Transcript for Piscataway Zoning meeting on March 11 2021

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Mar 11 2021 · Zoning
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Meeting Sections
  • 00:06:53 — Meeting Opening, Notice, and Roll Call
  • 00:08:03 — Agenda Adjustments and Postponements
  • 00:08:35 — Case 20-ZB-54V, Prakash Patel - Carport Variance 20-ZB-54V
  • 00:18:24 — Case 21-ZB-03V, Suzanne Hennessy - Portico and Overhang Addition 21-ZB-03V
  • 00:21:27 — Case 20-ZB-32V, Laporta Builders - Final Site Plan Approval 20-ZB-32V
  • 00:25:21 — Case 20-ZB-16, Sony - Conditional Settlement Approval 20-ZB-16
  • 00:34:48 — Case 21-ZB-05V, Kervin Salsito - Patio Cover, Shed, and Pool 21-ZB-05V
  • 00:41:05 — Case 20-ZB-68, Shoba Chopra - Rear Extension (Adjourned) 20-ZB-68
  • 00:54:56 — Administrative Business and Adjournment
Speaker 0Yeah.
Speaker 1Hello? Hello. We haven't started yet. Ms. Hennessy. Okay. I just wanted to make sure it works. Oh yeah. Well, thank you. You got on you did it.
Speaker 0Good evening, bill. Four minutes chairman <inaudible> can you hear me? It's Warren? Yeah.
Speaker 1Okay.
Meeting Opening, Notice, and Roll Call AI  00:06:53 – 00:07:41
Zoning Board of Adjustment called to order. Adequate notice provided via Courier News publication, municipal building posting, and notice to township clerk and newspapers. Roll call of all board members conducted. Pledge of Allegiance.
Speaker 2Zoning 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 at the 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 1Mr. Zimmerman, your Mr. Tillery, Mr. Weissman here. Mr. Reggio. Mr. Blount. Dear Mr. Patel. Yeah, here. He's got to catch up Mr. Mirando here, Mr. Ali and chairman Cahill here.
Speaker 2Well, everyone, please stand for a salute to the flag.
Speaker 0Yes. The flag of the United States stands one nation with Liberty.
Agenda Adjustments and Postponements AI  00:08:03 – 00:08:35
Two agenda changes: Ernesto So Dios application at 42 Mitchell Avenue withdrawn and will not be heard. Wale Hammad application at 494 Orders Lane postponed to April 8th.
Speaker 2Mr. Keneally, are there any changes to attend next agenda?
Speaker 3Yes. There are, uh, the application of Ernesto. So Dios 42 Mitchell avenue has been withdrawn and will not be heard this evening. The second change that we have to the agenda is the application of whale Hammad 4 94 orders lane is postponed until April 8th and the applicant will notice for that application. Those were all the changes that I have received here.
Case 20-ZB-54V, Prakash Patel - Carport Variance 20-ZB-54V AI  00:08:35 – 00:18:24
Applicant proposes 12 by 24 foot carport with minimal setback (revised from 14 by 24). Staff engineer objects to zero-foot setback that violates eight-foot requirement. Public testimony opposes application, arguing no hardship demonstrated. Vote: DENIED unanimously.
Speaker 2All right, let's get to it. I don't remember. Six 20 dash DB dash 54 V. Prakash Patel. Yes.
Speaker 3Um, Mr. Patel, I believe you were sworn in at the last meeting. Yeah, I wasn't in the last meeting. Yeah. Okay. You remain sworn in to tell the truth. Yep. Could you advise board, uh, what, if any changes you are, uh, providing to the proposed carport?
Speaker 4Okay. So I had a good discussion with Mr. Hendrick, uh, Mr. Uh, handed, um, that, uh, after the last meeting and my original proposal was for like 14 by 24 port. And there are the issue with the zero, uh, zoning, uh, footage. So I say, I can compromise like two feet, so I can go by 12 by 24. So it is, it helped me on putting the carpet on my driveway because the option to the provider, it was not feasible for me because like I say, bring down the value of the property also. And it's difficult to sell if I have to sell in future because the buyers will take a look and it will reject right away the way if I do all these things, whatever propose option is there.
Speaker 3So can I sum this up? Uh, originally you proposed a 14 by 24 foot carport, and now you're proposing a 12 foot by 24 carport in the same spot.
Speaker 4Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 3Mr. Jeremy, you may want to talk to Mr. Henderson about this. Yes.
Speaker 5Yeah. Mr. Chairman, uh, again, uh, you know, Mr. Patel had called me, um, I try to explain to him that the side yard, um, setback, whether it be zero feet, one feet or two feet was just too severe of a setback. Um, when, when you have a neighboring property, you know, that's in conformance again, uh, it discussed the fact that the, the, the ordinances in place, um, for a reason, so that structures are built on top of each other. Uh, so they impact your neighbors property, uh, with the structure that closed that's, that's why the ordinances are in place. Again, in this particular case, the, the, the car port could be moved back to the little finger portion of the, of the yard, uh, where you would have a, you know, six foot, approximately six foot side yard, um, maybe a six and a half foot side yard.
