Transcript for Piscataway Zoning meeting on January 15 2026
Note: Transcripts are generated by rev.ai and may not be fully accurate. Please listen to the recording (below) if you feel any text is inaccurate.
Speaker 0 00:00:00 Thank you so much. Speaker 1 00:00:02 I'm here. Alright, Laura, you can start. Speaker 2 00:00:05 Ready? Mr. Cahill. Okay. The Piscataway 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 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 plea clerk please call the role Speaker 1 00:00:28 Mr. Weisman. Here. Mr. Regio? Here. Roy's here. Here he is. Mr. Mitterando. Here. Mr. Riley here. And Chairman Cahill Here Speaker 2 00:00:45 At this time, please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And two, the republic for which, for which it stands. One nation. One nation. Under God. Under God. Indivisible. Speaker 0 00:01:00 With Liberty. Liberty. And justice Speaker 2 00:01:01 For all. Justice for all. At this time, I'll accept nominations for the position of chairman of the zoning board for the coming year 2026 Speaker 4 00:01:14 To nominate Sean Kale. Speaker 2 00:01:19 Are there any other nominations? Do I have a second to that nomination? Speaker 0 00:01:27 Second. Speaker 1 00:01:30 You can't, Speaker 0 00:01:31 I can't. No, Speaker 1 00:01:32 We're nominating you. Speaker 0 00:01:33 Oh, sorry. Speaker 1 00:01:35 I second. Thank you Mr. Allen. Thank you. Speaker 2 00:01:38 All in favor? Speaker 0 00:01:40 Aye. Aye. Speaker 2 00:01:41 Aye. Opposed? Chairman Cahill, you have been appointed for 2026. Speaker 0 00:01:46 Thank you Mr. Cornelian and thank you zoning board. I'd like to make a nomination for the election of vice chairperson. I'd like it to be Steve Weisman. He's filled in ma many times when I, my schedule's conflicted and he is done a fantastic job, so I'm very confident in his abilities. Can I get a second? Speaker 1 00:02:08 A second. Second. Speaker 0 00:02:09 Thank you. All in favor say aye. Aye. Okay. Now's the election of a secretary. Do I have, I'd like to Speaker 4 00:02:19 Make a motion. Steve Weisman like to make a motion for showing Cahill to be the secretary. Speaker 0 00:02:24 Okay. Can you get a second? Speaker 1 00:02:27 I second. I second. Speaker 0 00:02:29 All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. A Next is the appointment of a board attorney. I've been with this gentleman now 23 years. He's been my zoning board secretary, I mean, zoning board attorney. I'd like to nominate Jim Kinneally. Second. Speaker 1 00:02:49 I'll second. Speaker 0 00:02:52 Good. All in favor say aye. Aye. A aye. Okay. Thank you very much of a township planner. I would like to nominate John Chadwick does a great job for the township and he represents Can I get a second? I'll second please. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. The appointment of a recording clerk. This is a tough one. Speaker 1 00:03:13 Haha. Speaker 0 00:03:14 Very tough. No, this is, this is the, the backbone of the zoning department is Laura Buckley. She, she is the store the straw that stirs our drink and she is well worth a reappointment. So I'd like to nominate Laura Buckley to be our, our recording clerk. Can I get a second? Second. Okay. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Speaker 1 00:03:36 Thank you. Aye. Speaker 0 00:03:37 I think we'll go with the same committee appointments we did last year. Is that the same individuals? Is that cool? Yes. Yeah. Okay. I'd like to vote for an adjournment. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Okay. This meeting is adjourned. Speaker 1 00:03:51 7 0 3. Good job. Speaker 0 00:03:55 Okay, you can do it again. Speaker 1 00:03:56 Sean. Speaker 0 00:03:58 Honey, where's my black book? No. Gimme one second if you would. People. Speaker 1 00:04:18 Hey Sean, Speaker 0 00:04:29 The 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 Courier news notice posted on the Bolton board in municipal building notice made available to the township clerk notice sent to the Curry News and the star ledger. Will the clerk please call the roll? Speaker 1 00:04:46 Mr. Weisman? Here's not here. Mr. Patel's. Not here. Mr. O'Reggio? Here. Mr. Blanc? Here. Mr. Heka? Not yet. Mr. Mitterando. Here. Mr. Riley? Here. And Chairman Cahill. Speaker 0 00:05:01 Here. Will everyone please stand for salute to the flag. Ance to the flag. The Speaker 5 00:05:08 United States of America and Republic. Republic for which it stands, one nation under Indivisible. Liberty. Speaker 0 00:05:16 Liberty and justice for all. Mr. Kinneally, do we have any changes to tonight's agenda? Yes. Speaker 2 00:05:23 We have one Change to the agenda tonight. The application of France Canton, 2 45 Davis Avenue will be carried to January 29th with no further notice. Speaker 1 00:05:33 There is two more. Number 1139 Mansfield Road. It's February 12th. They must notice. And number 13, Jose Castro for 37 Orris Avenue. Same thing. February 12th. They must notice neither of them noticed. Speaker 0 00:05:55 Okay. Thank you so much. Let's move on to item number 7 25 dash ZB dash 83 V to share daily. Butler Speaker 1 00:06:04 Chairman number six. I apologize. Speaker 0 00:06:06 We have a discussion. I apologize. Speaker 1 00:06:07 Discussion item. I'm sorry. Speaker 0 00:06:08 Number six. Speaker 1 00:06:09 I got you Jim. Speaker 0 00:06:12 Mr. Kinneally, can you explain this to the board? Speaker 2 00:06:14 Yeah. This is an applicant. This was an application that was heard a couple of years ago by the board. The board granted an, an approval for the application. The applicant is still trying to perfect that approval and get ready to start on their project. Since time is run out on the project, they have asked for a one year extension of time. Mr. Mr. Sta I believe is with us. Yes. Yes sir. If the board has any questions, but as long as the board is convinced that the applicant is, is diligently pursuing this project, then there's no reason to deny the extension of time. Speaker 6 00:06:47 Mr. Keneally did it a wonderful job, as always in explaining it. It's, it's a non-for-profit organization and I sometimes have issues. They're finishing their fundraising and getting some other things in order in order to start construction. So I'm looking for a one year extension and we'll, we should be fine with that. Speaker 0 00:07:09 Okay. Well, any comments from anyone on the board? I'm, I'm pretty good with this. I'd make a motion to grant the one year extension. Can I get a second? I'll second. Okay. Ms. Buckley, do we need a yay or a nay or do we No, we Speaker 2 00:07:25 Need a roll call on that. Speaker 0 00:07:26 We do. Okay. Speaker 1 00:07:27 Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Regio? Yes. Mr. Blo? Speaker 0 00:07:34 Yes. Speaker 1 00:07:35 Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ellie? