered a major some division and because there was the creation of three lots here, that's why we considered it the way we did
Speaker 3Based on that. Mr. Sullivan, I would suggest we go ahead as a preliminary major because that has how the board has and the Township hasn't interpreted it in the past. If three lots are being created, it's a major.
Speaker 4Fair enough. Yeah, I was just looking for some clarification on that and we are no problem. We are ready to proceed as such.
Speaker 3And, and Mr. Sullivan, just as you proceed, I've marked just for the record based on what you submitted, I marked as a one, the April 27th, 2023 certified letter that was sent to Lot four block 6 0 3 I think. What did you say the owner's name was?
Speaker 4Mr. Wright.
Speaker 3Mr. Wright who indicated he, he didn't wanna sell part of the front and I marked as a two, the certified letter to the owner of 3 87 South Washington, which was lot two block 6 0 3. So if you have any other exhibits going forward, we'll mark them as a 3 84, et cetera.
Speaker 4Thank you. Thank you. Okay.
Speaker 3You're witness, sir.
Speaker 4Okay. Mr. Angulo or Ms. Valenti? Yeah, I'm here.
Speaker 7Okay. Angulo.
Speaker 4Okay. We have to get you sworn in Mr. Angulo. Alright,
Speaker 3Thank You're muted Carol.
Speaker 5Ms. An can you please raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth and nothing but the truth?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 5Can you please state and spell your name for the record?
Speaker 14Manuel Angulo.
Speaker 5Can you please spell it?
Speaker 14M a n u e l a n g u l o.
Speaker 5Thank you.
Speaker 4Hey, Mr. Angulo, you and Ms. Valentin are the owners of the property in question?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4And each of those properties as they exist now, are developed with single family dwellings?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4And who lives in each of those dwellings?
Speaker 14I live in 1912 West seventh Street. My daughter Andrea Angulo live in the fifth Street.
Speaker 4And in connection with this application, if it were to be approved, you would, you would essentially divide lot three right down the middle to create two separate lots.
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4And what do you propose to do with with those two lots? Are you gonna keep the, the one home that exists now on there?
Speaker 14Yeah. The, the idea is I have $3, you know, and I want, I wanna, the, the, the home is very expensive now. If I have a opportunity to, to make another home for my daughter, beautiful. That's good for me, for my family.
Speaker 4Okay, so you would like to, to create it all and have the family live in each of the homes?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4Now in connection with the plans, as we, we look over on West seventh Street, there is a, what I'll call a triangular piece that seems to be an extension of West seventh Street. And your driveway currently runs through there, is that correct?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4And how long has your driveway been there? Through that section
Speaker 14I bought it 2000. Yeah, 2002. It still was the, the small drive driveway with the tree. What happened is one day the, the old tree, the big tree came down and over to one car and I went to the city. I, i I her permission to cut that. After the, after they all, all permission was just after that I was cleaning, I was making a driveway. And that from the 2002 I have the driveway. I'm using that, that part of the, and the city property to my driveway.
Speaker 4Okay. And when you bought the property back in 2002, the driveway ran through that little section of land?
Speaker 14Yes.
Speaker 4And you didn't relocate? Excuse me. Did And you did not relocate the driveway at all, did you? No. Okay. Those are the only questions I have for Mr. Angulo,
Speaker 0Members of the board. Do you have any questions of Mr. Angulo hearing? No responses. You may call your next witness. Mr. Solomon. Thank
Speaker 4You. I would call our architect Steve dga.
Speaker 5Hi Mr. Juga, can you please raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give will the truth and nothing but the truth?
Speaker 15Yes, I do.
Speaker 5Can you please state and spell your name for the record?
Speaker 15Steve Dga. D r U G a.
Speaker 5Thank you.
Speaker 4And Mr. Dacey.
Speaker 15I'm registered architect. Would you
Speaker 4State your qualifications for the board, please?
Speaker 15Offices located at two 50 Stelton Road, Skyway, New Jersey, member of the American Institute of Architects and New Jersey licensed architect with license and good standing.
Speaker 4And I would ask that Mr. Drabby so accepted,
Speaker 0Has he testified in any boards within New Jersey or this middles County?
