One notable topics was the café’s parking plan, which fell short of the borough’s requirements. The proposal included two parking lots with a total of 12 spaces, whereas local ordinances require a minimum of 19 spaces. The applicant, Giavani Pulii, emphasized the café’s grab-and-go model, which would offer items such as pizza, bread, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, without traditional waitstaff. Employees were expected to park at the nearby Bernardsville train station to free up on-site parking for customers. Despite this arrangement, board members expressed concerns about the adequacy of parking for patrons, particularly during peak hours.

The board also scrutinized the proposed traffic flow, as the café is situated along the busy Route 202. A traffic engineer presented an analysis. However, members expressed skepticism about the projections, which estimated that peak hours would see several vehicles entering and exiting the site. The board highlighted the need for a more accurate assessment, taking into consideration the café’s unique operating hours and its potential to attract different customer patterns compared to traditional restaurants.

A series of variances were also discussed concerning the café’s architectural design, particularly regarding lighting and signage. The proposed lighting plan exceeded the maximum intensity allowed at the property line, necessitating a variance. The lighting would be turned off shortly after closing, with only security lights remaining on at a lower intensity. Board members raised concerns about potential light spillage onto neighboring properties and emphasized the importance of compliance with local ordinances.

The meeting also covered the logistical challenges of waste management. The café’s plan included a dumpster enclosure with cedar slots and lids to prevent overflow. However, the board noted that the proximity of the dumpster to neighboring properties could pose issues, especially with the potential for residential development nearby. Suggestions were made to ensure daily trash pickups to prevent accumulation and overflow, with metal lids proposed to deter animal access.

Other architectural details discussed included the café’s façade changes and the necessity for variances to meet transparency and articulation requirements. The applicant proposed replacing garage doors with windows to improve transparency, though further review was deemed necessary to ensure compliance. The board stressed the need for revisions to the exterior design to align with community standards while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

Additionally, the board addressed concerns about delivery logistics, particularly the impact on traffic and road access. Delivery vehicles, including a 28-foot truck, would be limited to early morning hours, aligning with ordinances already in place for other local businesses. This restriction aimed to minimize disruptions to traffic flow on the adjacent state highway.