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes. Speaker 6 00:07:40 Thank you very much and have a wonderful evening. Speaker 0 00:07:42 You too, sir. Now I'll go to I'm number 7 25 dash zb dash 83 b Tisha Daily Butler. Speaker 2 00:07:50 Ms. Ms. Daley Butler Present. Hi. Speaker 7 00:07:52 Good evening. Speaker 2 00:07:53 Good evening. I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth? Speaker 7 00:07:59 Yes. Speaker 2 00:07:59 Your name and address please. You can put your hand down. Speaker 7 00:08:02 Tisha Daley Butler. 4 36 Anthony Avenue in Piscataway. Thank Speaker 2 00:08:06 You. Could you explain to the board what you'd like to do here? Speaker 7 00:08:09 Yes. I am requesting a bulk variance in to allow an existing six foot fence on a corner. Lot to remain. This fence has existed in its current location for decades and has never generated any safety issues, complaints, or prior violations. It provides privacy and security for my home, especially my master bedroom, which is located along a heavily trafficked area with daily pedestrian activity. Across the street is a elementary school, so it's a lot of parents, family members that park over by my house. I am agreeable to the conditions recommended by the staff, so that's including the in installation of a landscape buffer along the center street. Speaker 0 00:09:01 Okay. Jonathan, you wanna jump in here, sir? Speaker 9 00:09:04 Sure. Thank you. Just to clarify, you're, you're agreeable to moving the fence in 12 feet along Center? Speaker 7 00:09:10 Yes. Speaker 9 00:09:11 Okay. No, no comments. We'll, we'll work with you on the landscape buffer and if it's approved, Speaker 0 00:09:18 Sounds great. Anybody, any other members of the board have any questions or comments for this application? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions or comments about this application? Speaker 1 00:09:31 No. One chairman. Speaker 0 00:09:32 Okay. Let's close the public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this, this application. Can I get a second? Yeah. I'll second it. Good. Let's call the roll. Speaker 1 00:09:40 Mr. Weisman? Speaker 0 00:09:41 Yes. Speaker 1 00:09:42 Mr. Regio? Yes. Mr. Blo? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Reley? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes. Speaker 0 00:09:50 Ms. Speaker 2 00:09:50 Daley Butler, your application has been approved. Subject to the condition that you comply with Mr. Ms. Rahi report. We'll do a memorialization of a resolution at our next meeting and send that to you. Good luck. Speaker 7 00:10:01 Okay. Thank you. So just for my understanding, the next steps would, I would have to bring in the fence as well as put in the bushes and everything. Should I go to the office next? Because I, I still didn't get the, the permit? Speaker 1 00:10:20 Yes. You once, we will give you a resolution in two weeks once you get that resolution. Two weeks. Okay. Mean you can talk to Jonathan before that and that way have everything ready. Okay? Okay. If you get that resolution, you'll apply for the permit. Speaker 7 00:10:31 Gotcha. Gotcha. Speaker 1 00:10:31 That's when you have to start doing all your fun stuff. Speaker 7 00:10:34 Okay. All right. Thank you so much. Thanks Isha. Speaker 0 00:10:38 Let's move on to item number 8 25 dash ZB dash 85 v. Scott Ulrich. Speaker 2 00:10:44 Is Scott Ulrich present? Speaker 10 00:10:46 I am here. Speaker 11 00:10:47 Thank you. And good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is Kevin Morris, attorney for the applicant. The subject property is Block ten nine oh one lot 3 7 0 6 River Road. The property presently contains an existing single family dwelling and detached garage where before you this evening seeking bulk variance approval basically for the reconstruction of the detached garage in the same location as it has existed for many, many years. Same size, same dimension. Before we proceed, I would just like to confirm I did submit our affidavits of publication and mailing to the board secretary. I wanted to make sure that they were received an order so that the board had jurisdiction to proceed. Speaker 2 00:11:31 I reviewed the notices that you served and the publication. They are in order. The board has jurisdiction to proceed. Thank Speaker 11 00:11:38 You. So I have one witness this evening. Mr. Scott Ulrich, if he could be sworn. Speaker 2 00:11:42 Mr. Ulrich, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Speaker 10 00:11:47 Yes. Speaker 2 00:11:47 Your name and address please? Speaker 10 00:11:49 Scott Ulrich. 7 0 6 River Road Speaker 11 00:11:52 In Piscataway. Speaker 2 00:11:53 Thank you. Speaker 11 00:11:55 Alright. By way of some background ladies and gentlemen, Scott has owned the subject property since 1995. It's his residence. Some of you may know of him or have heard of him. He is a retired Piscataway Township police officer. After many years of service to the community. When he bought the house, it contained the existing single family dwelling in the detached garage. I submitted with the application materials, a copy of the township's tax records, the 1956 tax revaluation card, and that card notes that there's a detached garage of some 20 years age as of 1956 at the property. So that would be 1936 if we roll that forward, the garage has been there as we sit here today for 90 years. So, so how do we get here? As you can imagine, a garage of that vintage needed some refreshments, some repairs. Scott had hired a contractor, started working on the garage, apparently peeling it back layer by layer. Speaker 11 00:12:52 There was rotted wood at some point during the intended renovation, the garage collapsed. The contractor determined the footings were no good. Basically put in new footings, had built it from the ground up. Now this is