Speaker 5If you did a 12 by 24, you have a six and a half foot setbacks on each side of the cardboard. Um, so that would be much more compliant with what's being proposed now. And we'll get back into that, uh, finger portion of the property. Uh, also the, the other side of the house could also be used as the, uh, as a carport area, um, with, uh, with the secondary drive being added, or you could, they could swap it out. Even I understand that may be cost prohibitive, but unfortunately the cost factor is not, um, a hardship for his own purposes. So, you know, again, I try to guide Mr. Patel, um, in a manner that I thought the application would be looked upon more favorably, um, from this revision, again, he doesn't seem like he's willing to, to move it into another location. He wants to keep it in that area, which again, I have a problem when the setback requirement is, um, you know, uh, I believe eight feet, um, and you know, the, the only two feet, so. Okay. Thank you, Henry. Anyone else on board have any questions for this applicant hearing none. I'm going to open
Speaker 3Up to the public portion before you do that. Mr. Chairman have one question, Mr. Patel, do you have any more witnesses, uh, that you want to call?
Speaker 4Uh, let's see. I, I went through all this variant, like 21 deaths fire, one to 21, that's six to one, and a lot of things is existing. Even it's not meeting the criteria, what the ordinance criteria is there. So there's 1, 2, 3, 4, about five of them is already existing before I bought this property. So this is the historical thing. When the property was built, how it was built, how everyone thinks of the approved. So I cannot say anything on that, but the way the property I purchased. So I stuck with that. So like the, anything, if I have to do, I don't think I can do anything improvement on the property with all this risk Dixon is on the place
Speaker 3And the board understands that the existing, uh, nonconformities exist and the board has not asked any questions about those. Um, the board is concentrating on, uh, the location that you're proposing for the carport. And let me ask you again, do you have any other witnesses that you would like to call?
Speaker 4Uh, Wynn's witnessed means someone else. I don't
Speaker 3Know. Do you have any other witnesses you want to call
Speaker 4Right now? I don't have, but if I need it, I can bring it next meeting.
Speaker 3Okay. Or are you asking the board to carry this matter or would you like to the board to vote on this this evening?
Speaker 4If they can vote, it is fine and require it for the next meeting, because maybe I cannot represent myself properly to get this done. Maybe that's is lacking from my side. I don't know Because it's the two ops and they propose is not feasible for me is a cost factor is there, and it will bring down the property value and the neighboring property value also. But now as the end, you say, city don't consider that as a hardship for me, but like the hardship is different for each inducible. My activity different from you and you are different from someone else.
Speaker 3Uh, Mr. Chairman, it doesn't appear that Mr. Patel has other
Speaker 2Witnesses. Okay. I'd like to open it to the public, then anyone in the public portion have any questions about this application or any comments sparkly,
Speaker 1Um, Michael with Alaska, I'm going to miss your last name. Ma'am no problem. Any of Michael,
Speaker 6I can be sworn in
Speaker 2Raise your right hand. Do you swear the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth?
Speaker 6I do your name
Speaker 2And address please.
Speaker 6Michael was Alaska, w E S E L O S K. I, my address is 32 Camelot drive, Farmingdale, New Jersey, which I understand is not near the applicant's residence. I am here speaking on behalf of his neighbor at, for our place who are my parents.
Speaker 2Please proceed.
Speaker 6Thank you. Um, the information I'm going to share is nothing new and nothing that the board has not already discussed and provided an advice. Um, I would simply further request that the board take into consideration that the applicant has indeed, as he stated himself provided no real hardship. The, uh, the applicant's residence is in an area where some houses were built with garages. Some houses were not. If the house was not built with a garage, it is not suited for a garage. Um, the applicant's civil willingness and desire to have this feature does not provide a hardship, not a hardship. Um, the app has provided no proofs of that. The board can use to grant the variance. Um, the applicants application would be a detriment to the municipal land use well and would not advance the public. Good would be a detriment to the surrounding area would be an eyesore at that smaller zero setback. Um, and again, in conclusion, we would just ask that the board not look favorably upon the application as a currently sense.
Speaker 2Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it, Ms. Buckley, anyone else in the public portion?
Speaker 1No, sir. Okay.
Speaker 2Saying non-public portions closed. Um, I think that this applicant has failed to provide any evidence towards a hardship and I would make a motion to deny this application. Can I get a second, second deck? Okay.
Speaker 1Okay. Mr. Zimmerman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Wasteman. Yes. Mr. Ratio, Mr. Blount. Yes. Mr. Patel, Very quiet and chairman. Can I help,
Speaker 3Uh, Mr. Patel, your application has been denied. We will memorialize it in a written document at our next meeting. You don't need to be present for that. And we will mail a copy of that document to you.
