Transcript for Piscataway Zoning meeting on

Last updated

Transcript generated by rev.ai and may not be fully accurate. Use the audio player to verify any passage.

Download transcript Download audio
Apr 14 2022 · Zoning
0:00
–:––

Meeting Sections
  • 00:00:08 — Meeting Opening and Roll Call
  • 00:01:20 — Agenda Adjustments and Postponements
  • 00:01:50 — Case 22-ZB-08V – Vincent Santiago (Pool & Deck Variance) 22-ZB-08V
  • 00:04:59 — Case 22-ZB-15V – Paul Pace (Whole House Generator) 22-ZB-15V
  • 00:07:32 — Case 22-ZB-17B – Michael Dudas (Front Porch Rebuild) 22-ZB-17B
  • 00:13:18 — Case 22-ZB-16B – Heather Bailey (Home Addition & Driveway) 22-ZB-16B
  • 00:16:27 — Item 11 – 2 Arlington Place (Single-Family House Variance) 22-ZB-11V
  • 00:20:02 — Adoption of Resolutions from March 24, 2022 22-ZB-1021-CV-79V22-ZB-59V
  • 00:21:02 — Approval of Minutes
  • 00:21:04 — Adjournment
Meeting Opening and Roll Call AI  00:00:08 – 00:01:20
Meeting called to order, adequate notice requirements read into record. Full board roll call taken: Mr. Weisman, Mr. Patel, Mr. Regio, Mr. Dacey, Mr. Haca, Mr. Mitterando, and Chairman Cahill present. Pledge of Allegiance recited.
Speaker 2 Let me hit the buttons first.
Speaker 1 Sure.
Speaker 2 Okay. We're recording. It's all your share.
Speaker 1 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 carrier news notice posted on the Bolton board municipal building notice made available to the Township clerk notice sent to the Curry news in the star ledger. Will the clerk please call the roll.
Speaker 2 Mr. Weisman. Excuse I, I see you, Steve. Unmute yourself. Mr. Patel.
Speaker 0 Yes.
Speaker 2 Mr. Regio. Yes, Mr. Dacey. Mr. HACA. Mr. Mitterando here and Chairman Cahill here. Steve
Speaker 1 Weisman here.
Speaker 2 I got,
Speaker 1 Thanks Steve. Will everyone please stand for a salute to the flag
Speaker 3 Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
Speaker 4 And to the Republic for which it nation
Speaker 3 Under God, invisible, invisible Liberty and justice for justice.
Speaker 0 Thank you.
Agenda Adjustments and Postponements AI  00:01:20 – 00:01:50
Two agenda changes announced: (1) West Fourth Street application postponed to May 12th—applicant must provide new notice; (2) Aithal Marissa Court application withdrawn—applicant will need to file new application and serve fresh notice if proceeding.
Speaker 1 Okay. Mr. Dacey. Are there any changes to the agenda?
Speaker 4 Yes, there are. There are two changes. First application of, or west fourth street will be heard tonight. It will be heard on May 12th thousand 22. And the applicant must notice for that meeting. Next, the application of aithal Marissa court has been withdrawn. That will not be heard. If a application is filed, they will have to serve new.
Case 22-ZB-08V – Vincent Santiago (Pool & Deck Variance) 22-ZB-08V AI  00:01:50 – 00:04:59
Applicant seeking to install a pool while retaining existing non-conforming deck. Lot is undersized with existing variances. Engineer's April 7, 2022 report noted that if deck or detached garage require rebuilding, must be constructed in conforming location or applicant must return to board. Applicant acknowledged terms. No public comment. Motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0: Weisman, Patel, Regio, Mitterando, Cahill).
Speaker 1 Okay. That being said, Lu, let's move on to item number 6 22, ZB dash eight V. Vincent Santiago
Speaker 4 Is Mr. Sania present. Do you see him?
Speaker 2 Yeah, they're on here. They
Speaker 5 Sania are here.
Speaker 2 Hello,
Speaker 4 Mr. Sango. I need to in, could you raise? Yes. Swear the testimony. You're about to be the
Speaker 5 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Sania.
Speaker 5 Sorry. Could you repeat that?
Speaker 4 Yeah. Do you swear the testimony you're about to give, to be the truth?
Speaker 5 Yes, it is.
Speaker 4 Okay. Could you explain, give us your name and address please.
Speaker 5 It is 13 Buckman street, Skyway, New Jersey, 0 8, 8 54.
Speaker 4 And this was Vincent San that I'm speaking to
Speaker 5 That's correct.
Speaker 4 Okay. Could you explain to the board what you're seeking here?
