Transcript for Piscataway Zoning meeting on July 11 2024

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Jul 11 2024 · Zoning
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Meeting Sections
  • 00:00:00 — Meeting Opening
  • 00:00:12 — Agenda Adjustments and Postponements
  • 00:00:27 — 24-ZB-29V - Atul Canter 24-ZB-29V
  • 00:02:51 — 24-ZB-33V - Nicole Patel 24-ZB-33V
  • 00:11:34 — 24-ZB-20V - Christopher Viic 24-ZB-20V
  • 00:13:33 — Adoption of Prior Meeting Resolutions
  • 00:16:20 — Adoption of Minutes and Adjournment
Meeting Opening AI  00:00:00 – 00:00:12
Technical issues resolved for remote participant who experienced audio problems at the start of the meeting.
Speaker 0Jim Star six to unmute. He is having problems with the computer. He called it in.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 0Yeah. So Star six should be able to unmute.
Speaker 2Okay. How, how's that? Perfect.
Speaker 1Sounds, sounds well, Jim.
Agenda Adjustments and Postponements AI  00:00:12 – 00:00:27
Board announced postponements: Arvin Patel (52 School Street) carried to August 15th; Ann Academy (hose Lane) carried to July 25th, both with no further notice required.
Speaker 2Okay. The, the application of Arvin Patel 52 School Street is being carried to August 15th. With no further notice. The application of Ann nor Academy hose Lane is being carried to July 25th with no further notice. Those are all the changes that I have.
24-ZB-29V - Atul Canter 24-ZB-29V AI  00:00:27 – 00:02:50
Applicant sought approval to apply 2-inch topsoil top dressing to establish lawn. Staff inspector recommended approval after site inspections on July 1st and July 9th determined conditions acceptable. Applicant clarified that permit would be needed for topsoil if volume exceeds cubic yard threshold. Board approved unanimously.
Speaker 1Thank you, Mr. Kinneally. Let's move on to item number 5 24 dash ZB dash 29 v. Atul can?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 2Is Mr. Canter present?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Canter, you were sworn in at the last meeting. You remained sworn in to tell the truth?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 2Okay. Mr. Rahi has gone out there and met with the applicant and has a report for the board.
Speaker 4Thank you Staff, myself and township code enforcement staff visited the property on two occasions, July 1st and July 9th to inspect the site conditions. After our second inspection on July 9th, we found the site conditions to be acceptable in regards to the existing grade and the soil conditions. We recommend at this time to allow them to apply a two inch top dressing of top soil. That way they can establish a nice lawn and the grading would still be acceptable to staff and allow them to proceed with the application. So we recommend an approval at this time.
Speaker 1Thank you. Johnson. Any other members of the board have any questions or comments about this application? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 3We have a question. Is there a permit needed for the two inches of topsoil that we'll be bringing in?
Speaker 4You would need to calculate the area and if it exceeds the, the cubic yard amount for a landfill permit, yes you will.
Speaker 3Okay. Understood. Thank you.
Speaker 1Was anybody in the public floor?
Speaker 0No, sir.
Speaker 1Okay. Close the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application with the recommendation from Jonathan. Can I get a second? I'll second it please.
Speaker 0Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 0Mr. Blo?
Speaker 3Yes.
Speaker 0Mr. Hika?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 0Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Riley? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Canter, you've been granted an approval based upon Mr. Mizrahi's inspection and report. We'll memorialize this in a written document and send that document to you.
Speaker 3Sounds good. Thank you very much. Good
Speaker 1Luck gentlemen. Good night.
Speaker 3Thank you. You too.
24-ZB-33V - Nicole Patel 24-ZB-33V AI  00:02:51 – 00:11:33
Applicant requested variance for fence placement to provide safe play area for two children away from high-traffic road. Staff recommended 20 feet from property line; applicant negotiated to 15 feet. Applicant emphasized safety concerns (traffic speed, wildlife, falling fence structure). Neighbor Allison Doyle objected, citing visibility concerns when backing out of driveway and neighborhood aesthetics. Board approved application as amended: fence at 15 feet from property line with required landscaping buffer. Vote: 6-1 (Mr. Mitterando dissented).
Speaker 1Let's move on to item number 6 24 dash ZB dash 33 V. Nicole Patel.
Speaker 2Is Nicole Patel present?
Speaker 5Yeah, I'm here. Can you
Speaker 2Hear me? I need to swear you in. Yes, we can hear you. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give should be the truth?
Speaker 5Yes.
Speaker 2Your name and address please?
Speaker 5It's Nicole Patel, two Camlock Court, Piscataway, New Jersey 0 8 8 5 4.
Speaker 2Thank you. Could you explain to the board what you'd like to do here?
Speaker 5Yeah, so I have two kids at home and the road is where like people are going very fast and we would like to put up a fence for the kids, but the problem is they want it at the building line and we wanted a bit outside the building line so my kids could enjoy enough space. So we are just trying to get a permit for fence.