going on. Scott's out of town on vacation. He comes back, he sees the same garage and we submitted photos of the old garage, new garage. You wouldn't know the difference and a debris pile, which he's not understanding and the contractor explains all this to him. So that's how the garage gets basically rebuilt. And Scott's gonna confirm this. He asked the contractor, do we need permits? I wasn't around contractor said, I don't think so. You know, you it was already there. I was just, just rebuilding it. Well, it never sat right, sat right with Scott. And after a while he took it on his own initiative. He went down to the building department, showed up and said, look, I wanna make sure that everything's good here. Speaker 11 00:13:44 Permits inspections. And the building folks told them there was no issue except you gotta get a zoning permit. And that's where the issue comes up. This garage is two feet off the property line. It's supposed to be 15. It's been there obviously for 90 years. If it was refurbished, we wouldn't be here. But because it was built from the ground up, we now need to ask for a bulk variance for that two foot side yard as opposed to 15 feet. Now Scott, you've listened to my introduction to the board, correct? Yes. Is everything I've told the board true and accurate? Yes. And would you adopt what I just said, is your testimony regarding the facts of the application as and how we get here this evening? Yes. Alright. Now, we took a look at a memo generated by the township's Division of Engineering Planning and Development. Speaker 11 00:14:32 Did we not? Yes. Okay. And I you agree to comply with the recommendations set forth in that memo, is that correct? That's correct. Although you're asking number four in that memo says that the board could impose fines. You're not a guy that got caught doing something wrong. You took the initiative in good faith to go down. So you're asking the board, from what I understand, to to, to waive the issuance of any fines on this. You've come to the township yourself just to make sure everything was done according to Hoyle, correct? That's correct. Right. So that's basically how we get here. Mr. Chairman, I don't have a professional planner available this evening, and I'm not a planner, but from a a standpoint of a legal proffer, we submitted photographs, you wouldn't know the difference between the two garages unless Scott came down to the municipality and brought this up to make sure everything was good. Speaker 11 00:15:23 I think this is a classic or you, the board could find, I I would respectfully submit with its own expertise that this is a class classic C one hardship case. This is a lot that is substantially undersized in terms of area, but also the zoning requirement is a 150 foot lot within, we're 55 at 150 foot lot with, there's a 15 foot side yard requirement for the detached garage. We're at 55. As you look at this, it would be a hardship to move the garage 15 feet. It would end up more into the backyard of the existing dwelling. And it would certainly hardship not to allow for two feet based upon the fact that this garage has been there in excess about 90 years. And we submit respectfully that based upon the dimensions of the property, the single family residence and this detached garage where it's located fits appropriate on the lot. Speaker 11 00:16:19 It's where you would put a garage next to the house and it would be a hardship to, to move it. Otherwise, also, I think the board could respectfully find under the C two or flexible C, we have this unique narrow undersized lot on River Road. It's a very unique property. The, I mean the purposes of this OUS law, ac and g promoting proper open air, light, open space, general welfare, sufficient space. Those three items, I think the board could find in their expertise. And again, respectfully I submit the board can find that in this situation, this variance or the variances can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good or without substantial impairment to the intent and purpose of the townships zone plan and zoning ordinance. So that is our case, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Ulrich, of course, is available for questions and if there's any other information you would like from us. Yeah, Speaker 0 00:17:18 I just wanna run it by Jonathan Rahi real quick. Anything to add on that, John? Speaker 9 00:17:25 Yeah. Thank you. And Mr. Morse, we, we agree with the, the hardship case. It's 0.1 of our report. I just wanna make sure that this, this garage is above the flood base flood elevation. Do you have any topographic information to support? Speaker 11 00:17:42 Well, I, I can tell you that my client has engaged a survey or the surveyor. We, the survey we submitted with this application did not have that elevation surveyor came out already. He's working on that. We, wherever it ends up, I can tell you Mr. Ulrich's been down to the building department, showed him the FEMA approved flood vents. FEMA required fee three to be installed for the size of the structure. He put an extra one in four. We're gonna get the elevation certificate to confirm the electrical is appropriate or we will adjust it accordingly. But either way, we will comply with that requirement. And he is already spent the money to do so even before we got this approval or, or, or, or before we come, before you seeking this approval, I should say. Speaker 9 00:18:26 Okay. That's, that's all acceptable to me. I think based on the testimony and the willingness to make these modifications for the flood condition, we could, we could waive item four on the report, in my opinion. Speaker 0 00:18:40 Okay. Thank you Jonathan. Any other members of the board of any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm gonna turn it over to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions or comments about this application? Speaker 1 00:18:52 No one chairman. Hearing Speaker 0 00:18:53 None? I'm gonna close the public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this application. Can I get a second? I'll second please. Call the roll. Speaker 1 00:19:00 Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Regio? Yes. Mr. Lum? Speaker 12 00:19:06 Yes. Speaker 1 00:19:06 Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Riley? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Speaker 12 00:19:11 Yes. Speaker 2 00:19:12 Mr. Morse. We'll memorialize this at our next meeting and send a copy to you. Speaker 11 00:19:15 Alright, thank you. It's good to see everyone. First time I've appeared for the new year. Happy New Year to all. Thank you. Happy Speaker 0 00:19:21 You. Same to you. Goodnight gentlemen. Thank you everybody. Let's move on to item number 10 25 dash ZB dash 74 v Shire Wheeler. Grant. Speaker 12 00:19:35 Good evening. Richard Kaplan. Can you hear me? Yes, Speaker 0 00:19:38 We can. Speaker 12 00:19:38 Okay, good. So I'm here in this application. Just wanna make sure I do see my client. I wanna make sure that our architect, Mr. Mr. Melet here too. Mr. Melet? Yes, Speaker 1 00:19:52 He's here. Speaker 12 00:19:52 Okay, good. Okay. So we're here on this application. The, the, the property's located at 1436 West fourth Street. It's in a seven, the zone, R 7.5. It's a single family house. The house was seriously damaged by fire. This is an application basically to approve the reconstruction of the house. The lot is somewhat unique. It is undersized. It has an undersized frontage. It has an undersized lot width. It fronts on two streets, one in the front, one in the back. The front is on West fourth Street and the back of the house front's on Iona Avenue. So w we have a unique property and the existing house was a somewhat unique structure and we believe it may have been built that way to avoid variances. The existing second floor was sort of, has a tilt to it and it's basically a half a second floor. The upstairs bedrooms have had severely tilted ceilings. Speaker 12 00:21:17 The fire damage occurred. The applicants who are the owners hired an architect and he's here tonight to testify. He recommended modifying the structure to make it more aesthetically appealing. Built out the second floor, so it's a true second floor. It does expand somewhat the non-conformity, but it turns a slanted roof into a regular second floor. And no additional bedrooms with the bedrooms are now normal size, normal shape. So I mean, basically we believe this is a classic C one variance. It's a hardship, the lot's unusual. It's an existing house and we believe that the new plans and the new house will be beneficial to the neighborhood, beneficial to the property, and have absolutely no detriments. I have two witnesses. One is Derek Grant, and he's the property owner with his wife Shah Shereen Wheeler Grant. And I also have Charles Maylett. He is the project architect and he will testify about the plans. He will testify about the variances. Of course, he'll be testifying as an expert. My intention was first, Mr. Grant to talk about the property and then Mr. Melet will talk about the plans and the variances. Would you like them both sworn in now? I Speaker 2 00:22:47 Can swear one at a time. Speaker 12 00:22:49 Okay. So Mr. Grant will be first. Speaker 2 00:22:51 Mr. Grant, could you unmute Mr. Grant, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Speaker 13 00:22:58 Yes. Speaker 2 00:22:59 Your name and address please. Speaker 13 00:23:01 Name is Derek Grant address is 1 4 3 6 West fourth Street. Thank you. Okay, Speaker 12 00:23:09 Mr. Mr. Grant, can you describe your connection with the house? Describe the house when you bought it. The occurrence that, you know, brings you before the board at this time. Speaker 13 00:23:22 Okay. Yes. As you stated earlier, our house was destroyed by fire. The house itself had a, a unique look to it. The roof was very, very slanted. So level, level it off, leveling it off to the roof will, you know, make the roof better. But it will also be unique instead of being unique, it will fit with the, with the rest of the neighborhood. Speaker 12 00:23:56 When did you buy the house? Speaker 13 00:23:58 We bought the house in 2000. So, and, Speaker 12 00:24:02 And these were existing conditions when you bought it? Speaker 13 00:24:04 Yes, everything was existing when we bought it. Okay. Speaker 12 00:24:08 Okay. And can you describe some aspects of the yard, the front yard, the rear yard, the driveway in the back, the shed that, that preexisting? Speaker 13 00:24:20 Well, the front yard has the retaining wall, which is actually hold. There's a big tree there that, so when we first bought the house, exact the retaining wall was there, it kind of got beat down a little bit. So we actually tore it down. It was like, all right, let's see what's going on. But as the big tree was there and heavy, heavy rain, we would get really bad mudslide. So the tree actually started having the roots and stuff started getting exposed. And when the, when the rain would hit, it would be a mudslide. So in front of the whole house would be very, very muddy. People would have to walk around and go into the street. So we decided to put the retainer wall back up in, its in uniform with the neighborhood. Like everybody on our block, the retainer wall is exactly the same out, you know how far, far it's out and everything. Speaker 13 00:25:12 The backyard with the shed, the, the way the shed is, it could, it wasn't an existing shed too that we tore down and eventually rebuilt. And the way it's set, it, we have a driveway back there, so it's almost no other place we could put the shed without sitting it in the middle of the driveway. So that's why we, you know, because of the uniqueness of the yard and ivona a is where our driveway entrance are. So we come through there. We wouldn't be able to get into our driveway if we was to try to put the shed to conform to, you know, to what's every, what they need, what the township needs. But, and then the side yard, again, our house, if we tried to fix it to conform with the eight feet side yards, first of all, the house, house would be, become much more slimmer. And then financially or, you know, it would definitely be like a burden, a financial burden to try to, we would have to rip out the whole yard, you know, and start over the foundation and everything. Speaker 12 00:26:18 Thank you. So, so the wall in the front serves the purpose of holding in the dirt and also it is necessary for survival of the tree, correct? Speaker 13 00:26:28 Yes. Speaker 12 00:26:29 And, and the wall that's in front, virtually every house along the street has the same or similar wall? Speaker 