Speaker 5 We're we're well, we're trying to get a pool installed and I guess our deck was wasn't enough code when we bought the house. So we're just trying to go through the proper steps to, you know, make this right.
Speaker 4 So it appears you wanna retain the existing deck?
Speaker 5 Yes, that's correct.
Speaker 4 Okay. Mr. Chairman, there are a number of existing variances here because the lot is undersized
Speaker 0 Mr.
Speaker 4 Dacey. Have you seen Mr. Henderson? April 7th, 2022 report?
Speaker 5 I don't think so.
Speaker 4 Yeah. His note indicates that if either the or the detach garage need to be rebuilt in the future, they shall be constructed in a conforming location or you'll need to come back to the zoning board. Does that accept the,
Speaker 5 Yeah, so sorry. I'm sorry. My wife took care of a lot of the paperwork and stuff. So you're saying if in the future, if we did plan on doing anything that would have to go, you know, go do proper steps again.
Speaker 4 Yes.
Speaker 5 Okay. Yep.
Speaker 4 Or build it in a conforming location.
Speaker 5 Okay. Yep.
Speaker 4 That's all I have. Mr. Chairman.
Speaker 1 Okay. Any other members of the board have any questions for this applicant hearing none. I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions about this application? Laura?
Speaker 2 No. Sorry. Okay.
Speaker 1 Close the public portion and I would make a motion to approve this application. Thank
Speaker 5 On second.
Speaker 1 Please. Call roll.
Speaker 2 Mr. Weisman.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 2 What did I do here, Mr. Reio? Yes. Mr. Patel. Yes. Mr. Mitterando. Yes. And Chairman Cahill.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Dacey. Your application has been approved. We realize this in a written document at our next meeting and mail a copy of that document to you. You'll need that to get your permits.
Speaker 5 Awesome. Thank you guys much. Appreciate it. Good
Speaker 1 Luck guys.
Speaker 5 Thank you.
Case 22-ZB-15V – Paul Pace (Whole House Generator) 22-ZB-15V AI  00:04:59 – 00:07:32
Applicant seeking to install whole-house generator on property following 7-inch rainfall event. Generator location is within easement; applicant acknowledged responsibility for removal/relocation costs if Township needs access. Existing shed also in easement. Chairman advised applicant to run generator tests during daytime only, not at night/early morning. No public comment. Motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0: Weisman, Patel, Rio, Mitterando, Cahill).
Speaker 1 Let's move on to I number 7 22, ZB 15 V. And that's Paul Pace. Mr.
Speaker 4 Dacey. Are you present? I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Swear the testimony you're about give should be the truth.
Speaker 6 I certainly do. Second avenue Piscataway.
Speaker 4 Thank you. Could you explain to the, what you'd like to do here
Speaker 6 You? So, so based on the, we had last year where we got seven inches, the water in one hour in Piscataway, let alone in Jersey. I wanted to put in a whole house, whole house generator on my property to ensure that the, the sun was always working
Speaker 4 And the area where you plan to put this is in an easement. You understand that?
Speaker 6 I do. Now. I did not understand that previously.
Speaker 4 Okay. And if the Township ever needed to access that easement, you would be responsible for the cost of removing and relocating that generator. Are you aware of that?
Speaker 6 Yes, I am. And there's also a shed in that Five years ago? Yes.
Speaker 4 And, and you're in agreement with that?
Speaker 6 I am certainly yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Chairman, that's all I have for Mr.
Speaker 1 Dacey. Okay. Mr. Pace, you do know you need to run the generator periodically just to keep it up to date and functioning. We would ask that you just run those tests during the daytime and not at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Speaker 6 Absolutely will do.
Speaker 1 Okay. Great. Anyone else on the board of any questions for this application hearing none. I'm gonna open it to the public. Anybody in the public portion have any questions? Mr. Dacey
Speaker 4 Or comments
Speaker 1 Or comments? Yes. Sorry. Ms. Buckley.
Speaker 2 There's no one Chairman.
Speaker 1 Okay. Gonna close the public portion and I will to approve this application based on the testimony given this evening.
Speaker 6 Super. Thank you. On a second.
Speaker 1 Thank you. Please call a roll.
Speaker 2 Mr. Weisman.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 2 Mr. Patel.
Speaker 7 Yes.
Speaker 2 Mr. Rio. Yes. Mr. Mitterando. Yes. And Chairman Cahill.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Sango, your application's been approved with the you're gonna be responsible to remove the generator and shed if necessary. We will. Alize this in a written document at our next meeting and mail a copy to you.