Speaker 15Yes, I've testified many times in Piscataway Den, green Brook, Edison and North Plainfield.
Speaker 0Thank you. And you He can testify as a, as an expert in this matter.
Speaker 4Thank you. Mr. Juga, you prepared the plans for the proposed new home on lot 3.01?
Speaker 15That is correct.
Speaker 4And could you briefly describe for the board the floor plans and the elevations?
Speaker 15Yes. The opposed residence is a four bedroom, two-story home with a one car attached garage. The front of the house has a seven foot covered porch and there's a deck at the river property, 12 by 16 foot deck proposed. The house is a 33 foot floor by 45 foot. That 45 foot includes the covered front porch and the 33 foot, 33 foot four also includes a front porch. The first floor contains a living room, family room, kitchen and dining area. And a bathroom or
Speaker 0Thank Mr. Sullivan froze. Yeah,
Speaker 15I'm sorry.
Speaker 0Some of your last Cahn last, your last testimony was frozen. Could you repeat your last two sentences?
Speaker 15I can remember 'em.
Speaker 0Mr. Sullivan, you might want,
Speaker 15Yeah, you have an open, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area and living room towards the front with the fireplace on the right side of, of the building, the garage is 12 feet by 21 feet and it's on the left side of the pro of the of the house. You enter the f enter the foyer and there's a stair going up. There's a two-story open area in the center of the house. Second floor contains four bedrooms, a master bedroom, master bath, and a main bath. And three other bedrooms. Sorry. There's also a pull downstairs to access the attic for storage. The house sits on a basement. There's a base, a basement or a seller depending on which definition you refer to. I think the board skyway definition of a seller is when half of its height is buried, more than half of its height is buried below ground in this case that, that is the condition. The house has a gable roof left to right and the total height of the house approximately 31 and a half feet to all from grade. That's okay.
Speaker 4Mr. Dacey. And how do you feel that the, the proposed home is, is it compatible with the neighborhood in your opinion?
Speaker 15Yes, in my opinion it is. There's very different houses in the area. In fact the house next door is a two-story. In fact, this proposed house would probably be a little bit lower than the house next door. Present existing house on the lot on the street, there are two fam, there are two stories. There are Cape Cods and so it fits in perfectly with what's in the neighborhood.
Speaker 4And then I just wanted to direct you to the C M E report dated April 21st, 2023. Yeah. Yes. Under planning comments, item four, I think you had stated that the fireplace chimney projection is on the side of the house as opposed to the front. That
Speaker 15Is correct. It's on the right side of the house in the living room area.
Speaker 4So that will not project into the front yard at all. Correct. And item six, I think you indicated the attic is solely for storage.
Speaker 15Correct.
Speaker 4And then you, would you address seller issue? I did also wanted to direct your attention to Mr. Stein's report. Item number eight with regard to the garage size. Can you, can you address that?
Speaker 15Yes. The garage size on the plan indicates 11 foot four inches wide by 21 foot deep. The report, Henry, Mr. Hinterstein would like the garage to be 12 foot clear, left to right and 20 foot deep. We're, so we're gonna be 12 foot by 21 foot to amend the plan to suit.
Speaker 4Thank you. That's all I have for Mr. Juga.
Speaker 0Thank you. Members of the board, you've heard this testimony from Mr. Dacey or do you have any questions? Hearing no questions? I'd like to direct address the members of the public. Open it to the members of the public. If anyone in the public would like to ask questions of this witness, you can signify by raising your hand on your screen. Ms. Buckley, do you see any responses?
Speaker 16No. One Madam chair.
Speaker 0Okay. Close to the public. Thank you.
Speaker 4Our
Speaker 0Next witness. Okay,
Speaker 4Our next witness would be Paul Fletcher, our engineer.
Speaker 5Mr. Fletcher, can you please raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth and nothing but the truth?
Speaker 16Yes, I do.
Speaker 5Just please state and spell your name for the record.
Speaker 16Yes. Paul J. Fletcher. F l e t c h e r.
Speaker 5Thank you.
Speaker 4And Mr. Fletcher, would you state your qualifications for the board?