13 00:26:36 Yes. Speaker 12 00:26:37 Okay. And in terms of the shed in the rear, you've got a driveway going back from the house to the street, and is there virtually nowhere else to put a shed that would, you know, conform the, with the zoning requirements and would make the backyard usable? Speaker 13 00:26:56 No, not, and not according to, like, I didn't even realize that our driveway was, you know, our backyard was considered a front yard. I didn't know that until the, you know, this process happened. So even knowing that now, it definitely wouldn't, would not fit. Speaker 12 00:27:12 And is it, is that shed something that could easily be moved in any event? Is it how, how, what's the foundation of is a concrete? Speaker 13 00:27:21 Yes. The, the foundation is concrete. So yes, it would be very difficult to move. And again, the existing Speaker 12 00:27:28 And along, along the, along the side yard where the shed is. What's next to that? Speaker 13 00:27:33 Oh, next to that is a vacant lot. I believe it's playing field, but it's a vacant lot that's not usable. So it's been there for the 20 plus years we've been there. That yard has been there. It's just trees and shrub and all of that Speaker 12 00:27:46 Stuff. And to your knowledge, it's unders undersized and not buildable? Speaker 13 00:27:50 Not buildable. Yes, it's undersized. Speaker 12 00:27:52 Okay. And, and so it's, is that lot also wooded? Speaker 13 00:27:56 Yes, Speaker 12 00:27:57 It is. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Just, just one other question. You, as part of the reconstruction, you, you put a, you put a covered porch on the front of the house. Can, can you describe what, what that's for, why you need it? And I think you understand that that's, you know, a variance. So I'd like to get some information from you, why that's important. Speaker 13 00:28:19 Yes, that is important because our front step, it's, it's like a landing. So a lot of times when it rains, but mainly freezes, like when it freezes. Sometimes when we step, our front door is right there. So when we stepped out the front door, you know, we, it would be icy. Sometimes you could slip and fall. So the, the overhang would be to help, it'd be a safety reason for us, you know, and help that step when we first come out the house. Speaker 12 00:28:48 I like that too. Okay. That's all the testimony I have for Mr. Grant. There's questions. Speaker 0 00:28:55 Any members of the board have any questions for Mr. Grant? No. You can swear in your next witness. Speaker 2 00:29:03 Who is the next witness? Mr. Kaplan. Speaker 12 00:29:05 Mr. Melet. Speaker 2 00:29:06 Mr. Melet, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Speaker 14 00:29:12 Yes. Speaker 2 00:29:13 Your name and address, please? Speaker 14 00:29:15 Charles Mullet, 44 Kettle Creek Road in Freehold, New Jersey. Speaker 2 00:29:21 Thank you. Speaker 12 00:29:22 Mr. Mellette, could you describe your connection with the project? Speaker 14 00:29:28 Okay. I am a licensed architect in the state of New Jersey. Have been it for about 35 years. And I am the project architect. I've been working with Derek and Shireen in, in reconstruction drawings of their house. Speaker 12 00:29:45 Can you describe y your, your, your qualifications, education licenses, number of appearances at boards, just so the board has an indication. You are, you are gonna be testifying as an expert, so we want to have you qualified as such. Speaker 14 00:30:02 Okay. I am licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Architects. As I said before, I have continuously been licensed for the last 35 years. I am also licensed in Pennsylvania. I graduated with a degree in architecture from Catholic University in Washington, DC and I have testified before approximately 40 planning boards in the state of dc. Mr. Millette, Speaker 12 00:30:28 Your qualifications are fine. You Speaker 14 00:30:30 Can proceed. Thank you. Okay, Speaker 12 00:30:31 Thank you. Mr. Millette, could, could you please describe the project, describe your role, touch on some of the key aspects of this, and of course, at some point I'm gonna ask you to discuss the variances and, and why you believe the design is appropriate and, and the variances satisfy the requirements. Speaker 14 00:30:56 Okay. As Mr Kaplan said, the home sits in the r dash 7.5 zone residential single family. It was an existing three bedroom home with two bedrooms on the top floor and one bedroom on the first floor. And as was discussed before, the, the top two bedrooms on the upper level had serious headroom issues. Technically there were, there were bedrooms, but as far as code wise, the headroom wasn't there. So what we're proposing is, again, three bedrooms. The existing house was approximately 1500 square feet living, and we are proposing an additional 300, giving more headroom to the two bedrooms. Upstairs, we only raised the roof approximately four feet, and it's well within the maximum roof height. Roof height maximum is 35, we're proposing 28. It was existing was 24 as far as the variances. So the bulk of them are non-conforming, existing non-conforming. I'll go down the, the list. There's Speaker 12 00:32:21 Eight, there's eight altogether. I can, if you have the list there of the eight variances, maybe you can, you can discuss each of them because in doing so, you can also discuss the aspects of your, of your plans that apply to those variances. A few of them. Speaker 14 00:32:38 Sure, sure. So let's just go down the list. The first one is minimum lot area 7,500 square feet. The existing lot is 67, 12 square feet, lot width. 