Speaker 4Uh, is there any off-season I have like say if I do being with the attorney so he can help you out, or,
Speaker 3Uh, sir, the board has voted on the application, So you don't have any other options. The board has denied your request.
Speaker 4Okay.
Case 21-ZB-03V, Suzanne Hennessy - Portico and Overhang Addition 21-ZB-03V AI  00:18:24 – 00:21:27
Applicant seeks portico and overhang addition to front of house. Staff engineer approves minimal variance, confirming prior shed removal was in conforming location and requiring courts remain open. No public testimony. Vote: APPROVED unanimously.
Speaker 2Thank you, sir. Let's move on to number 7 21 dash DB dash zero three V. Suzanne Hennessy
Speaker 3Because Ms. Hennessey present, Hey, Ms. Hennessey, I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? You swear the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth. Yes. My name and address please.
Speaker 764 just got away. New Jersey. Oh
Speaker 38, 8, 5 4. Then you explained to the board what you'd like to do here. Okay.
Speaker 7Um, I'm trying to add a Portico and an overhang to the front of the house.
Speaker 2Okay. So Henry,
Speaker 5Did you have a chance to review the, uh, staff staff letter that was provided to you? Reordering the impact?
Speaker 7Yeah. And the only thing I wanted to say is, um, about the, uh, shed that was tore down a couple of years ago, it's just not reflected on the current.
Speaker 5Okay. So when you shared was put up, but it's in a conforming location, correct? Correct.
Speaker 7I had gotten a permit.
Speaker 5Okay. Well that resolves number one. And then you understand that if we give an approval that the courts must remain open and you can't, you can't close it in. Okay. So if that's the case and I don't have any, uh, really any other impacts of the application, the variance is the minimalist in nature. Um, I think it could be a approved.
Speaker 2Thank you, Mr. Hendra, Steve, uh, anyone else on the board have any questions for this application? Hearing? None I'd like to open to the public portion. Anyone in the public portion have any questions for this applicant or comments? Ms. Buckley chairman closed the port public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. Can I get a second? Does that Mr. Bland? Yes. Okay. Second. Thank you. Thank you,
Speaker 1Mr. Zimmerman. Yes. Mr. Tillery, Mr. Weissman? Yes. Mr. Reggio? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. He's very quiet tonight, Mr. Patel. Okay. I'm going to skip Mr. Mirando. Yes. Thank you. And chairman K hill. Yes.
Speaker 3Was Hennessy. Your application has been approved. We will memorialize it at our next meeting in a written document. You don't need to be present for that. We will mail a copy to you, but you'll need that document to get your building permits.
Speaker 1Thank you very much. And Laura, thank you very much for your help. I appreciate it. Very welcome, Suzanne. Have a great night.
Case 20-ZB-32V, Laporta Builders - Final Site Plan Approval 20-ZB-32V AI  00:21:27 – 00:25:21
Final major subdivision approval. All conditions satisfied, bonding in place, and required information provided. Staff notes final submissions are routine when prior requirements met. No public testimony. Vote: APPROVED unanimously.
Speaker 2Let's move on to item number eight 20 days. Does he beat dash 32 V Laporta builders
Speaker 3Is Mr.
Speaker 2Wiley present Ms. Partner, Mr. Lavender. That'll do, Please proceed. I think Jim's on the, on here too. Jim, are you here?
Speaker 1Laporta yeah, he's down on the corner.
Speaker 2That's what I thought I was prepped by Mr. Wiley. Who's at another meeting tonight, as he prepped me, he said, this is a final site plan approval, put a tie on and show up. So I hope that's what we're dealing with. We do two,
Speaker 3Um, Henry, do you have anything to say on this application?
Speaker 1Muted yourself? We got
Speaker 5Okay. No, I granted that, um, I believe the, uh, the, the plans have been revised plans have been approved. I believe all the bonding has been put in place. I'm unaware of any outstanding conditions. Um, C did you provide, would you happen to know if you provided the contract between the applicant and administrative agent for the affordable units?
Speaker 2I can get you that information. Would you, if you guys would, I know this is a bit unorthodox, but let me get my office manager on and I will bounce that information to you literally right away. Um, uh, can you hear me? Yeah, Jimmy there. Yes, we can. Then we can get that information right away. We have applied to the, um, administrative aging agent, C S C G P N H. Okay. Just in case I get any questions. Yeah, I'm on, I'm on. And they probably see me on with you, but I think we're fine. I just, just in case they ask questions that, you know, the file will
Speaker 5Provide that contract with them. Correct?
Speaker 2We will.