Speaker 16Yeah, I'm a professional engineer, licensed in the state of New Jersey. I'm the principal of Fletcher Engineering and have been, so for 31 years I've been accepted as an expert in engineering in front of the Piscataway boards. Also Woodbridge, Edison, Westfield, numerous boards over that 30, 31 year period.
Speaker 4Okay. And did you say your license is in good standing?
Speaker 16It is, yes.
Speaker 4And we would ask that Mr. Fletcher be accepted.
Speaker 0He's accepted as a planner and
Speaker 16I'll be testifying as an engineer only this evening.
Speaker 0Okay, thank you.
Speaker 4Thank you. Mr. Fletcher, you prepared the plans that have been submitted to the board, is that correct?
Speaker 16Yes, under my supervision.
Speaker 4And would you describe the site as exist in the proposal? That's we've presenting to the board?
Speaker 16Certainly there's two lots. A lot three, which faces West fifth Street. And as you had mentioned, there's a, an existing single family dwelling and driveway on that property there. Property with frontage on West seventh Street, which also has a single family dwelling. The applicant proposes to subdivide lot three. We will create two 50 foot wide by 275 foot deep lots. Each would be in excess of 13,000 square feet and the rear portion of lot three would be added to the property lot 78, which has the home on West seventh Street. And that property would end up being 42,510 square feet. And as you had also mentioned, this is in the R 75 zone or 7,500 square feet required the applicant further proposes to construct a single family dwelling on the newly created vacant lot on West fifth Street. And as Mr. Juga had mentioned, it's a two-story four bedroom of a single car garage. One of the comments I believe in the CME report was, is it possible to widen the driveway to 18 feet to provide an extra parking spot? And that's agreeable to the client. We should do that. And I concur that the new house as a seller did the Stelton numbers clearly more than half the low lowest level is below grade.
Speaker 3Mr. Fletcher, the plan that you were just referencing that wasn't made just for this evening, that was part of the plans that were submitted, correct?
Speaker 16Yes. That's part of the, a major submission? Yep. Yep.
Speaker 3Okay.
Speaker 4Okay. And Mr. Fletcher, will there be adequate parking for two vehicles in the new home?
Speaker 16Yes. I should be, be able to park three in the new home. There'd be at least three on the existing dwelling facing West Fifth and at least three on the three or more on the existing dwelling on West seven Street, we comply with all R S I S standards.
Speaker 4And are there any other site improvements that are proposed?
Speaker 16Just new curb cuts repair if necessary of sidewalks and curbing. Mr. Hinterstein had requested that we have a paved driveway for at least the first 25 feet on the West seventh Street and the applicant agrees to that. And we will show that on revised plans, the driveway on the new home will be paved.
Speaker 4And with regard to the reports, the c m e report dated April 21st of this year, is there anything in the comments there that we either cannot comply with or require any further discussion
Speaker 16From an engineering point of view? I, I don't believe so.
Speaker 4And same with regard to Mr. Henderson's report of April 25th. Is there anything in that we either comply with or requires further discussion?
Speaker 16No, we will comply with all the suggestions and I don't think there's anything that needs further discussion.
Speaker 4Okay. Thank you. That's all I have for Mr. Fletcher
Speaker 13Madam chair. I have a question for Mr. Fletcher. Go
Speaker 3Ahead.
Speaker 13Madam. Mr. Fletcher. The, the, the driveway on West seventh. There's an i irregular jog in the roadway. The county road.
Speaker 16Yes.
Speaker 13I'm assuming the driveway pavement's gonna be from the person's property line
Speaker 16From the sidewalk.
Speaker 13We're we're gonna, Mr. Barlow, we're gonna have to speak with the county engineering department on this cuz this is, has irregular jog in the roadway.
Speaker 3I don't know if, if Mr. Fletcher cut out or you, you had cut out Mayor. Are you talking about West seventh or the West fifth Street
Speaker 13Side? West. West seventh. Mr. Barlow,
Speaker 3Where there's that kind of notch in the roadway. Yeah,
Speaker 13There's a notch in the roadway. We're, we're gonna have to figure that out and we need to contact the county engineering department on that.
