Transcript for Piscataway Zoning meeting on January 9 2025

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Jan 9 2025 · Zoning
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Meeting Sections
  • 00:00:00 — Meeting Opening: Reorganization & Elections
  • 00:04:27 — Regular Meeting Opening
  • 00:05:23 — Agenda Adjustments & Postponements
  • 00:05:47 — Case 24-ZB-82V: New Singular Wireless 24-ZB-82V
  • 00:08:33 — Case 24-ZB-77V: Kim Voorhees 24-ZB-77V
  • 00:14:39 — Case 24-ZB-80V: Jeffrey Alof 24-ZB-80V
  • 00:16:28 — Case 24-ZB-81V: Eva Cook 24-ZB-81V
  • 00:18:21 — Adoption of Resolutions
  • 00:19:27 — Adoption of Minutes
  • 00:19:34 — Adjournment
Meeting Opening: Reorganization & Elections AI  00:00:00 – 00:04:27
Zoning Board of Adjustment reorganization meeting. Roll call confirmed six board members present. Pledged Allegiance, then conducted elections: Sean Cahill as Chairman, Steve Weisman as Vice Chairperson, Sean Cahill as Secretary. Board Attorney Jim Kinneally and Planner Mr. Chadwick re-appointed; Laura Buckley appointed as Recording Clerk. Committee assignments carried from prior term.
Speaker 0Thank you, George. Good. Mr. Chairman. Oh, Mr. Cane. Mr. Chairman?
Speaker 1Yes. The zoning board of Adjustment reorganization meeting will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided in the following ways. Notice published in the Courier News. No 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 star ledger. Will the clerk please call the role?
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman?
Speaker 2Here.
Speaker 0Mr. Tillery? Here. Mr. Patel? Here. Mr. Blo? Here. Mr. Haka? Here. Mr. Mitterando is not here. And Chairman Cahill Here,
Speaker 1Will everyone please stand to salute the flag Pledge Allegiance
Speaker 4To the flag, United States of America. And to the Republic it stands, one Nation Liberty Justice for Justice All.
Speaker 1At this time, I'd like to open nominations for the chairman of the zoning board for the year 2025. Are there any nominations?
Speaker 2Yes. Steve Weisman. I'd like to nominate Sean Cahill. I'll
Speaker 1Second. Are there any seconds?
Speaker 3I second. I second.
Speaker 1Are there any other nominations for chairperson of the zoning board? All in favor?
Speaker 2Aye. Aye. Aye.
Speaker 1Any opposed? Chairman Cahill. I'll turn the meeting over to you.
Speaker 3Thank you. Mr. Kaeley. I'd like to entertain election thoughts on a nomination for vice chairperson. Personally, I would like to nominate Steve Weisman. Can I get a second? I'll second it. Please call the roll Ms. Buckley. Oh, no, just I'll do, aye you can
Speaker 0Do All in favor?
Speaker 3Yeah. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Next to entertain a nominee for the election of a secretary,
Speaker 2Steve Weisman. Here I'd like to nominate again. Sean Cahill.
Speaker 3Can I get a, oh, I'll second. Okay, I'll second. All, all in favor say aye. Aye.
Speaker 2Aye. Aye.
Speaker 3Thank you again. Now we come to the point where appointment of a board attorney. I have been on this zoning board for 20 years. Mr. Kinneally was the township's zoning board attorney at that time. I've learned a lot from him. He's become a friend right now. He is probably the best land use attorney in the state of New Jersey now that Jim Clarken has retired. So I would like to, I would like to appoint Jim Kinneally as the board attorney. All in favor say aye. Aye.
Speaker 0Aye. I do need a second though, chairman. I'll,
Speaker 2I'll second.
Speaker 0I'll pick somebody. Thank you.
Speaker 3Thank you. Thank
Speaker 1You very much.
Speaker 3Okay. At this point we also come to the point where we need to select a planner and Mr. Chadwick has been doing an excellent job for us for the last, well, again, 20 years I've been on the board and he's been with me all the way. So I'd like to nominate Mr. Chadwick as our planner. All in favor? Second. Can I get a second? Second. Aye. All in favor? All in favor say aye. Aye.
Speaker 5Thank you very much for your support.