Speaker 6 Great. Thank you.
Case 22-ZB-17B – Michael Dudas (Front Porch Rebuild) 22-ZB-17B AI  00:07:32 – 00:13:18
Applicant seeking to rebuild front porch with 3-foot landing for safety/accessibility. Engineer's report recommended building to side to address site impact concerns. Applicant noted nine similar masonry porches with landings on same block and questioned impact rationale. Chairman indicated board relies heavily on engineer's expert opinion; applicant would likely not receive favorable vote without engineer present (Mr. Hinterstein on vacation). Motion made to postpone and allow board members site visit to inspect comparable homes and coordinate with engineer. Case carried to April 28th with no further notice required.
Speaker 1 Good luck. Have good. Let's on item 9 22 17 B Michael.
Speaker 7 Yes, I'm here.
Speaker 4 Mr. Dudas. 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.
Speaker 7 I do
Speaker 4 Your name and address please.
Speaker 7 Michael Dudas, 20 church street.
Speaker 4 Could you explain to the board what you'd like to do here?
Speaker 7 I'd like to rebuild my front porch to include a land at three foot landing from the house for, for mainly for the reason of safety for my wife and I to get up and down the stairs and have a landing. When we opened the door.
Speaker 4 Did you see the report of Mr. Henderson? April 7th?
Speaker 7 Yes, I did.
Speaker 4 Could you address those comments that he raised
Speaker 7 First? First of all, there's nine other houses on my block that have masonary front porches with landings. I don't think it would exacerbate anything by, by rebuilding my ports with the landing on,
Speaker 4 Could you address the comment raised in paragraph two
Speaker 7 About building it to the side? Yes. That that would be easier to accomplish. If my driveway was on the same level as, as my front lawn and, and the elevation of the front porch existing there there's about a foot drop from the yard to my driveway. So that would encompass another set of steps to get down from the level of the, now to the driveway.
Speaker 4 Mr. Chairman, those are all the comments that I have with regard to Mr. Henderson's report.
Speaker 1 Yeah, Mr. Dacey. I must tell you that we put a lot of weight in these site impact reports that we get from our engineer ING department. These are the experts that went to school and, and have degrees for this type of decision. I, I would ask maybe right now, Mr. Hinterstein I believe is on vacation. That is the reason why he's not here this evening. We normally, I'm not even gonna say normally we never ever site against the site impact because of the ramifications. It might have long term, whether it's the neighbors, the neighbors, seeing that a precedent is set and they go to switch it or something else might arise down the road. What I would suggest is that we put this off before we vote. Cause I don't think the vote tonight would go in your favor. I would ask for another opportunity to speak to you.
Speaker 1 And if we could speak to Mr Hinterstein and come up with another solution, but based on his side impact and the facts that he's put forth here, the, the board I believe is prepared to move forward and I don't think it would be in your best interest. So my, my, my opinion is is that you should put this off. We could put this for sometime in may. I don't know. Laura has the schedule in front of her. See if we can't sit down with Mr Hinterstein and come to some common ground where, you know, it'll be to your benefit. And also to the Township.
Speaker 7 What I don't understand is that there's nine other houses on the street with, with landings and front boards is similar to what I want to do to mine. And, and, and that's, that's the part, I don't understand that. How could it have an impact with, with nine other?
Speaker 1 The interpretation I got from Mr. Hinterstein is that all, all your steps are, are the same. And that if you were to change yours to the way you want to have it designed that they have the opportunity to do the same thing. And that wouldn't be good for the neighborhood,
Speaker 7 But that's not the case, sir.
Speaker 1 Okay. And you know what, without Mr. Hinterstein here, I don't feel comfortable making that assumption. That's why I'm asking if we could put this off, have Mr. Hinterstein address the issue. It would also for the, the opportunity for some of the members of the board to go out to your location and look at the nine homes.
Speaker 7 Okay.
Speaker 1 Something that we could do. So I,
Speaker 7 Well, I certainly, I certainly wanna do it the best way and move forward with my project. So that would be fine with me.
Speaker 1 Okay. And I would ask the board members to get an opportunity to get out there, take a look at, at Mr. Dacey property and the surrounding homes that are similar in design. How should I proceed with this, Jim?
Speaker 4 Laura, is there a room on the May 12th agenda?
Speaker 2 No, actually we have a meeting on April 28th. It's it's so minor. I can't see him waiting another month. So we'll put 'em on April 28th.
Speaker 1 Is that okay?
Speaker 4 Mr. Mr. Dacey is April 28th. Acceptable.