Speaker 5Mr. Chairman, I don't see anything else. That's outstanding. Uh, I believe that this would not have been scheduled for final if they were, uh, any, any conditions that remain to be met, um, prior to this being put on the agenda.
Speaker 2So got pretty
Speaker 5Comfortable with, with us moving forward with
Speaker 2It.
Speaker 3Mr. Chairman, if I can just jump in here. Final major subdivisions, uh, are fairly routine, uh, when they have supplied all of the requested information and satisfied all of the conditions prior to, uh, that time. So they're here for final it's basically they've dotted the I's and crossed the T's and we're not aware of any outstanding issues. So I believe final major subdivision would be appropriate.
Speaker 2You thank you for that clarification, Jim, appreciate it. Anyone else on the board have any questions for this applicant or any comments hearing none. I'm going to open it to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions? Comments. Okay.
Speaker 1I do not see any one chairman
Speaker 2Close the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. Thank you, Warren.
Speaker 1Mr. Zimmerman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Wasteman. Yes. Mr. Ratio. Yes. Mr. Blowout. Yes. Mr. Patel, I think we lost him. Mr. Mirando? Yes. And chairman Cahill. Yes.
Speaker 3Mr. Lavender, your approach work.
Case 20-ZB-16, Sony - Conditional Settlement Approval 20-ZB-16 AI  00:25:21 – 00:34:48
Conditional settlement regarding property at 151 Sherman Avenue. Board previously approved September 2020; township appeal led to settlement. Proposes dwelling replacement (existing structure deteriorated) with revised variances: lot area (5,000 sf vs. 10,000 required), lot width (50 sf vs. 100 required), building coverage (21.34% vs. 20% required, reduced from prior 22.7%). Architect testifies structure fits neighborhood with adjacent two-story homes. No public testimony. Vote: APPROVED unanimously.
Speaker 2Thank you all very much. Good luck. All right. All right. Let's move this party down to number nine 20 dash ZB dash 16, beat the Sony.
Speaker 8Yes. Good evening. Uh, John Sullivan from the offices of best Scola and Sullivan representing the applicant. Uh, this, this application may seem familiar to you. Uh, the board did approve this application previously back in September of 2020. Uh, the township of scat away did in fact appeal that decision. We were able to work a resolution out with the, uh, township and it's a conditional settlement, uh, conditioned upon this board approving the revised plans and the terms of our settlement. Um, this particular property is located at 1 51 Sherman avenue. It's designated as lot 31.01 in block 12th, 17 on the tax map. It is in the R 10 zone and the property is currently improved with a, uh, a single family dwelling that is not in very good condition and you'll hear from our architect soon. Um, and he, he indicates that it really needs to be replaced rather than an attempt to renovate it.
Speaker 8The revised plans that we have submitted, or the variance plan prepared by Steve DRUGA AIA dated May 10th of 20 and last revised January 18th of this year, and a revised set of elevations, uh, bearing the same dates and the same revision date at this point. Um, the variances that are required in connection with the application, or for lot area, 10,000 square feet is required. 5,000 square feet is existing and proposed lot with in frontage, a hundred feet is required and 50 feet is existing and proposed. And for building coverage, uh, we're required to have, uh, more than 20%, we are proposing 21.3%, which is a slight reduction from what was previously approved and what is existing on the property. Uh, so if that's okay, I would, uh, proceed with Mr. Jurgen,
Speaker 3Please,
Speaker 9Please.
Speaker 3Mr. DRUGA, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth?
Speaker 9Yes.
Speaker 3Your name and address please.
Speaker 9Steve Druker, D R U G a two 50 stout and road scattered wide New Jersey. Did you
Speaker 3Testify in the original
Speaker 9Hearing? Yes, I did
Speaker 3Remain sworn in to tell the truth.
Speaker 9Yes.
Speaker 8Okay. Mr. Droga, would you state your qualifications for the board?
Speaker 3He did that back in the original hearing and he remained sworn in to tell the truth. So he's good to go. I think the reference,
Speaker 8Uh, Mr. Droga, you're familiar with the site and you prepared the plans, correct? Correct. And would you describe for the board, the site as it exists now?
Speaker 9Existing, uh, dwelling on the side is a one and a half story Cape with a detached garage. Cape Cod also has a, uh, attached, uh, uh, rear airports, which is covered and, uh, everything basically decided it'd been overgrown. It hasn't been good. It hasn't been occupied in years. Uh, Mr. Sony hired me to prepare plans for alteration and addition to that structure, putting a second floor addition on it. Uh, I made the wall, joined my inspections of the house, see what the condition of it was, and also to provide measure drawings of the existing house. I found that the house was really their nature of, uh, of being, uh, replaced. Uh, there was a lot of crawl space, damage, water, and termite damage rot damage. In fact, the, uh, the addition, the room on the rear had no ceiling on it. So no Benelli, everything was being, uh, uh, exposed to the weather and same thing with the garage of the, in the roof. And what have you. So based on that, I consulted with them and told them that the best option would be to the mouse, that structure and install and construct a new new building.