Speaker 3Its well deserved.
Speaker 5It's fun to work with you guys. Ladies,
Speaker 3Now it's time to appoint a recording clerk. And I believe that this young lady has been the stir that's just the straw that stirs our zoning board drink for the, for the last couple years. And she's a go-to and she gets all of us up to date. And I would love to nominate Laura Buckley for the recording. Clerk, can I get a second? All in favor say aye. Aye.
Speaker 5Aye.
Speaker 0Thank you.
Speaker 3Laura, can we take the committee appointments the same as last term and for the committee members election? The committee chairperson?
Speaker 0Absolutely. I could just pull it out and I
Speaker 3Did. I think that's the easiest way to go. There's very little there. Alright. I would call at this point for an adjournment. All in favor say aye. Aye.
Speaker 5Aye.
Speaker 3You are adjourned,
Speaker 5Mr. Chairman. I'm gonna be leaving the meeting. The remaining cases are all Jonathan's
Speaker 3Review. Got you sir. Alright,
Speaker 0Thanks John.
Speaker 3Have a have a good night Mr. Chadwick. Have a great
Speaker 5New Year's. I Thank you John.
Speaker 0I'll see you in two weeks.
Regular Meeting Opening AI  00:04:27 – 00:05:23
Regular Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting called to order with adequate notice documentation. Roll call confirmed all seven members present (including Bill Mitterando). Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Cahill introduced agenda with Mr. Kinneally to present changes.
Speaker 3Okay, let's start. Let's start the real meeting here. Zoning, board of adjustment meeting will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided in the following ways. Notice published in the Coer News Notice posted on the bulletin board in municipal building notice made available to the township clerk notice sent to the Coer News and the star ledger. Will the clerk please call the roll?
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman? Here. Mr. Tillery? Here. Mr. Patel. Here. Mr. Blot. Here. Mr. Hika here. And Chairman Cahill. Here
Speaker 3Will everyone please stand for the SLU to the flag over my shoulder. Allegiance to the flag. United States.
Speaker 5United States of America.
Speaker 3And to the republic for which it stands.
Speaker 5One Nation, nation under God,
Speaker 3Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Kinneally, are there any changes to tonight's agenda? Yes, there
Agenda Adjustments & Postponements AI  00:05:23 – 00:05:47
Three applications postponed to future dates: Ronco development (146 Hillside Avenue and 160 Hillside Avenue) both adjourned to February 13 without further notice; Mary Jo Barki (784 River Road) adjourned to March 27, 2025 with notice required.
Speaker 1Are Ronco development. 1 46 Hillside Avenue is adjourned to February 13th with no further notice. Ronco development one 60 Hillside Avenue is adjourned to February 13th with no further notice. And finally, Mary Jo Barki 7 84 River Road is adjourned until March 27th, 2025. They must notice.
Case 24-ZB-82V: New Singular Wireless 24-ZB-82V AI  00:05:47 – 00:08:33
Application for rooftop antenna equipment upgrade at 121 Centennial Avenue (Block 67, Block 3.02). AT&T network modification replacing nine antennas and equipment cabinets with no changes to antenna height, number, or structural footprint. Structural and RF analyses submitted. Board attorney recommended site plan exemption. No public comments. Vote: Unanimous approval (7-0).
Speaker 3Thank you Mr. Kinneally. Let's move on to item number 6 24 dash ZB dash 82 V. New singular wireless,
Speaker 0Excuse me, me. I'm sorry. Mr. Quinn, just on record to show that Bill Mitterando is on the meeting. Thank
Speaker 3You. Thank you Laura.
Speaker 0Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you Mr. Quin. Mr. Quinn.
Speaker 6Oh sure. Hi, good evening. For the record. My name's Christopher Quinn For those I was here in December. I was there and I was am back again representing Inger Wireless, P-C-S-L-L-C, whichever doses. At t. At t's in the process of a nationwide upgrade or modifications to its network. So it's effectively changing every single one of its facilities throughout the entire country. It's part of an equipment upgrade that helps 'em for future development. Talked about that a little bit in December. This particular application, it's 1 21 Centennial Avenue. It is a rooftop there. Block 67, block 3.02. Upgrade is very basic. They're replacing nine of the antennas. There's no change to the number and height of the antennas. They're replacing certain equipment cabinets on the platform. Again, no change to the height. They're replacing some of the kind of infrastructure to the antennas that are there. There's no additional antenna height, there's no additional antennas, there's no changes really to the structural implications here. We submitted structural analysis. We've submitted a radio frequency analysis to show there's no impact there from that either. It's a fairly straightforward modification, really just replacing of equipment. So we'd request that this be granted as part of the interpretation that, that we comply with all requirements of the FCC standards with respect to those, to that colocation statute.
