The primary focus of the meeting was Chick-fil-A’s application for a new development project, which necessitated a review of waiver requests. The applicant’s attorney, Simone Cali of Simone Cali Law LLC, presented the case, highlighting 17 waiver requests and addressing an initial deficiency related to a steep slope variance. The borough engineer, William Ryden, provided a detailed assessment of each waiver request, ultimately recommending their approval. The waivers covered various aspects, such as setbacks, location of watercourses, drainage structures, flood hazard areas, and utility details.

One notable area of discussion was the checklist item number 58a, which pertains to soil disturbance permits. The applicant’s representative clarified that the minimal disturbance involved in the project might not require a permit, but the board decided to grant the waiver conditionally. Should the disturbance exceed the threshold, the applicant would need to seek a permit from the borough council separately.

Another point of deliberation involved the checklist item number 54, concerning existing signage. While the applicant asserted that no new signage would be added, board members initially sought further clarification. After confirming that all existing signs would remain unchanged, the waiver was granted.

The board also discussed the necessity of involving the borough’s traffic consultant, ultimately determining that no new traffic-generating elements were proposed, and thus, additional traffic consultation was unnecessary.

Following the detailed review and approval of the waiver requests, the application was deemed complete. The board scheduled the hearing for testimony to commence at the next regular meeting on October 28, 2024, contingent on proper notice and escrow payment from the applicant.

In other business, the board confirmed that there were no new updates on the Franklin Place project, with the applicant having not responded to recent communications or attended the previous month’s meeting despite being notified.