75 feet is required, existing is 40. And as was discussed before, it has two front yards. So the required front yard setbacks 25 feet. We have on the two yards, we have 21. This is in, on West fourth Street with 16 feet. The porch overhang, again required is 25. The vonia side, we are fine. It's, it's, I think it's like a hundred feet, something like that. So the, so the required 25 is met, side yard is eight feet. We have an existing of four feet. Again, these are all existing. The, Speaker 12 00:33:42 The next two pertain to the shed. Yeah, Speaker 14 00:33:45 Existing shed 60 foot front yard setback for an accessory structure that is, that shed that's in the back there. And we're proposing 55 and a half, which is existing again off the side yard on the accessory structure, eight feet is required. Currently it's just under three feet. And again, that's existing. Speaker 12 00:34:08 In your opinion, is there anywhere else to put a shed on this property? And can you Speaker 14 00:34:13 Describe why and not to meet the, the setback requirements? No. Speaker 12 00:34:18 And and do you believe the location is the most appropriate for the property, for the neighborhoods? A I Speaker 14 00:34:26 Do, I do because that, that lot that it, it abuts is, is the, you know, non buildable lot. So yeah. Okay. There are two more. The municipal right of way shall, you know, not be encroached upon. And that is that retaining wall that Mr. Grant was talking about. It's existing and if you look down on that street, it's very common, you know, throughout, on that street. On, on, on West Fourth. And then finally frontage, lot, frontage, 75 feet is required, existing is 40. The entire, both sides, Vonia and West Fourth are both 40 feet wide. So they do not meet, you know, any kind of frontage. Speaker 12 00:35:17 And, and for the most part, these variances are based on pre-existing conditions, correct? Speaker 14 00:35:25 Absolutely, yes. Speaker 12 00:35:26 And, and, and therefore they would really constitute an existing hardship because that's the property. It's undersized terms of total area width. And there's an existing structure that is already encroaching on some of these SEC backs, correct? Correct. And do you believe that this design is the best design for this property and for the neighborhood and provides absolutely no detriments to the neighborhood? Speaker 14 00:36:00 Yes, that is, that is pretty much the description. Speaker 0 00:36:18 Okay. Thank you Mr. Kaplan. I'm gonna open up to our, one of our experts for some questions. Thank you, Jonathan. Speaker 9 00:36:27 Thank you. So we don't know of any plan projects for West fourth Street concerning a road widening or any sort of right of way improvements that would necessitate the removal of the block wall. And of course, as we say in the report, if you're moving that block wall, that tree needs to go as well, which would be a, a hardship. I would just request that if this is approved, we don't include language that provides relief for the wall, allow it to remain. If there is a roadway improvement down the line, they'll have to figure that out. But for the time being, we can, we can allow that to remain. We feel like there's a de minimis impact with the second story roof alteration, the forefoot alteration and we'll, we, we agree with the, we agree with the testimony that was provided concerning the shed location. Speaker 12 00:37:25 Okay. Speaker 0 00:37:26 Thank you, sir. Speaker 11 00:37:27 Mr. Chairman, good evening. Yes, John Chadwick. I'm sorry we arrived slightly. Speaker 0 00:37:33 It's okay, Speaker 11 00:37:34 Sir, after Speaker 0 00:37:35 You're still on planning. Speaker 11 00:37:37 Thank you very much. Jonathan, did you consider an easement? A lot of times when we have these improvements in, in the right of way, have him put an easement to the, I think allow, allow an easement that is exempts the township from, have to pay for the wall or we can put the wall. Speaker 2 00:38:06 I think Jonathan's suggestion is not to approve the wall, but just to allow it to remain so that if a right of way improvement is required in that area, the homeowner would be required to remove it himself Speaker 9 00:38:17 At that time if it, if it occurs. Yes, sir. Speaker 11 00:38:19 Okay. Speaker 0 00:38:20 Okay. Thank you. John. Any other members of the board of any questions or comments? Mr. Kaplan, are you done with your Speaker 12 00:38:28 Testimony? Yes, that's the, that's, that is our extent of our testimony. Speaker 0 00:38:31 Thank you. Fantastic. Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm gonna open it to the public hearing, no questions from the board. Any members of the public have any questions or comments? Ms. Buckley? Speaker 1 00:38:43 No one. Speaker 0 00:38:44 Okay. Alright. Close the public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this application with the language that was discussed by Jonathan. I'll second it. Please call the roll. Speaker 1 00:38:54 Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Regio? Yes. Mr. Bla? Yes. Mr. Heka? Yeah. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Re? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes. Speaker 2 00:39:08 We'll memorialize this and in a document in our next meeting and send it to you Mr. Kaplan. Thank Speaker 0 00:39:12 You very much. Appreciate it. Good luck. Good night. Thank you. Thank you. Goodnight. Let's move on to item number 1225 dash ZB dash 89 v AK Krishna Ada Speaker 2 00:39:24 Is the applicant present? Speaker 15 00:39:29 Yes. I'm Speaker 2 00:39:30 Okay. I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Speaker 15 00:39:37 Yes. Yes, sir. Speaker 2 00:39:39 Okay. Could you give us your name and address and explain to the board why you're here? Speaker 15 00:39:45 Yeah. My name is Ada address nine Master v New Jersey. I'm, I'm here for my property that I recently bought it and I'm working with the board on, on getting a seaboard certificate of occupancy on number of items. And, and so the two items, which is like the garage size exceeding the maximum limit and then the driveway needs to be paid are, are, are the two things that I have been asked to come to the variance board and, and ask for an exception because I be, I mean, I bought asis. I and I didn't really know the actual things that were there since long this. And, and that's one of the reason I've been asking for these two exceptions as a plan for other things for the property. Okay. Speaker 0 00:40:32 Jonathan, you wanna go over your site impact? Speaker 9 00:40:38 Thank you. Mr. Ada, did you see the report dated December 15? Speaker 15 00:40:44 Yeah. Yes sir. I've been working on, on the certificate occupancy report, right? Your size? Speaker 9 00:40:48 No, the, the staff report memorandum from the, the Engineering Planning and Development Departments. Speaker 15 00:40:57 Is, is it about the garage size? Speaker 1 00:41:00 It says staff memorandum on the top. It was mailed to you. Speaker 15 00:41:04 Okay. Speaker 9 00:41:05 