The proposed 8,541-square-foot addition to the Allenell Rehabilitation and Healthcare facility was a central topic at the meeting. This application aimed to expand a non-conforming assisted living and skilled nursing home located on Hariton Road. The application had been presented previously. The applicant faced a significant hurdle when it was revealed that only six voting members were present, falling short of the quorum needed to proceed with a vote. The applicant decided to carry the application to a future date to avoid any issues with public notice requirements.

This decision underscored the procedural necessity of having a fully constituted board, especially given the requirement for a supermajority vote—five out of seven eligible members—to approve the application. The board tentatively scheduled a new hearing date for June 16. However, logistical challenges persisted, primarily due to potential scheduling conflicts with the applicant’s witnesses, one of whom was reportedly ill. The applicant’s attorney expressed uncertainty about the availability of witnesses, contributing to ongoing uncertainty about the application’s timeline.

Moreover, the board’s recent decision to change its meeting start time from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. added another layer of complexity. The start time for the rescheduled hearing was confirmed for 7:00 p.m.. In a brief session with the public, the council invited questions or comments, but no public members opted to speak.

In another significant topic, the board reviewed a resolution centered on application file number 2025-03 for Bill Properties on West Crescent Avenue. This involved a “forgiveness application” due to a sideyard setback deviation resulting from a previously approved addition. The deviation was described as a “scrivener’s error,” with the current setback measurement at 47.39 feet, short of the required 50 feet. The board unanimously approved the application, contingent on compliance with specific conditions outlined in a report dated April 18, 2025.

These conditions included extending a buffer adjacent to the building, prohibiting parallel parking between the building and curb, and establishing a no-parking area along the curb. Concerns were raised about compliance with prior approvals, particularly regarding an updated as-built submission and the installation of bollards. The presence of trailers and snowplows used for outdoor vehicle storage by a landscaping company was also noted as a potential safety risk. The board agreed to address these concerns with borough officials to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent safety hazards, particularly at night when visibility was limited.

The board also approved a resolution for Joseph and Jennifer Kim’s property on Elbrook Drive. This involved a second-story addition and accessory improvements, requiring multiple bulk variances for front yard setback, lot width, and side yard setback. Key conditions for approval included addressing stormwater management and drainage controls, as well as amendments to align with architectural drawings dated May 6, 2025. The resolution stipulated the addition of landscaping and the installation of a shade tree, with efforts to preserve an existing tree.

Further, the board discussed an application for Rick Goldberg and Lauren Paterno on Greenway, which entailed adding and renovating a single-family home while addressing side yard setback issues. The board outlined conditions similar to the previous application, emphasizing stormwater management and site grading requirements to meet board engineer standards.

Councilman Yakarino provided updates on borough projects, highlighting progress at Crestwood Park, including nearing completion of a concession stand and plans for landscaping enhancements. He also mentioned the renovation of field 3 and ongoing maintenance efforts, as well as an upcoming mural installation anticipated by midsummer.

The meeting concluded with scheduling discussions for an upcoming presentation by Ed Snieckus, initially set for June 16 and later moved to June 18, raising attendance concerns due to school-related activities. The board clarified the procedural aspects of reviewing and adopting the report, emphasizing the public’s opportunity to comment before adoption.