Speaker 1Mr. Chairman, I've reviewed the submission by Mr. Quinn. I agree with what he has stated to the board. All of those submissions, the RF report, the structural analysis are there. It appears from the site plan that they are not creating any new variances. So I believe that they are deserving of site plan exemption in this case.
Speaker 3Thank you Mr. Keneally. Any other members of the board have any questions for this application? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 0No. One chairman.
Speaker 3Okay. Close the public portion. I make a motion to approve this application. Can I get a second? I a second? I'll second it. Okay. Please call the roll.
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blo? Yes. Mr. Hika? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. And Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 1We'll memorialize this at our next meeting. Great.
Speaker 6Thank you so much. Have
Case 24-ZB-77V: Kim Voorhees 24-ZB-77V AI  00:08:33 – 00:14:39
Application to replace deteriorated 30-year-old fence with new 5-foot PVC two-tone (white and beige trim) fence at 62 Parkside Avenue. Applicant affirmed fence positioned one foot off property line. Application also included freestanding pergola/gazebo structure. Board planner flagged non-conforming setback for accessory structure but applicant clarified dead-end street context. Conditions: building permits required for pergola; applicant approved. Vote: Unanimous approval (7-0), items 4-5 (landscaping bond) not required.
Speaker 3A good evening. Item number 7 24 dash ZB dash 77 V. Kim Vorhees
Speaker 1Is Kim Vorhees present?
Speaker 0I am here.
Speaker 1I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand?
Speaker 0Absolutely.
Speaker 1Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth?
Speaker 0Yes, I do.
Speaker 1Your name and address please?
Speaker 0Kim Voorhees. 62
Speaker 7Parkside Avenue. Piscataway.
Speaker 1Thank you. Could you explain to the board what you'd like to do here?
Speaker 7Yes sir. I current, 30 years ago, I moved into the home that I have. I did everything with permits and I have a 30-year-old fence that's ready to fall down. So I'm looking to replace the existing fence with a new on PVC fence, the plastic fencing. But it will be a two-tone white with beige and I'm just putting it over where the, the existing fence is and just putting a new one in. What I, what I'd like to point out though, on the memorandum, there were a couple of areas that had existing was nonconforming, but when I did my measurements, just to let you know, I did it from say the pool to the fence and my whole fencing is done at least a foot off the property line. So the numbers that I gave you can add on at a minimum a foot to the whole perimeter. 'cause the fence was done one foot off the property line, you know, due to requirements at the time or or specs that I had done.
Speaker 1Mr. Chairman, you may wanna check with Mr. Ms. Rahi.
Speaker 3Mr. Ms. Rahi, could you jump in Jonathan here and give us your evaluation?
Speaker 8Sure, certainly. So for items two and three, Ms. Vorhees, we're, we're in agreement. Those two comments are looking just for the future if they need to be replaced. Could you speak briefly on the construction of the pergola, the gazebo that you have drawn on the plan that you have in your yard?
Speaker 7Yes. So it's a freestanding object. We had just placed, had Trex flooring put down and we just put the Pergo on top of it. There's no footings. It's six inches off the ground. So it's a free standing object. Okay.
Speaker 8And an accessory structure like this four year zone should be setback 60 feet from 60 feet from Sheldon Place. So it is in a non-conforming location. I also just wanna point out that if this gazebo pergola for the board members, if this gazebo pergola is gonna be allowed at the end of this resolution, building permits would need to be sought for the structure just to make sure it's secured in an appropriate way. As for the fence, I think the fact that it's a two-tone fence is attractive compared to the, the solid right monolithic white fence. However, some buffering might be, might be attractive to help lessen that. It is a five foot fence, the foot, the fence is one foot off the property line, like you mentioned. Is there any way to get that three feet further in?