Speaker 7 Yeah, that'd be fine. Thank you.
Speaker 2 Yeah. And you don't have to re
Speaker 4 Anyone here on the Judis application. 23rd street. It's going to be carried to April 28th with no further notice by the applicant. The only notice you're receiving is my announcement here tonight.
Speaker 7 Okay. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 Thank you, sir. We'll talk.
Speaker 4 See you in two weeks.
Speaker 7 All right. Thank you, sir.
Case 22-ZB-16B – Heather Bailey (Home Addition & Driveway) 22-ZB-16B AI  00:13:18 – 00:16:27
Applicants seeking to add side addition to existing home with porch extension to provide driveway access. Received engineer's 2022 site impact report but unable to discuss concerns with engineer prior to hearing. Chairman noted same approach as prior case (Dudas)—board relies on expert recommendations. Motion made to postpone to April 28th for applicants to coordinate with engineer (Mr. Hinterstein) on possible compromise solutions. Case carried with no further notice required; new Zoom link to be emailed.
Speaker 1 Have a good evening. Let's move on to item number 10 22 16 B Heather Bailey.
Speaker 4 Ms. Bailey present.
Speaker 8 Yes. Up.
Speaker 4 Are you both gonna be testifying tonight?
Speaker 8 Yes.
Speaker 4 Okay. Could you raise your right hand? Swear the testimony you're be
Speaker 8 Yes. Yes.
Speaker 4 One at a, you can put your hands down, give your and address please.
Speaker 8 Heatherwood avenue
Speaker 9 Robertwood avenue.
Speaker 4 You could, one of you explain to the, what you'd like to do.
Speaker 8 Well, we're, we're looking to have an side of our existing home to continue the conformity that it already has as well as have the porch go with it. So we can have access to the door from the driveway that we need to create in the driveway that exists.
Speaker 4 Did you have an opportunity to Mr. Henderson's 2022 report?
Speaker 8 We did get it. We had some questions, unfortunately, we weren't able to speak to him about it. So we were told that we'd be able to speak with you and work things out
Speaker 4 As you heard in the last application. Yes. Mr. Henderson may, may it that difficult,
Speaker 8 Right?
Speaker 4 Mr. Chairman,
Speaker 1 I suggest that we go in the same way that we did with Mr. Dodi, which was the prior application. If we can meet on common ground for what Henry has issues with, with the application, without him being here for us to ask or to come to some type of compromise. I, like I said, we put a lot of weight into these site impacts. We are, we are a board that relies heavily on our experts and we make most of our decisions if not 99.9% of them based on the recommendations of our planner, engineers and whatnot. So is there more room on the 28th there, Laura for another one?
Speaker 2 Yes. Yes. Okay. It's gonna be a long night anyway, so I'll go lot. So
Speaker 1 We're fine.
Speaker 8 Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 1 That's fine. That's fine. Okay. Are you available
Speaker 4 On April 28th,
Speaker 8 The Thursday again? Yes. We'll be available. Make it. So we're available and
Speaker 4 I encourage you ahead of time to contact Mr. Hinterstein once he returns from vacation. Yes. And discuss this with him to see if some of these issues can be resolved.
Speaker 8 Yes.
Speaker 4 Bailey application avenue. It's gonna be carried to April 28th with no further notice by the applicant. The, the only announcement you're receiving is my announcement here tonight will be no further notice.
Speaker 8 Right. And it'll be the same time and same zoom.
Speaker 2 I'll email you the new zoom information. Oh, okay. Yeah. Everyone has its own password and code, so y'all email it to you.
Speaker 8 Okay.
Item 11 – 2 Arlington Place (Single-Family House Variance) 22-ZB-11V AI  00:16:27 – 00:20:02
Applicant seeking variance to construct new single-family house on lot with 63.5-foot front footage (code requires 100 feet); existing house demolished. Engineer's report required: sidewalk installation, tree preservation (or replacement with two shade trees if removal necessary), utility coordination (gas line extension from property line, sewer service), and curb/driveway details. Applicant acknowledged all conditions and agreed to coordinate with PSEG and comply with sidewalk/curb requirements. No public comment. Motion to approve passed unanimously with conditions that applicant satisfy engineer's requirements.
Speaker 1 All right. Good luck guys. We'll see you. No problem. Let's move on to item number 1122.
Speaker 4 Is the applicant here?
Speaker 10 Yes. I'm here.
Speaker 4 I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? You swear the testimony. You're be your name and address please.
Speaker 10 83 international avenue.
Speaker 4 Thank you. Could you explain to the, what you would like to do here?