Speaker 2Mr. Rahi, Mr. Chairman, I believe Mr. Rahi has a report on.
Speaker 4Thank you. Yes. So we, we wanted to hear a reason for relief, which we just heard from Mr. Patel. Essentially the shed being six inches over is not as big of a concern to us as the location of the fence in the front yard. We are recommending a minimum of 20 feet from the property line, which is a good compromise between the 10 feet that Mr. Patel was initially requesting and the line of the principal structure. And we're also recommending that landscaping to my satisfaction to buffer the fence along the street would make it most attractive.
Speaker 5Yeah, I mean I'm okay with 20 feet, but if you could gimme five feet a little bit inside, like maybe if you could make it 15, then I'm okay with it. If that, if that is possible. 'cause I mean, I don't want to lose 'cause there's deer poops everywhere. We get deer and the kids are like picking it up off the floor and they're just putting it in the mouth. So at least if they have one close, I have a fence right now, but it's falling apart and rabbits are living underneath the shed and it's, it's no good. I mean, I, I just want something for my kids and, and the people drive like crazy here and I just don't want them to run on the street. And I had a nephew that went on the road, so that's why I am just saying gimme a little more space. They couldn't enjoy a little more.
Speaker 4I understand. And the, the street, Mr. Patel was our main concern in making that recommendation for the distance because you would be backing out of that driveway into traffic with the limited, limited side triangle.
Speaker 5I mean, I checked with the, I mean I, I got the letter and I, you know, I, I did measure it. It's like there's good amount of space in the front and I mean, there's a house down a block. I mean that person has the same kind of layout and everything. I mean their, their fence is all the way close to the sidewalk. I mean, I I and even my friends in the back, they also applied for the same kind of permit and that's how I got to know and that's why I applied and they even got a 15 feet approval. So that's why I was thinking if you could gimme 15 feet, then it would be enough space for my kids.
Speaker 2Each each application is looked at individually.
Speaker 5Sorry, what was that?
Speaker 2Each application is looked at on its own merits. Just because someone else got relief doesn't mean you're intended or you're going to get the same relief.
Speaker 5Yeah, I understand. But this is similar kind of property and same Gramercy and it's on Fuller. I mean it's same kind of concept.
Speaker 7What what is your position on the landscaping?
Speaker 5Well, sorry, that was for me. Or
Speaker 7Yes. What
Speaker 5Do you mean by position? You wrote
Speaker 7A recommendation to land, landscape defense. So it's more pleasing to the
Speaker 5Sea. I'm okay. I I mean if you guys want me to put up trees, I'm okay to put up trees. I mean if you gimme the 15, I'll put up the trees. Like you say,
Speaker 4I think our, our main concern was your visibility and your safety coming outta the driveway. If you're saying that you've tested it out and you are okay with that, I would be agreeable to 15 feet from the property line, not from the sidewalk.
Speaker 7With the landscaping.
Speaker 5Yeah, the, with
Speaker 4The landscaping. Yes.
Speaker 1So 15 feet with the landscape. Yes. We all agree that works. Okay.
Speaker 515 feet, the fence goes on 15 feet. Right. And then the landscape.
Speaker 1Right. That's, that's what I intimated. Okay. Any other members of the board have any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this application?
Speaker 0Hold on one second. If they can unmute Alison Doyle hit six to unmute or just unmute yourself. I don't know where you're on.
Speaker 6Yes, I'm unmuted. There you are. Okay. Hi. Hi. So we live at 44.
Speaker 2Hold on. Lemme hold on. I need, I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? You swear the testimony you're about to give be the truth?
Speaker 6Yes.
Speaker 2Thank you. Your name and address please?
Speaker 6Allison Doyle. 44 Gramercy Drive.
Speaker 2Thank you.
Speaker 6So as far as please proceed.
Speaker 6So as far as we are concerned, based upon the letter that was submitted, right, it was for a six foot solid privacy fence. And I believe it is a public safety issue because if I'm backing out of my driveway, I'm not going to be able to see the cars coming down the street. And to Mr. Patel's point, the cars do come down more than 25 miles per hour. So it is a public safety issue as far as I'm concerned for our household. In addition to that though, it's going to totally change the aesthetics of their neighborhood because if I'm standing on my front porch, I will not be able to see someone coming down the street off of pal where I currently can. And it's going to be like in the line of our site.
Speaker 6So I am quite concerned with a six foot privacy fence going up because I've been backing out of my driveway since we received a letter and, and purposely look, I mean I look all the time anyway, but if that were solid, I'm not going to be able to see anything and you, you know, we won't be able to see who's walking down the street. I mean, so I just, I think it's a public safety issue. I mean, I think there's a reason why the ordinances was put into place to begin with in the town where the fence was not supposed to be solid and it was a certain height and everything that was assigned to it. And you know, we've been here 17, 18 years and never, you know, had to deal with something like this.
Speaker 1Thank you ma'am. Laura, anyone else in the public?
Speaker 0No, sir.