Speaker 3What is the, just is that, is that
Speaker 13Basically it looks like the applicant, the applicant's using the county right away as, as a driveway. As a, as part of the property?
Speaker 3Yeah. I think he, I
Speaker 13Mean I'm not, I'm not blaming the, the property owner here, but that it, it's you a regular piece shape here.
Speaker 3Yeah, it that's, I was gonna ask you Mayor, if it serves any other purpose or is just at some point didn't get included as part of any of the adjacent properties, the, the applicant may also want to ask, see if they can purchase it from the county.
Speaker 13Well, I, I, I'll be honest you Mr. Mr. Barlow, I can envision possibly the next door owner possibly if they have enough square footage. I'm, I'm looking at the tax map right now. Sometime in the near future they, they might want to come in to subdivide That right there.
Speaker 3Yeah, it's a, it is an odd shape. Okay. I know,
Speaker 13I, I mean just that, that's why I wanna get the county engineering department input on this one. See how they wanna handle this. Cause this might create problems in the future if somebody else tries to subdivide next door
Speaker 3Or, or if the applicant with regards to proposed lot 78 0 1. Yeah, again, it's an odd shape lot, but it's over 40,000 square feet. So maybe as a condition of approval, Mayor, we could put some language in there that the applicant will reach out to the county engineer. Well,
Speaker 13They're gonna have to because it's on County road anyway, the county, county engineering department's gonna weigh in.
Speaker 3Yeah. Okay. So that would be a condition of approval then and they'd have to abide by whatever the county
Speaker 13Yeah. Recommend
Speaker 3The dues
Speaker 13All. Well, we'll make sure that our, our engineers are gonna speak with the county engineers on this because this, this might be a template or something coming down the future here. But more importantly, Mr. Fletcher, pertaining to the new lot on West Fifth, the two lots that Mr. Hinterstein asking to be remedied. My advice is you better come in for an opening permit very quickly because we may be going a million paving from Washington Avenue out to the, the next cross street out there sometime this paving cycle.
Speaker 16Thank you for that input.
Speaker 13I mean sooner than later because then, then you're under a moratorium. Understood. And I'm gonna wanna let that reflect Mr. Mr. Barlow that will have to say, you know, once the town pays it, they will be on their own moratorium. So it behooves them to act within the next, you know, month or so to file street opening permits with both the water and get its things stubbed out both with water, gas and everything else. I don't want this turning into a repeat on what happened up on Hose Lane West, Mr. Fletcher, you know what I mean?
Speaker 16I understand.
Speaker 0Okay. Is, is someone muted?
Speaker 3Mr. Sullivan, did you wanna open to the public as to Mr. Fletcher?
Speaker 0Well, does the board have any questions other than the Mayor speaking? Do the board members have any questions? If not, we'll
Speaker 7Madam chair, I'm sorry. Just as with the prior application, Mr. Fletcher, would you agree that for the installation of that blank conduit line for the future fiber optics?
Speaker 16Yes.
Speaker 7Okay, thanks.
Speaker 0Okay. We're now open to the public. If anyone in the public wishes to ask questions of this witness, you may now indicate by raising your hand on your screen.
Speaker 7No one Madam chair.
Speaker 0Okay. Thank you. Close to the public. Mr. Sullivan. Is that it? Can we,
Speaker 4Our, our final witness would be Nicholas Gra. He is our planner.
Speaker 0Okay, fine. Ms.
Speaker 5Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give will the truth, truth and nothing but the truth?
Speaker 15I do.
Speaker 5Can you please state and spell your name for the record?
Speaker 15Yes. My first name is Nicholas with an H, last name Grano, G R A V as in Victor, I A N O.
Speaker 5Thank you.
Speaker 15I'm a partner and planner with Grano and Gillis Architects and Planners with a business address of thousand one Crawfords Corner Road in Homedale, New Jersey.
Speaker 4And Mr. Dacey, would you state your qualifications for the board?