Speaker 8Okay. And would you describe the, uh, the revised proposal to the board,
Speaker 9Your vice proposal? Uh, existing non-conforming lot size, a lot 50 by a hundred. Uh, so with one item is the size little insufficient, lot size, excuse me. The other item is coverage. We were asking for a variance, a coverage with them, opposed structure is 21.3, 4% where 20% is required. Uh, the, the structure was downsized to fit within the footprint so that we do not have any, uh, variances for front yard setback. So I grew I'd sat back or rear yard setback to all those dimensions comply and fit within the, the property Proposed structure is going to be a two story house with a, a attached garage, part of the, of the structure to afford bedrooms. Upstairs. First floor contained a bedroom, uh, living in the living room, the dining room and kitchen open floor plan area stairs to the second floor, a full basement and total square footage of the house was 2000, roughly 1800 square feet, not counting the garage. Again, it all conforms to all the setbacks. So learning your beverages we need is for a lot coverage and lot size.
Speaker 8Okay, Mr. Droga, other than the, um, the lot area lot with in frontage, uh, the building coverage is the only variance now, and that is, uh, it was last approved at 22.7%. And what is the coverage now?
Speaker 921.34.
Speaker 8Okay. Now, in your opinion, as an architect, how do you feel that the proposed dwelling fits into the neighborhood?
Speaker 9I've gone to the neighborhood and looked at what's there in comparison and it, the house that we've proposed is more than adequate to fit into the neighborhood. Joining properties are two ranches. There's a two story directly to the right and the property on the right-hand side of the ranch, two ranches to the left, then
Speaker 2Another two-story house, and basically the houses. And there are ranches. So two stories and by levels.
Speaker 8Okay. Thank you. That's uh, that's all I have for Mr. Jordan.
Speaker 2Thank you, sir.
Speaker 3I have another witness.
Speaker 8Uh, we do not. I have, uh, I have the applicant available, Matt. Who's Sony, if there's any questions for him, but I don't think we need any director.
Speaker 3Uh, Mr. Chairman, uh, basically this is what's called a whispering woods hearing. Uh, we're here before the zoning board to approve or deny the proposed settlement. Uh, and the applicant has now explained to the board what the proposed settlement is. Uh, the variances for lot coverage are less than what the board previously approved, and the applicant has gotten rid of variances or setbacks, which the board previously approved. So the applicant or the board should go out to the public, uh, and then vote on the application.
Speaker 2Okay. Anyway, anyone on the board have any questions hearing none. I'm going to open it, open it to the public portion. Anyone in the public portion of any questions? Ms. Buckley?
Speaker 1I muted no one chairman. I apologize.
Speaker 2Okay. Public portions closed. Um, I would make a motion to approve this amended approval. I will. Second. Thank you. Thank you. More,
Speaker 1Mr. Zimmerman. Excuse me, Mr. Tillery. Mr. Weissman. Yes. Mr. Reggio. Yes. Mr. Blount, Mr. Patel, I think he's gone. Mr. Mirando. Yes. And chairman Cahill.
Speaker 2Yes.
Speaker 3Mr. Sullivan. I will prepare a resolution of approval.
Case 21-ZB-05V, Kervin Salsito - Patio Cover, Shed, and Pool 21-ZB-05V AI  00:34:48 – 00:41:05
Applicant seeks approval for patio cover (six-foot rear setback variance), shed (conforming three feet), and above-ground pool (conforming ten feet). Chain-link fence removal conditioned on permit approval. No public testimony. Vote: APPROVED unanimously with conditions.
Speaker 2Thank you very much. Thanks. Thank you, sir. Let's move on to item number 10 21 dash ZB dash zero five V. Kervin Salsito
Speaker 3Is curving cell CDOT present.
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 3I need to swear. Raise your right hand. You swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth.
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 3Thank you. Could you give us your name and address please?
Speaker 10Um, my name is Kirby Lopez, two 16 <inaudible> place, Piscataway New Jersey.
Speaker 3Okay. Mr. Salsito, could you explain to the board what would like to do here?
Speaker 10Um, uh, my wife and I thought we may forget my English. Not really good. I'm on the line, like,
Speaker 3Okay. Ma'am could I have your name
Speaker 10Please? Sure. It's the risk a Lopez.
Speaker 3Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth and your curving Lopez cell C2. His wife?
Speaker 10Yes. Okay.
Speaker 3Thank you. Could you explain to the board what you would like to do here?
Speaker 10Uh, yes. We would like to, uh, add a patio cover. I'm sorry. No, continue.
Speaker 5I'm sorry. Someone else.
