At the heart of the board meeting was the public hearing for AR at Bernardsville LLC’s redevelopment proposal, which encompassed substantial community interest due to the project’s scale and potential impact. The redevelopment aims to replace outdated infrastructure with commercial buildings, a large surface parking lot, structured parking, a generous amenity space, and pedestrian areas featuring planters and seating. The plan also boasts an internal courtyard for residents, complete with seating areas, dining nodes, and a water feature.

A thorough discussion unfolded around the project’s details, including the adherence to zoning standards and the anticipation of community benefits. The applicant’s representative asserted the project’s compliance with all bulk standards for the zone and highlighted modifications to enhance the site, such as the removal of old pavement, the addition of modernized facilities, and the ease of vehicle movements into the garage. The proposed plan exceeds the required number of parking spaces, providing 139 spots against the 135 mandated by the Redevelopment plan, and has amended the placement of electric vehicle (EV) spaces following fire safety recommendations.

The board professionals, sworn in during the meeting, included an engineer who presented aerial and colorized exhibits of the site plan, detailing changes and improvements like pedestrian-friendly areas, structured parking, and stormwater management strategies. The engineer, with a background in project design and accepted as an expert witness by land use boards in New Jersey, emphasized the project’s compliance with stormwater management regulations, noting a reduction in impervious coverage and a system to manage runoff.

Operational logistics such as site layout, loading and operation arrangements, trash removal, and move-in procedures were addressed. The board engineer raised concerns regarding access to the parking garage, the functionality of the loading area, and compliance with stormwater management regulations. The applicant’s representatives presented truck circulation exhibits and expressed a willingness to consider design alternatives and comply with engineering and architectural recommendations.

Further discussions delved into compliance issues related to truck turning exhibits, architectural testimony, electrical vehicle regulations, shared parking, setback distances, frontage requirements, and courtyard lighting. A typo in the separation distance between buildings was clarified as compliant, and the applicant addressed height requirements and grading plans. Traffic reports and potential improvements to intersections were a concern for the board, which emphasized the need for a formal process in evaluating the application.

The board expressed concerns about its limited authority to mandate changes, highlighting only suggestions could be offered regarding safety issues, including fire handling, climate change legislation, and emergency power for upscale tenants. There was a proposition to hire an independent traffic engineer, with the decision deferred to a subsequent meeting.