Speaker 15Certainly. Mr. Sullivan. I hold a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, a master's degree in city and regional planning from Rutgers University and a law degree from the Temple University School of Law. I'm a professional planner in the state of New Jersey. I also hold an A I C P certification. I've testified before over a hundred boards in 18 different counties, including Carter at Highland Park, new Brunswick, Woodbridge, and the Piscataway zoning board.
Speaker 4We would ask that Mr. Grano be so accepted.
Speaker 15He's so accepted.
Speaker 4Thank you. Thank you
Speaker 15For having me. Board.
Speaker 4Okay, Mr. Grano, you are familiar with the application plans, the site, the area, and the ordinance and master plan?
Speaker 15Yes sir.
Speaker 4And would, can you describe the proposal and the required variances?
Speaker 15Certainly the board is heard through the applicant and the applicant's engineering architect the intended plans for the site. Essentially the applicant is combining lots three and 78, both of which presently contains single family detached dwellings. The combined property has a total area of 70,011 square feet, which equals roughly 1.6 acres. Of that 40,500 square feet roughly is from lot three and 29,508 square feet is from lot 78. The applicant is proposing as Mr. Sullivan stated previously to essentially split lot three in the middle and cut off part of the back to give it to the remainder of lot 78. The proposed lot sizes for lot 3.01 and 3.02 are 13,750 square feet a piece which is 6,250 square feet larger than what the ordinance requires for a single family detached lot in a zone. Additionally, the proposed lot size for lot 78.01 is 42,510 square feet, a little bit less than an acre, which is 35,000 square feet larger than what is required by code.
Speaker 15The applicant does require relief due to the exceptional shape and and size of the lot. Specifically, relief is required for proposed lot 3.01 in that a 75 foot lot width and lot front frontage is required and a lot width and lot frontage of 50 feet is proposed. It's a similar situation for proposed lot 3.02, which needs both of the F four mentioned variances. Additionally, proposed lot 3.02 will contain the existing single family detached dwelling, which is on the site requiring the need for a couple of setback variances due to the existing conditions on the property. The first being in that the existing house is set back 7.6 feet whereas eight feet is required and there is an existing deck which is five feet from the property line. Additionally, the ordinance requires eight feet for an accessory structure, whereas 7.58 feet are existing and proposed additionally for proposed lot 78.01. There is a 75 foot lot width required. The applicant proposes 70 feet in width, additionally requires a paved driveway. You did hear that the applicant will pave the first 25 feet of the driveway, however, there will be a portion that remains gravel. So we're going to request the variances. Also of note, we had the driveway discussion earlier. The applicant certainly in this scenario could relocate the driveway outside of that triangle area if that's the board's preference.
Speaker 15Certainly all the aforementioned variances can be granted under the C1 criteria by reason of the exceptional narrowness, shallowness or shape of the specific piece of property you saw when I displayed the proposed subdivision plan. There's certainly in irregular shape with the combined lots in this case, strict application would result in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties or undue hardship upon the applicant. I would like to note that the combined properties are long and deep and 10 times larger than what's required in the zoning district. With respect to the negative criteria, it certainly could be granted without substantial detriment to the public good or substantial detriment to the zone plan or zoning ordinance. I think the key here is the applicant is proposing single family detached dwellings which exceed the minimum lot requirement of the R 75 district with respect to the substantial detriment of the public good. I would just like to share my screen to give you neighborhood context.
Speaker 15This was not an exhibit submitted with the application, so therefore I think this would be a three, correct. A three is the Township zoning map sheet for this specific area, which was updated January 1st, 2023. As per the map, what this map shows is the block 6 0 3, the surrounding areas that are in the R 75 district. The area in gray is not in the R 75 district. The single family section of this is in the R 10. Here you have the triangle where the Dunking Donuts is and then you have the other commercial uses on Washington Avenue. The subject properties for the subdivision are here in the salmon color. I would like to note, as you can see, the yellow color denotes properties that do not meet the lot frontage requirement of the district. Roughly 65% of the 80 lots that are not subject of this application do possess a lot frontage, which is less than the zone requirements.