Speaker 10Okay. Um, uh, we would like to add a patio cover, uh, in the rear of the house. Um, and also add, uh, a shed, uh, to the side of the house and a, uh, above ground pool also in the side yard of the house
Speaker 5Henry side. Yeah. Um, was the stair report, did you have a chance to review the staff report that was issued?
Speaker 10Yes. Okay.
Speaker 5Okay. Do you have any, uh, can you address the item number one that can, can you locate that patio cover one feet in, from the corner of the back of the property? So that it's a little bit further away from the side yard step back.
Speaker 10Yes, we can. I'm sorry. Yeah. I'm leading reading that insight in fact now, yes, we can. We can do all items about
Speaker 5If you could address. Yeah. If you could, uh, we'll just go through them just so it's on the record. So you have no problem. We get in one foot on the side, um, the pool and the shed are going to be in a conforming location, which is 10 feet for the pool, three feet off each property line for the shed. Um, the patio cover is going to be actually six feet from the rear, a lot lines. So that's the variance. Um, Mr. Conneely is six feet, not, not seven feet because, uh, obviously the, the, the sheds the overhead structure, I don't think could be right on top of the house. Um, and then that you'll repair the chain-link fence or remove it, correct?
Speaker 10Yeah. That's already been removed. It's already been moved.
Speaker 5I was there not too long ago. And it was still, it was still,
Speaker 10Uh, yes, it was done. I want to say about three weeks ago.
Speaker 5All right. Well, it'll be conditioned and you will not get any permits until that's taken care of. So if it's been done great, if it's not, then you know, you have to take care of it prior to getting any permits.
Speaker 10Okay. It has definitely been done. Has moved. Yes,
Speaker 5No other comments. Gotcha. Yup. That's it.
Speaker 2Okay. Does anyone else on the board have any hearing now I'm going to open it to the public portion. Anyone in the public portion have any questions for this application of comments?
Speaker 1Nope. No one chairman.
Speaker 2Okay. Close the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. Yeah. The second was that
Speaker 1Mr. Tosha?
Speaker 2Yes.
Speaker 1Mr. Zimmerman? Yes. Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Weissman? Yes. Mr. Reggio? Yes. Mr. Blount? Yes. Mr. Mirando? Yes. And chairman cake.
Speaker 2Yes.
Speaker 3Uh, your applications are approved. Uh, there'll be conditioned. You have to comply with Mr. Henderson's report. We will memorialize this in a written document at our next meeting. You don't need to be present for that virtually. Uh, we will mail a copy of that document to you, but you'll need that for your building permits.
Speaker 10Don't say, thank you. I just want to confirm about the conditions to do I need to schedule so you guys can come out and see you, or do I just put that happen automatically? Sorry. I'm not familiar with
Speaker 5What will happen is I think what you have to do is you will just have to confirm when you put in for the permit, we'll have to confirm that you took care of that fence. So I have to do a site inspection before we'll issue the permit. And you may just have to, um, uh, actually I think the plan was a little bit vague. I think the plans are good, right? Laura, as far as the, we just have to put in that, that side yard dimension
Speaker 1On the surveys, I'll just write in
Speaker 56, 3, 4 0.1, 4.1 from the side yard. I think we're fine. So we'll just do the, when you come in for the permits, we'll do the inspection at that time. As long as your fence has been taken care of, then it will be approved. Then you should have no weather issues.
Speaker 10Thank you. Good
Speaker 2Luck. Thank you.
Speaker 10Bye.
Case 20-ZB-68, Shoba Chopra - Rear Extension (Adjourned) 20-ZB-68 AI  00:41:05 – 00:54:56
Applicant proposes 1,540 square-foot rear extension for new master bedroom, kitchen, living space. Existing home 2,500 sf; total would be ~4,000 sf with five bedrooms. Seeks side yard setback variance (9 ft vs. 15 ft required) and lot coverage variance (over 23% vs. 20% required). Staff engineer objects: no hardship on large property with large addition; recommends redesign conforming to setback and reduced coverage. Adjourned to April 8th at applicant request for revised plans. No vote taken.
Speaker 2Thank you. It's gone down to item number 11, 20 days, DB dash 68. Shoba Chopra.
Speaker 3It's Chopra present. Yes. Okay. I 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. I have your name and address please.
Speaker 1Oh, 82 school street, Piscataway New Jersey, 0 8 8 5 4.
Speaker 3And your name please show
Speaker 11About Chopra.
Speaker 3Thank you. Could you explain to the board what you would like to do here?
Speaker 11Well, I have my architect motto also on the call, so she will explain what I want to be
Speaker 3Done. Certainly a what's your architect's name again?
Speaker 11Martha, M a R T H a
Speaker 3Is more of the present
Speaker 12I'm here.
Speaker 3Hey, I need, I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth? I do your name and address please.
Speaker 12I'm Martha <inaudible>, I'm sorry. Five 70 north broad street, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 0 7 0 8.