Speaker 10 Basically, I won the property at number two Arlington place and the front of the lot is 63 and half feet. But you know, like I would like to build a house which is not conforming, requires a hundred foot front for that. So I'm seeking a relief to allow me to build a house. Like we re like we demolished the existing house, so we just wanted to replace the house there. So
Speaker 4 Are there houses on either side of this?
Speaker 10 Yes.
Speaker 4 Did you have opportunity to see Mr. He's six?
Speaker 10 Yes. I just to
Speaker 4 Those items?
Speaker 10 Yes. I don't think like number one, three. I don't think I like sidewalk. Yes. Number two, like the trees I'll take my, make my best to maintain the tree because I don't want to kill a large tree, which is giving a shade and other things. Like, I don't want ruin the location, look of the, you know, like a property, unless it's absolutely required obviously.
Speaker 4 And if, if it is absolutely required, you'll have to put in two shade trees.
Speaker 10 Correct. Right. Yes. I, I do. I do understand that. And existing, like, you know, a water sewer, like, you know, I existing I'm going use and the gas, I don't think that is aligning the property. So I'll make a proper, you know, like a requirement to the PSE G and get the gas line in, into the property and like, you know, make sure that the carbon other sidewalk up, like, you know, there is no sidewalk right now. So I do need, I understand that I need to put the sidewalk there. So I'll make sure that everything is,
Speaker 4 And during the construction there's any broken or damaged curving you'll replace that.
Speaker 10 Yes. I will replace that.
Speaker 4 Kinneally have a driveway pavement detail to the plan.
Speaker 10 Yes. It should be part of the engineering plan. Like when I submit to the Township though, like, you know, for a building.
Speaker 4 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Those are the issues that MRD.
Speaker 1 Okay. Any other members of the board have any questions for this application? Hearing none. I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public portion of any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 2 No one Chairman.
Speaker 1 Okay. Hearing none. I'm gonna close this to the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application.
Speaker 11 A second.
Speaker 1 Call
Speaker 2 Mr. Weisman. Yes. Mr. Patel.
Speaker 11 Yes.
Speaker 2 Mr. Reio.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 2 Mr. Mitterando.
Speaker 10 Yes.
Speaker 2 And Chairman kale. Yes.
Speaker 4 Your application's been approved with the condition that you satisfy. Mr. Henderson's requirements. We will mail a copy of the resolution to you adopt in two weeks at our next meeting.
Speaker 1 Sure.
Speaker 10 Thank you very much.
Speaker 1 I appreciate it. Good luck, sir. Good
Speaker 10 Luck. Thank you. Thank you.
Adoption of Resolutions from March 24, 2022 22-ZB-1021-CV-79V22-ZB-59V AI  00:20:02 – 00:21:02
Board adopted three resolutions from previous meeting: (1) Gladys case 22-ZB-10; (2) Sean Fitzgerald nonconforming use 21-CV-79V; (3) Murray preliminary and final subdivision 22-ZB-59V. All approved unanimously (5-0).
Speaker 1 Looking right along item number 12, the adoption of the resolutions from the regular meeting of March 24th, 2022.
Speaker 4 First resolution is Gladys 2210 on application. You moved to approve Mr. Weisman.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Patel.
Speaker 11 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Dacey.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Mitterando.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Chairman Cahill.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Next is Sean Fitzgeral. This was a nonconforming use application 21 CV 79 V. Which you voted to approve Mr. Weisman. Yes. Mr. Patel?
Speaker 11 Yes.
Speaker 4 O'Reggio
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mitterando
Speaker 10 Yes.
Speaker 4 Chairman Cahill.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Last was the preliminary and finals for Murray, which you voted to approve. That is 22 ZB five, nine V. Mr. Weisman. Yes. Patel.
Speaker 1 Yes.
Speaker 4 Mr. Dacey. Yes. Mr. Mitterando.
Speaker 1 Yes, Mayor. Yes.
Approval of Minutes AI  00:21:02 – 00:21:04
Minutes from regular meeting of March 24, 2022 approved unanimously.
Speaker 4 Those are all the resolutions I have.
Adjournment AI  00:21:04 – 00:21:09
Motion to adjourn approved unanimously. Chairman thanked attendees and announced next meeting in two weeks.
Speaker 1 Thank you. Mr. Dacey. I have number 13 of the minutes from the regular meeting of March 24th, 2022. All in favors. Aye. Aye. All opposed. Okay. And number 14, I entertain a motion for adjourn all in favor. Aye. Aye. Aye, everyone. Once again. Thank you for coming out and we'll see you in a couple of weeks. Stay, you have a.