The proposal for a property on Chestnut Street involved transforming a one-story commercial property into a mixed-use development with two additional stories. The ground floor will retain its commercial purpose, while the second and third floors will house residential units. The project required several zoning variances due to existing non-conformities, including lot size and setbacks. Specifically, the lot area is 11,936 square feet, falling short of the 15,000 square feet requirement, and existing setback and coverage conditions necessitated further variances. The development also aimed to slightly reduce the current impervious coverage from 98.7% to 96.7%.

During the meeting, the proposal was scrutinized for its impact on local parking and traffic flow. The development plans to provide a total of 21 parking spaces, including designated spots for electric vehicles (EVs). Concerns were voiced about the adequacy of parking, especially given the mixed-use nature of the project and the potential for shared use between residents and commercial patrons. The applicant assured that parking spaces would be allocated to meet the needs of both residential and commercial occupants, with options for shared parking arrangements during off-peak hours.

Traffic safety emerged as a particular concern, with board members questioning the proposed location of driveways and the potential for conflicts with nearby intersections. Suggestions were made to amend the driveway design to minimize traffic congestion, particularly by reducing the number of entrance and exit points. The applicant defended the current design, arguing that it would enhance safety by reducing conflict points. However, the board and residents remained apprehensive about the proximity of driveways to busy roads and the implications for pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Public comments underscored the community’s apprehensions, with residents expressing fears that the development could exacerbate existing parking challenges and alter the neighborhood’s character. A resident, Dagmar Porfio, highlighted the neighborhood’s historical consistency due to zoning regulations, while another, Tammy Zurka, emphasized the potential traffic complications posed by the proximity of a telephone pole to the proposed driveway. Despite these concerns, the board was swayed by the project’s compliance with current zoning regulations and the potential to align with broader urban development goals.

The application for a minor subdivision on Montclair Avenue also featured prominently in the meeting. The proposal involved dividing a large lot to create an additional property while maintaining the existing structure. This subdivision was presented as a family-centric initiative, with the applicant emphasizing the intent to keep the new lot within family use. The board examined the need for variances related to lot width and coverage, noting that the proposed subdivision would not deviate from neighborhood norms, given that several nearby lots also have non-conforming dimensions.

The planner for the Montclair Avenue project highlighted the subdivision’s alignment with the master plan’s goals, particularly regarding efficient land use in single and two-family neighborhoods. The proposal was seen as an infill project that would make effective use of available space without introducing significant disruptions to the existing infrastructure. The board’s approval of the subdivision was unanimous, reflecting its perceived compatibility with community standards and the absence of public opposition.