Speaker 3Uh, please put your hand down and, and spell your last name.
Speaker 12B R a Z O B a N.
Speaker 3And are you an architect licensed in the state of New Jersey? Yes. And have you testified before zoning boards previously? Yes, I have. Okay. Mr. Chairman, I think you can accept this witness as an expert architect. I accept your credentials. You may proceed.
Speaker 12Um, so what we're proposing well, we're coming before the board for a site plan approval to do a 1500 square foot. That's 1,540 square feet, um, rear extension to the existing house. There are a number of existing variances, um, because of due to the, well, let me go through them. So like there's a preexisting variances consisting of insufficient LA area. Um, the lot with lot frontage front yard, um, there's a fence of wall, height and transparency in the front yard, um, and the shed, and then there's a setback for the accessory structure, um, and maximum doling units. Those are preexisting, uh, variances. And then there's also a with the proposed addition, there is a side yard setback, and a lot coverage, um, bearings that we're seeking.
Speaker 12Um, basically, um, Ms. Chopra is looking to, um, create a rear extension, as I said on the rear of the house. And what it will provide for her is a new master bedroom and a new kitchen and the living space because the existing space in the house is not sufficient for one, it's not sufficient like living space for her. And also as she's gotten older, it's a little bit more of a challenge for her to go up and down the stairs. So she wants to have an extension where she's able to manage within this base
Speaker 3An opportunity to look at Mr. <inaudible> report of February 8th, 2021.
Speaker 12I do not have his, um, his report, unfortunately.
Speaker 11Well, I did send it to you. You made it to you.
Speaker 12Um, let me check because all I have, well, I will check, give me one second.
Speaker 3The division of engineering and planning and development waffle
Speaker 5Before we get into the report, can I ask a couple of questions? Questions know, um, how many bedrooms are going to be in this house?
Speaker 12Yes There's. Um, and UMass the bathroom. And then there is an additional two bedrooms, um, above the garage. Give me one second. I don't want to tell you incorrect information because it'll be a number of retweets shoot. They don't be five bedrooms, including the new master bedroom. That's going to be, um, to be constructed
Speaker 5For five total
Speaker 12Five total,
Speaker 5A lot of bedrooms.
Speaker 12Well, minstrel, Rick can speak to that as she has, um, grown children who have families.
Speaker 11Okay. They will be visiting me. So I would need that, that much through the newer becoming,
Speaker 5Have you had the chance to review the report?
Speaker 3Uh, can I just stop you for a minute? Cause I don't believe I swore the applicant in, uh, the, uh, architect. So Ms. Chopper, uh, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth?
Speaker 11Yes, it would be
Speaker 3True. Thank you. I think the last question was, have you had an opportunity to read Mr. <inaudible> February 8th, 2021 report?
Speaker 11I have it and I read it, but I don't know why Martha didn't receive it. We sent it to her. Can you get it, Martha?
Speaker 12Uh, yes, I did find it. I'm actually reading it right now.
Speaker 11Okay.
Speaker 0Um,
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 3Can you address the items, uh, number by number please, site impact number one?
Speaker 12Um, yes. So the side yard is the nine foot sire and that was, um, that came about being nine foot on the side where there's the, the, the public park. Um, that side is a nine foot setback in order to maintain the width of that master bedroom. Cause once you, um, we do sit down to the 15, you will lose six feet out of that bedroom, um, which is what causes the, the corporate to, um, the lot cars to be larger.
Speaker 5All right. So hold on one second. So you're saying right now the master bedroom is 21 feet, Y or has one dimension that's 21 feet.
Speaker 12One dimension. The master bedroom is 14 feet. You have a master bedroom, that's 14 feet interior. So you took the same 14 foot six from the exterior wall. Then you have a master bedroom, a bathroom, a pantry, a washer and laundry room, and then you have a kitchen. And then on the other side of the kitchen, you will have a living area which is a family room basically, which is 14 foot wide. The kitchen is 11 foot nine and the area where the bathroom and the pantry and the laundry room and a half a bathroom is, is interior. Dimension is 10 foot one,
Speaker 5But bottom line is this, this house is 20, almost 2,500 square feet. Now you're proposing an addition, that's, you know, quite large 1500 for the total square footage of this property to become almost 4,000 square feet. Um, again, um, you're talking five bedrooms, you've got a huge, I mean the decent size master bedroom with a big master suite. Um, I mean this property is a large property and I understand there's certain things you want, but you, you know, you're over in coverage and I just don't see any justification for encroaching on a side yard setback. I think that what you need to do is you need to go back and you need to try to design this, this edition in a manner that could conform with the side yard setback. Um, you know, if you told me you were looking for a side yard setback of one foot, you know, I could maybe say, you know, that's a diminimous bearings request, but you know, again, the size of this addition and the size of these rooms and the size of, you know, everything, uh, you know, you know, there may be a way for you to, you know, maybe you put the master bed, you know, behind the, the master bedroom, instead of stacking that with the other bathrooms and the, the, the pantry of the kitchen and some of these other rooms, I'm not going to tell you how to design it, but I just don't see a hardship on a property of this size, uh, within an addition of this size, um, you know, a reasoning for encroaching six feet into the side yard setback requirement.