That's, that's all right. So what what we're gonna, what we're gonna ask for is the first 20 feet of the driveway starting at the curb needs to be paved. So we'll let you decide if you want that to be concrete, asphalt or pavers. But the first 20 feet needs to be paved. Speaker 15 00:41:20 Okay. And, and, Speaker 9 00:41:21 Yeah, Speaker 15 00:41:22 Sorry, sorry to break you, but I, I, I do have reasons. I mean, I, I do have, because things planned for this property to build a new construction on that, I've been working with the builder. They are working with the planning board and joining board as well. Right. And we have been asked to get the DEP approvals because of the wetlands in the back of the property and the side of the property, which is where, taking time in the interim to cover my cost, I was about to rent it out. And this is where I was working to get a CO that's where I was asking for the exception for this driveway and the garage side. Speaker 9 00:41:56 So my, my professional recommendation would be to go with the pavers, then you can pick them up afterwards when it's time to reconfigure the lot for the new project. Speaker 15 00:42:05 Okay. Speaker 9 00:42:06 And then that'll prevent the stone from getting into the street. Speaker 15 00:42:09 Yeah. But, but that, that is there since long, sir, I mean ire, I mean Speaker 9 00:42:14 I know, but it's, you're coming in front of the board now and we, we need to address it. Speaker 15 00:42:18 Yeah. When I bought this property, I didn't really know all of the things and I've been getting scheduled by my realtor and I'm a custom single home by, by arrival. That's one of the reasons that I've been, Speaker 0 00:42:29 Did didn't you have the house? Didn't you have the house inspected before you purchased it? Speaker 15 00:42:33 Yeah, I did. This is not, Speaker 0 00:42:36 They didn't make you aware of it? Speaker 15 00:42:37 No, I, I have the only construction report as well. I shared with the board. I, I, I mean I, I only not been recommended about this. Speaker 9 00:42:47 Okay. So the first, the first 20 feet with pavers at eight foot or 10 foot width is probably like two pallets of pavers. So that's, it's something very easy to acquire from a hardscape supply store laid down very quickly. Pick it up very quickly. So that's what we'd ask for, for the first 20 feet of the driveway. Speaker 15 00:43:10 Yeah, I mean, I, I got it. But as I saying, right, I, I have plans to get a new construction out there and all the things that I put it now, I will already spending a lot of things for the 50 plus items that has been provided in SIBO for the interim. And in one year I'm going to, you know, kind of demolish this and get a new one built over there. That is one of the reason I've been asking for an exception for that. Speaker 0 00:43:36 What if something comes up between now and then you don't improve the house. This is our opportunity as a township to correct issues that you have with the current property. So I I I honestly think that Jonathan's right, we gotta do, could you, could we do 10 feet maybe, Jonathan, just to get the stones off the driveway 15 just to save 'em a little money? Speaker 9 00:44:01 It, it's negligible. I mean, if, if you, if you're okay with that. Yeah, I think 20 feet is more than, more than accommodating. Speaker 0 00:44:12 I'm just trying to expedite the process with the gentleman just trying to save him a few bucks here. What if we did 15 feet of paving? Speaker 15 00:44:20 Yeah, I, I really don't know about that, sir. So I, I need to work with the contractor how much it costs and, and at this point, because I'm already spending so much money understood. Construction, which is where I want to save some, but Right. So I, I really don't know how much it costs if it's, Speaker 0 00:44:37 You do realize that if you don't give into either one of these suggestions that the township is making very strong suggestions. We, we will deny the application and you'll be back to square one. Speaker 15 00:44:51 Okay. I mean, I, I don't want to, you know, strike off anything that you're saying, but all I'm asking is, you know, an exception until I work through the bigger plans as I've already, you know, provided I can provide all the proofs as well with the builder that I've been working with and the, and the state that I'm, I'm working, I'm, and we have submitted the DEP and then some, I think, I think flood zone things that have been going through, it takes around 12 plus months, which is where I thought, like, you know, Speaker 11 00:45:21 Lemme ask, Speaker 9 00:45:23 You can find pavers, you can find used pavers, you can get 'em from a construction site. Very, very affordable options for, for making this happen. Speaker 11 00:45:31 Okay. Lemme ask a question. Are there stones in the street now Speaker 15 00:45:36 On the street? Speaker 11 00:45:37 Yes. Speaker 15 00:45:38 Not on the street, sir. Speaker 11 00:45:40 Drive, how long has that driveway been there? Speaker 15 00:45:43 I, I think for many years, more than 20 years. I see the Google Maps in May and not, yeah, 30 years. I would say Speaker 11 00:45:51 Mr. Jim may, maybe the solution here is to allow him, make him put papers between the, the 10 feet that's the right of way and postpone the remainder based on his construction. Give me a year to do it. And if he hasn't done it, then he has to do it after that. So you'd wind up with either 10 feet to start with and another 10 feet later on. Speaker 9 00:46:22 Well, John, are there no stones in the street? 