Hearing on Islamic Cultural Center Postponed by Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Due to Safety Concerns Amid High Public Interest.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board meeting was marked by a decision to postpone the hearing for the proposed Islamic Cultural Center due to unprecedented public interest that raised safety concerns. The board, complying with the Fire Marshal’s directive, stated that the venue could not accommodate the large number of attendees, prompting a rescheduling to February 5, 2025, with a contingency date of February 12 if required. The board also approved an extension for the deliberation period on this application until March 31, 2025.

The announcement of the postponement underscored the intense local interest in the application, which necessitated finding a larger venue capable of accommodating all interested parties. The board confirmed that appropriate notice would be provided once a new venue is secured. This development highlights a notable moment of civic engagement within the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.

Following the rescheduling decision, the board transitioned to its reorganization agenda. New members were sworn in, including Bernie Burkowitz and Davey Williams, appointed for four-year terms, and Betty Ludic Gross, appointed for a three-year term. The proceedings were conducted formally, with additional nominations leading to the election of L. Grani as chairperson and Mr. Mazarella as vice chairperson, both unopposed. The appointments extended to the board secretary and the reappointment of key professionals.

In other developments, the board considered application 2469 from Kral LLC, concerning property on Lakes Shore Drive. The applicant sought two bulk variances to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a new single-family home. Attorney Steven Shepis outlined the need for variances due to the property’s substandard lot width and a minor front yard setback deviation caused by an architectural overhang. The board’s discussion delved into the history of the lot, established in 1932 with fixed dimensions that matched neighboring properties, creating challenges in meeting current zoning standards without encroaching upon surrounding lots.

The applicant, Mr. Shaw, testified about the need for a larger home to accommodate his family, including his parents. The application accounted for environmental constraints, particularly wetlands at the rear of the property, which limited the buildable area. Compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines was confirmed, and water mitigation measures were addressed to alleviate drainage concerns raised by the board members.

The board expressed general support for the application, recognizing it as a positive development for the neighborhood. Approval was contingent upon adherence to DEP requirements, and the application passed with unanimous consent. The approval process concluded with a light-hearted exchange among board members, highlighting the board’s satisfaction with the outcome.

The meeting also addressed a correspondence request to reschedule application 2459 for a property owned by Ja Dish Patel to April 23, 2025, extending the decision timeline to April 30. The request was accepted without additional public notice.

In a separate matter, the board reviewed application 2457, concerning Zachary C.’s request to expand an existing driveway. Despite past issues with the property’s use and parking arrangements, the applicant demonstrated compliance with engineering requirements, including a water mitigation plan. A board member voiced support, acknowledging the applicant’s efforts to meet the board’s conditions. The application was approved unanimously, and the applicant was informed of the official notice of approval, enabling the project to proceed.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
James R. Barberio
Zoning Board Officials:
Davey Willans, Sridath B. Reddy, Chris Mazarella, Dave Kaplan, Scott Joskowitz, Robert Iracane, Bernard J. Berkowitz, Loretta Gragnani (Alt. No. 1), Santosh Peddi (Alt. No. 2), John Chadwick (Planner), Chas Holloway (Engineer), Peter King (Attorney), Nora O. Jolie (Board Secretary)

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