Speaker 1Okay. Close the public portion and based on our engineer's recommendation and the agreement we came to today, I'm gonna recommend that we approve this application as is Can I get a second?
Speaker 0Sorry, I second it. Thanks Artie.
Speaker 1Sorry. Please call roll.
Speaker 0Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Patel is still not here. Mr. Regio? Mr. Blo? I'm staying. Mr. Heka? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? No. Mr. Riley? Yes. Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Patel, your application's been approved as amended. We'll memorialize it at our next meeting and send a copy to you.
Speaker 0Okay? Thank you.
Speaker 1Good luck sir.
Speaker 0Thank you.
24-ZB-20V - Christopher Viic 24-ZB-20V AI  00:11:34 – 00:13:31
Applicant presented revised architectural plans per staff memorandum dated July 2nd. Applicant confirmed agreement with all staff recommendations in the memo. No public comments received. Board approved application unanimously.
Speaker 1Let's move on to item number 7 24 dash ZB dash 20 V. Chris V,
Speaker 2Applicant present? Yes sir. I need to swear you in.
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 2Thank you. Your name and address please?
Speaker 8Christopher Viic. 1 1 2 0. EVA Street, Piscataway, New Jersey 0 8 8 5 4.
Speaker 2Thank you. And sir, you, we, we've received the, the new staff memo in this matter based upon a change in your plans? Yes. It's my understanding that you agree to that staff memo?
Speaker 8Yes. I submitted revised architecture plans. Yes. Based on that info. Based on the information.
Speaker 2And Mr. Rahi has a report on that and you agree with everything in that report?
Speaker 8Is that the letter that I received?
Speaker 0Yeah, that's the staff memorandum. Yes,
Speaker 2The staff memorandum.
Speaker 8Yes. Yeah, that this is all fine. Sure. Revised through July 2nd?
Speaker 2Yes. Just wanna,
Speaker 8Yes. Yes, I have that.
Speaker 1Anyone else have any other questions or comments about this application? Okay, gonna open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any comments or questions about this particular application?
Speaker 0No. One chairman.
Speaker 1Okay. Close the public portion. I'd make a motion to approve this application. Can I get a second?
Speaker 9I'll second it.
Speaker 1Ms. Ro?
Speaker 0Mr. Tillery? Yes. Mr. Blo?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 0Mr. Hika? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ellie? Yes. And Chairman Cahill? Yes.
Speaker 2Your application's been approved? We'll memorialize it in a written document at our next meeting. You don't need to be present for that. We'll send that document to you,
Speaker 8Okay? Sure.
Speaker 1Good luck, sir. Thank
Speaker 8You.
Speaker 2Good luck.
Adoption of Prior Meeting Resolutions AI  00:13:33 – 00:16:18
Board adopted resolutions from regular meetings on June 13th and June 27th, 2024, memorializing previous approvals including applications by Pearl/Verizon (site plan exemption), David Richardson, Ojeda, HC Enterprises (single family home), Kenneth, and James Lang (addition). All resolutions adopted with unanimous roll call votes.
Speaker 1Let's go all the way down to item number 10. Adoption of the resolutions from the regular meeting of June 13th, 2024.
Speaker 2First resolution. Mr. Pearl, you voted to approve that application. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 11Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes. Wait,
Speaker 8Say again?
Speaker 2Mr. Heya? Yes.
Speaker 9Mr.
Speaker 2Mitterando?
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Ali?
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill? Yes. S-N-Y-S-M-S-A. Verizon. This was an application for an exemption from site plan, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 11Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mrca? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ali?
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Next is the application of David Richardson, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 11Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Haya? Yes. Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ali?
Speaker 8Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Next is the application of Ojeda, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 11Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Hada?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Mitterando?
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Ali?
Speaker 13Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Next is the res, the application of HC Enterprises for a single family home, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Duka?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Mitterando?
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Ali?
Speaker 13Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Moving to the, the June 27th meeting, the application of Kenneth. Interrupt
Speaker 1The conversation.
Speaker 2Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2I'm sorry, Mr.
Speaker 1No, continue.
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Duka?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Mitterando?
Speaker 12Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Ali?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Last resolution is James Lang, an application for an an addition, which you voted to approve. Mr. Tillery?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Blount?
Speaker 10Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Duka?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Mr. Mitterando? Yes. Mr. Ali?
Speaker 13Yes.
Speaker 2Chairman Cahill?
Speaker 1Yes.
Speaker 2Those are all of resolutions I have this evening.
Adoption of Minutes and Adjournment AI  00:16:20 – 00:16:45
Board adopted minutes from regular meeting of June 27th, 2024. Meeting adjourned. Next special meeting scheduled for July 25th.
Speaker 1Let's go to item number 12, which is adoption of minutes from the regular meeting of June 27th, 2024. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Or item number 13, adjourn. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for you Italian tonight. Always appreciate it. Thanks again. Okay. Special meeting July 25th today on the 25th, guys. Hey, thank you. Thank you, thank you. Goodnight everyone,
Speaker 2Everyone.