Speaker 7Well, currently the, the, well first let me, I live on a, that's a dead end street Sheldon's a dead end street and there's only four houses. It's not a through street and they can't even build at the end 'cause there's a cul-de-sac. So there would never be a through street through here. There's only four homes behind me in that area. The fence itself, when I bought the house, the driveway, the fence, just lock goes lateral with the driveway. Bringing it in kind of makes my house look a little awkward the way the fencing is because there's Belgium block and then I'm coming in three feet off of that. So it kind of makes it a little awkward in that situation. And on the inside of my fence, I have a couple of bushes that were always there, so it's uprooting all the bushes and shrubberies that are running on the inside of my fence too.
Speaker 8Okay.
Speaker 7So aesthetic, aesthetically it would look from the front of my house. For me personally, it would look a little odd because you got a driveway running up and now you're offsetting it, you know, with the fence. It doesn't run smooth straight front to back.
Speaker 8Alright. And just to confirm, it's a five foot solid fence, but it would be a two-tone, two-tone in color.
Speaker 7Absolutely beige would just white trim around it, just a little white trim around it.
Speaker 8That that's all my, that's all my comments, Mr. Chairman.
Speaker 3Thank you, Jonathan. I appreciate it. The, the 15, the item that you mentioned, Jonathan, number five, the $1,500 landscaping bond. Yes.
Speaker 8Four and four and five would be together. So if the board wants to pursue a, if the board wants to pursue a buffer, we would want bond to ensure that buffer is installed. Got
Speaker 3It. If the
Speaker 8Board feels like there's no need for a buffer because of the, the color and the height of the fence, then four and five would not be applicable.
Speaker 3Okay. Thank you for your, your interpretation. I appreciate it. Any members of the board of any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 0No. Ms.
Speaker 3Okay. Close the public portion. And Ms. Forhe, you're okay with getting permits for the Pergo if we approve this application?
Speaker 7Sure. Yes. Yes.
Speaker 3Okay. Yeah, I, I'd make a motion to approve this application. And I get a second just to
Speaker 8Be, just to be clear, Mr. Chairman, what, what decision would you like to make with the de
Speaker 3Denoted taking out items four and five on the site impact?
Speaker 8No. Understood.
Speaker 3Okay. So I, I'll second it. Thank you. Steve, can I get a a, a roll call?
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Bla? Yes. Mr. Haka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes.
Speaker 1Your application's been approved. We will memorialize it in a written document at our next meeting. We'll send that document to you. Good luck.
Speaker 7Thank you very much everybody. Thank, appreciate it. Good
Speaker 0Evening. Have a good night. New year. Happy New Year.
Case 24-ZB-80V: Jeffrey Alof 24-ZB-80V AI  00:14:39 – 00:16:28
Application to install hot tub in backyard at 229 Running Avenue. Board planner confirmed no exacerbation of existing non-conforming setbacks; structure remains within visual footprint and does not impact Scott Street setback. No public comments. Vote: Unanimous approval (7-0). Applicant (mailman) humorously offered to deliver party invitations.
Speaker 3Item number 8 24 dash ZB dash 80 v. Jeffrey Alof.
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 1I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth?
Speaker 9Yes.
Speaker 1Your name and address please.
Speaker 9Jeffrey Deloft, 2 29 Running Avenue in Piscataway.
Speaker 1Thank you. Mr. Deloff, would, could you explain to the board why you're here?
Speaker 9I was purchasing a hot tub to put on my property in my backyard.
Speaker 3Okay. Sounds like a great idea to me. Especially on a cold like, like tonight.
Speaker 9I thought so too.
Speaker 3Mr. De, Ms. Rahi, could you please chime in with your sighting back?
Speaker 8Certainly. Well, we don't, we don't see any exacerbation of any existing nonconforming setbacks. The hot tub's gonna remain within the visual footprint of the, of the residents along Runyon. And it doesn't, like I said, doesn't exacerbate the, the setback along Scott Street, so Thanks. Staff doesn't have, yeah. Any concerns?
Speaker 3Thanks, I appreciate that. Thank you. Any other members of the board have any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 0No. One chairman.
