A significant item on the board’s agenda centered on Epic Church’s application regarding modifications to its parking lot and the installation of solar panel canopies on Main Street Extension. The applicant was absent, yet the board identified inconsistencies between the latest submitted plans and those initially approved. These discrepancies necessitated further review, prompting the board to defer the application to its November meeting. This decision was made without requiring additional public notification, allowing the church time to align its plans with zoning requirements.

Another crucial discussion revolved around the application for 48 Cedar Terrace, presented by John Weski on behalf of Julianne Separino Akuna Koreah and Selso Akuna Koreah. This case involved retroactive variance requests for improvements already executed on the property. The homeowners had completed work, including a driveway and a back deck, under the assumption that all necessary permits were secured. Upon attempting to sell the property, they discovered these permits were absent, resulting in a violation notice from borough officials. Weski outlined that the improvements contravened setback requirements and exceeded impervious coverage limits, necessitating variances for the existing conditions. The board assessed the specifics, noting the driveway’s encroachment on the lot line and the patio and deck’s similar violations. The property was designated under the R5 zoning district where the maximum building coverage was surpassed. The applicant sought approval for the completed work.

The board’s examination of the 48 Cedar Terrace application included questioning the property owner, who testified under oath. She confirmed that the contractor had not advised her about the need for permits or variances and highlighted that the work took place in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Board members inquired about her duration of ownership, which she stated was 13 years, and explored whether permits were obtained for other past improvements, such as painting and irrigation system installations. A decision on this application was pending further analysis of the required variances.

In another application, residents Javanni Balsamo and Shannon Aado proposed constructing a 24×30-foot garage on Orchard Street for storing classic vehicles and bicycles. They emphasized the necessity for additional space as they planned to expand their family, stressing that the garage would not serve commercial purposes and would lack a second story or plumbing. The board scrutinized the plans, especially the absence of a driveway on the survey. The applicants assured the board of existing horseshoe driveway access. Following a review and lack of public comments, the board approved the application unanimously.

The meeting also included the approval of several resolutions from previous applications. These encompassed properties on Wild Avenue, 6 Martin Street, 21 Carney Avenue, and Melrose Avenue. Each resolution was validated after ensuring all members had reviewed the documents, with motions passing without opposition.

Further, the board discussed modifications to the start time of the January 2026 reorganization meeting, shifting it from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM to optimize the meeting process. Additionally, the board considered regulations surrounding garages, enforcing a 150-square-foot cap to prevent misuse as living spaces or for commercial use. This regulation was introduced following past instances of larger garage constructions that necessitated tighter scrutiny of garage applications.