'cause there's, it's not occupied at the moment. Speaker 11 00:46:27 I don't, I don't know. Speaker 15 00:46:28 I I think the, the, the payment over there is like the, there is no stones on the top. It's like kind of covered with grass, but, so, so I mean, I can provide more pictures as well. There, there is nothing like the stones coming out and then it's going into the road or are causing any, any inconvenience to the neighbors or anybody else. It's been that for years and I just bought that property. It's been six months, which is where I'm working with the boat. A number of things to complete the SIBO for, for my imprint things. Speaker 2 00:47:04 Mr. Chairman, the applicant is here before the board and has not offered any competent evidence to be granted an exception. I think the board is well within its rights to impose the conditions that Mr. Ms. Rahi is requesting. Speaker 0 00:47:16 I agree. Speaker 9 00:47:17 For what it's worth, I'm on Google Street view. You can, you can see the stones in the street on Google Street view. So Speaker 15 00:47:26 I mean, what are the next steps for me then as, as I said, right, I'm a first time buyer. I, I don't know many things, which is where I'm trying to understand and work whatever the board is saying and, but these two items that have been come up are like, I think it involves substantial costs, which is where I was thinking about getting an exception for my bigger plans over there. Speaker 2 00:47:47 Okay. Your option is to pave the first 20 feet in a manner in which you prefer, whether it's pavers, concrete, McAdam, that is the option that's being offered to you. Speaker 15 00:47:59 Okay. Okay. I'll, I'll work on that. What want get Speaker 0 00:48:07 I, well, we'll give you, I mean with the, with the winter and whatnot, we can give you a couple of, couple of months if you want to pave the 20 feet in sometime in the spring, you know? Yeah. That is that cool John, Speaker 15 00:48:20 That would give him, Speaker 9 00:48:22 We could do 60 days, we could do 90 days and Mr. Ada can come in and we can discuss further. Speaker 0 00:48:27 Okay. Yeah. We'll give you 90 days to get the 20 feet of McCade or, or pavers down. And I think we, we, we could be comfortable in, in voting on that tonight. Speaker 9 00:48:38 And then the other point on the report, if the garage needs to be repaired in a significant way or replaced, it needs to be moved. Speaker 15 00:48:48 Okay. Speaker 9 00:48:49 But, we'll, we'll let it stay for right now, but if it needs to be replaced, you need to relocate it on the property. Speaker 1 00:48:56 And wait, Mr. Rahi, one other thing though. It's, it's too big. It's 26. Did would it have the size also have to be conforming? Not just a location, Speaker 9 00:49:04 Size, size and location. Thank you, Laura. Speaker 1 00:49:06 Alright, thank you. I just wanna get that on the record. Thank you. Speaker 0 00:49:10 Okay. Mr. Badadada is, are you in agreement to paving the first 20 feet for the fir Yeah. Within 90 days. And if anything, if you ever have to replace that shed or something, it becomes dilapidated. You have to move it to a conforming spot and you have to reduce the size of it. Speaker 15 00:49:29 Got it. Yeah, I, I'll agree. And, and I have one more question. I've been blocked with the SIBO because of this. Can I, I mean, I'm not sure how the board take it forward. Can I take the forward placebo agreeing that, you know, in 90 days in spring or summer, I'll take care of that payment. Speaker 1 00:49:47 I'll let code enforcement know in the morning, but it's between you and them if they, what their extension is. But I'll let them know that you got approved and what you got approved for. Speaker 15 00:49:57 Okay. Thank you. Awesome. Speaker 0 00:49:58 Any other questions for Ms members of the board? Any comments? No, let's open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any questions or comments? Speaker 1 00:50:10 No. One chairman. Speaker 0 00:50:11 Okay. Let's close the public portion and I will approve this or I, I would make a motion to approve this based on the language we spoke about 20 feet of paving to be done within the next 90 days and the specifications on the shed. Usage and relocating if and when it needs to be replaced. Can I get a second? I'll second it. Thank you. Can I get a roll call? Speaker 1 00:50:32 Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. Reggio? Yes. Mr. Blanc? Yes. Mr. Heka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes. Speaker 0 00:50:51 You're up, Jim. Speaker 2 00:50:54 The resolutions that we have. Oh, I'm, I'm sorry. Your application's been approved. We'll memorialize it at our next meeting and send a copy to you. Good luck. Thank Speaker 0 00:51:02 You. Goodnight, sir. Let's move on to item number 14, the adoption of resolutions from the regular meeting of December 11th, 2025. Speaker 2 00:51:12 First resolution is Gare Ye, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. O'Reggio? Yes. Mr. Duca? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Ali? Yes. Second. Rebecca McCarthy, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. O'Reggio? Yes. Mr. Duka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Ali? Yes. Third is Fairway commercials North, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. O'Reggio? Yes. Mr. Duka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Ali? Yes. Next is Venture net properties, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weisman? Yes. Mr. O'Reggio? Yes. Mr. Duka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Ali? Yes. Finally is Edgar Lopez. This is a resolution of withdrawal. I will need a motion. A second and a roll call on that. Speaker 0 00:52:16 Make a motion to withdraw. I'll second. Okay. Me to vote? Speaker 2 00:52:22 Yes. Speaker 0 00:52:23 Roll call or Yay. Nay. Speaker 2 00:52:24 Roll. Roll call. Speaker 1 00:52:25 Mr. Weisman. Yes. Mr. Regio? Yes. Mr. Blo? Yes. Mr. Hika? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ley? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes. Speaker 0 00:52:38 Those Speaker 2 00:52:38 Are all the resolutions this evening. Speaker 0 00:52:40 Item number 15, adoption of the minutes from the regular meeting of December 11th, 2025. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Okay. And before we adjourn, it's a said last meeting for us. Our good friend Artie Duka is moving to Florida. He's leaving the township that he loves. And it's been an honor to have you on this board for the years that I had. It's been an honor to call you friend. Speaker 6 00:53:07 Thank you very much. It's been an honor. Thank you. Speaker 2 00:53:10 Good luck. Good luck, Speaker 1 00:53:12 Corey. Thank Speaker 0 00:53:12 You. Congratulations chief. Alright. Speaker 1 00:53:15 Donate all your snow shovels for us because yeah. Speaker 2 00:53:17 Thank you. Speaker 0 00:53:19 Let's make a motion to adjourn. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Goodnight guys. See you in a couple weeks. Goodnight. Speaker 1 00:53:27 Everything. Good luck Speaker 0 00:53:28 Byebye. Artie, you're the best.