Speaker 3Okay. Close the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. I'll second. Second it please call the roll.
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blo? Yes. Mr. Heka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. And Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 1Your application's been approved. We'll memorialize it in a written document at our next meeting and we'll send that document to you. Good luck. Thank
Speaker 9You. Thank
Speaker 0You. You
Speaker 3Expecting some invitations Mr. Sandal? Yep.
Speaker 9They'll be in the mail. I'm a mailman. You'll get 'em in the mail.
Case 24-ZB-81V: Eva Cook 24-ZB-81V AI  00:16:28 – 00:18:21
Application to replace rotted front entry steps at 436 Prospect Avenue in 7.5-foot zone. Existing steps undersized; applicant confirmed no expansion, only in-kind replacement. Board planner confirmed true hardship—any reconstruction remains non-conforming with front yard setback. No public comments. Vote: Approved (7-0).
Speaker 3Shoot. Have a great night guys. You too. Let's move on to item number 9 24 dash ZB dash 81 V. Eva Cook
Speaker 1Is Eva Cook present?
Speaker 10Yes I am.
Speaker 1I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Yes. Your name and address please?
Speaker 10Eva Cook, 4 36 Prospect Avenue, Piscataway, New Jersey.
Speaker 1Thank you. Could you explain to the board why you're here?
Speaker 10My front steps, my door in-law stepped on them and they dropped. We had 'em, somebody look at them, there was wood underneath and it's all rotted. I want to replace the existing steps, but I think it's 20 feet from the curb. I'm 21. I'm not changing anything. I'm modifying it. I just wanna replace what's there.
Speaker 3Okay. Mr. Mara, could you jump in for a second, sir?
Speaker 8Yes. So this is a 7.5 zone and it's undersized for that zone. So this is a true hardship. Even if they were to, even if they were to reconstruct in any sort of way, it's already gonna be nonconforming with the front yard setback. So as long as they're not expanding or making a, a larger staircase on what was their existing, it should be fine.
Speaker 3Thank you. Appreciate that. Any other members of the board of any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone of the public have any questions or comments about this application?
Speaker 0No. One chairman
Speaker 3Oppose the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. Can I have a second? I'll
Speaker 0Second it. I'll
Speaker 3Second. Okay. Please call the roll.
Speaker 0Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blot? Yes. Mr. Heka? Yes. And Ms. Chairman Kale?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 0Can't remember. I think I miss Bill. Yes. Thank you. Your
Speaker 1Application's been approved. We'll memorialize it in a document at our next meeting and send that document to you. Good luck.
Speaker 0Thank you everybody. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. Have a good night. You
Adoption of Resolutions AI  00:18:21 – 00:19:27
Formal adoption of four resolutions from the December 12, 2024 regular meeting: New Singular Wireless (approved), Grand Homes Investments (approved), Lisa Williams Gaffey (approved), and 36 Haight Avenue (approved). Roll call votes taken on each.
Speaker 3Too. Let's move on to item number 13 at adoption of resolutions from the regular meeting of December 12th, 2020
Speaker 1First resolution, new singular wireless, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weisman
Speaker 3Abstain. I was not there.
Speaker 1Thank you. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Hata? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Chairman Cahill? Yes. Next Grand Homes Investments, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Duka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Chairman Cahill? Yes. Next is Lisa Williams Gaffey, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Duka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 1Finally, 36 Haight Avenue, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Heya? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Chairman Cahill? Yes. Those are all the resolutions this evening.
Adoption of Minutes AI  00:19:27 – 00:19:34
Board voted to adopt minutes from the regular meeting of December 12, 2024. Unanimous approval (all in favor).
Speaker 3Item number 14, adoption of the minutes from the regular meeting of December 12th, 2024. All in favor say aye.
Speaker 0Aye. Aye.
Adjournment AI  00:19:34 – 00:19:51
Meeting adjourned. Closing remarks and discussion of upcoming Planning Board meeting schedule.
Speaker 3Item number 15, adjournment. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Okay guys, thanks for coming out. Happy New Year and happy new
Speaker 0Everyone. And you guys planning board yesterday They were 7 21
Speaker 3And mine's seven 20. I just, good,
Speaker 0Good. Thank you.