Speaker 5Um, so I mean, that's, that's my one contention on the, on that, uh, you know, again, it's a decent size coverage variance as well, you know, 20% requirement, it's a large property and you're, you're still going over it by over 3%. I think you need to look at pairing down the additional a little bit, so that you're a little bit more conformance with the, with the coverage variance and eliminating the, the side yard setback ranch. I just don't see your hardship, um, in this application. I mean, we could go through these other things. I think some of these other items in the staff report are shorter Meyer nature, and they need to be addressed. I don't see that you're going to have too much of an issue with them, but just in case, I think we should, we should review those as well. Um,
Speaker 3And Ms. <inaudible>, are you a professional planner?
Speaker 12No, I am not.
Speaker 3Okay. Um, basically Mr. <inaudible> for the board has identified several issues. Uh, they need to be addressed. Um, you only got an opportunity to read, uh, Mr. Henderson report here tonight. Uh, what I would recommend to you is that you adjourn this matter, um, so that you have an opportunity to look at those items in Mr. <inaudible> report with your client and perhaps provide revised plans that are more in conformity with <inaudible> ordinances than currently, for example, your lot coverage, the board earlier tonight, approved lot coverage of 21.3%. You're significantly larger than that. Um, so I would recommend that you go back, look at Mr. Henderson Dean's report consult with your client and perhaps provide a revised plan. Yes.
Speaker 12That I would agree to that. So adjourn, I'll sit down with Ms. <inaudible> and her, her son, and we will go over the pints and, um, returned back to the board with a revised plan.
Speaker 3Okay. And we will announce a new date tonight so that the applicant does not need to send out new notices. Uh, Laura, what is the date of the first meeting in April?
Speaker 1We have April 8th. It's early. Would you be ready for that? Because everything would have to be in 10 days prior to the hearing. That'd be cutting it close.
Speaker 12So we would just want to see, um,
Speaker 1You have to have it in by
Speaker 12Like March 30th or 20.
Speaker 1Yeah. By that Monday, the 20. Yeah. Actually the Friday, the 26th, unless we put you on, we could put you on for April and if you can't get it in time, then we could just announce it, that meeting and then push it to make if that would work.
Speaker 12Okay. I mean, that'll work. I will work too. We'll sit down and meet and, um, shoot for March 26. And if anything, I'll let you know before. Okay.
Speaker 1So we'll do, uh, so Jim would be April 8th.
Speaker 3Okay. And Mr. Mr. Chairman, does the board want to carry this to April 8th at the applicant's request? Yes.
Speaker 2That works.
Speaker 3Didn't show up. Uh, Chopra is married to April 8th with no firms by the applicant. The only notice you're receiving is my announcement here tonight.
Administrative Business and Adjournment AI  00:54:56 – 00:56:23
Resolutions from February 25, 2021 meeting carried to next meeting. Minutes from February 25, 2021 approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned. Neighbor indicates plan to present opposing testimony at April 8th Chopra hearing.
Speaker 2Thank you ladies. Have a good evening. Thank you for the consideration. Okay. We'll talk soon. Okay. All right. Let's get back. Um, skipping 13, 14 adoption of resolutions from the regular meeting of February 25th, 2021.
Speaker 3Mr. Stanley. We were going to carry that a resolution to the next meeting.
Speaker 2Okay. Good adoption of the minutes from the regular meeting of February 25th, 2021. All in favor. Aye. Aye. All opposed. Can I get a motion for a German? I make a motion to adjourn all in favor, say aye. Aye. Thank you, gentlemen. And ladies. So he's been an honor.
Speaker 13Um, Mr. <inaudible>, can I ask you a question? I know the meeting is over, but can I ask you something? So I'm the Chopra's neighbor and I was on last month and they weren't here and then I'm on this spot. So they're doing their thing.
Speaker 2It's going to be a gentle April. Okay.
Speaker 13Okay. Um, I had a PowerPoint presentation because I'm going to oppose any suggestion they make to take up any more property than they have to. I am
Speaker 2Happy to take your testimony.
Speaker 3I expect that they will provide a revised plan, review it, and we will accept whatever testimony and whatever evidence that you
Speaker 2Have. Okay.
Speaker 13So I'll be back in April and then
Speaker 2April, we'll see you next month. I'll be back in touch Laura, on that note, ladies and gentlemen have a great evening.
Minutes for Piscataway Zoning meeting on March 11 2021