Speaker 15So what the applicant is proposing is certainly in keeping with the established development and land use patterns of the area. I also feel that this variance can be granted under the C2 criteria where hardship N need not be demonstrated. What must be demonstrated that it relates specific, specific piece of property. Here you have block 6 0 3, lots three and 78, which are in excess of the zoning ordinance requirements with two existing single family detached dwellings. The applicant must also demonstrate advancement of the purposes of zoning of the municipal land use law. In this case, the applicant's proposal certainly advances purposes A to encourage municipal action to guide the appropriate use and development of lands in a matter which will promote the public health safety models in general welfare. That's done by creating a new single family dwelling built to current techniques and codes. Additionally, it advances purpose E to promote the establishment of appropriate population densities. The proposed subdivision is an appropriate population density far and exec in excess of the land areas required by code. Moving on, it promotes purpose G to provide sufficient space and appropriate location for a variety of residential uses to meet the needs of New Jersey citizens. And then lastly, the the applicant's proposed lot line, and I'll share my exhibit again.
Speaker 15So the applicant's proposed lot line continues along the northern side properties of block 6 0 3 creating a continuous lot line throughout the entire, that si that entire side of the block, which promotes purpose. I desirable visual environment and creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangement. As with the C1 variances, the C2 variances can also be granted without substantial impairment to the zone plan or zoning ordinance or substantial detriment to the public. Good.
Speaker 4Thank you Mr. Gra,
Speaker 0Are there any questions of this witness from the members of the board? Then I'll open it up to the public. Is there anyone in the public who would like to ask a question of this witness? Would you indicate by raising your hand on your com on your computer screen?
Speaker 10No. And Madam chair.
Speaker 0Thank you. Close to the public. Mr. Sullivan?
Speaker 4Yeah, that, that concludes our presentation of witnesses. You know, without repeating the testimony, we would ask that the board consider granting the application with the conditions that have been noted in the Hinterstein and the C M E reports as well as the additional conditions mentioned by the Mayor, miss and, and Dawn. And you know, I, I think overall, you know, even though we have a few variances that are required here, I think the proposal fits in well in the neighborhood. Mr. Droga had testified that the house, the proposed house is compatible with the area and for all of those reasons we would ask that you consider granting the application.
Speaker 0Thank you. Members of the board, you've heard the application in all the testimony. What is your pleasure at this time?
Speaker 13Madam chair. If I just may add another caveat in Mr. Barlow, I wanna make sure that if we approve this application tonight on a condition that the, the issue with what having to pertain any access to the driveway on West Seventh be discussed with consultation with Mr. Fletcher and the county engineering department as well as us to something amicable.
Speaker 3Certainly, I think that's in everyone's best interest. Mayor,
Speaker 0Do we have a motion?
Speaker 10Yeah. Madam chair. I will make a motion to approve this application. Provided that the applicant does agree to the recommendations of the professionals as laid out and adheres to the, to the testimony and agreement of those taken into consideration dimension of the county and getting that situated there with the, the notch and the use of the driveway there. Making sure that county space is not paved over just the driveway. And also too, to make sure that this applicant is 100% aware that, as the Mayor pointed out, if that situation with the county engineers is not, you know, settled by a certain time and if that road goes to construction, there's gonna be a moratorium. And the idea here is to make sure that the applicant adheres to all of the requirements, you know, really by the time that they lock up the construction of the house, the, the, the new subdivided piece. So I will make that motion.
Speaker 0Thank you. Do I have a second Madam chair? Dawn Corcoran. I'll second it. Thank you, please.
Speaker 1Mayor Wahler?
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 1Councilwoman. Cahill?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 1Ms. Corcoran? Yes. Ms. Saunders? Yes. Reverend Kinneally.
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 1Mr. Atkins?
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 1Excuse me. Mr. Ahmed?
Speaker 0Yes.
Speaker 1And Madam chair?
Speaker 0Yes. Thank you. Thank you very much. Good night everybody. Good night. Good night. Thank you. Thank you. With item 13 is adjournment. Do I have a motion to adjourn? Item chair Reverend Kinneally. So much. Thank you. Second
Speaker 10Councilwoman, kale.
Speaker 1I got you. Yes.
Speaker 0All in favor?
Speaker 10Aye. Aye.
Speaker 0Oppose. Hearing none. The meeting is adjourned.