Patel’s request initially sought relief to place a fence closer to the property line than the township ordinance allows, citing safety concerns for his children and the presence of wildlife as reasons for the variance. The board and Patel compromised at 15 feet from the property line, instead of the 20 feet recommended by the township engineer, as long as Patel agreed to plant trees that would serve as a buffer.

The discussion became contentious when a neighbor, Allison Doyle, raised objections, arguing that the fence would obstruct visibility for drivers and alter the neighborhood’s aesthetics. Doyle emphasized the potential danger posed to her household when backing out of her driveway and the impact of a solid fence on sightlines.

The board’s decision took into consideration the individual circumstances of Patel’s application, the township engineer’s recommendations, and the applicant’s agreement to the landscaping condition. The approval was not unanimous, with one board member voting against the application.

Other business conducted during the meeting included the approval of an application by Christopher Vul for revised architectural plans and the granting of a 2-inch top dressing of topsoil for Atul Canaria’s property following a satisfactory inspection. Additionally, several applications, including those of Arvin Patel and Anno Academy, were carried to future meeting dates.