The application presented by John Duga, representing Home of Somerset County, sought to utilize the property owned by Immaculate Conception Church for office space dedicated to the organization’s charitable operations. The property had previously been used for church functions but was currently vacant. The proposal was to maintain the existing structure with no major exterior changes, while ensuring the building met code compliance. Duga emphasized that the organization’s focus was on providing social services, and there were no plans to shelter families or individuals at this location.

Alyssa Martini, the executive director of Home of Somerset County, detailed the organization’s mission and operations, highlighting its longstanding partnerships with local institutions and its success in helping families achieve stability. She clarified that the relocation would provide more space and privacy for the organization’s activities without expanding its services. The office would continue to operate with three full-time staff members and client services would remain by appointment to minimize traffic.

During the public comment session, a neighboring property owner expressed support for the application but raised concerns about traffic and privacy. Suggestions were made for installing wheel stops, curbing, or a privacy fence to prevent unwanted traffic between the properties. Additionally, concerns were raised about the building’s exterior condition, with specific reference to the gutters and siding, which the organization committed to maintaining.

Manior Joe Chelano, a long-standing supporter of Home of Somerset County, spoke about the organization’s evolution and the necessity for larger facilities. He offered the sale of a property referred to as Nazareth House, located nearby, to aid the organization’s relocation efforts.

A professional engineer, Craig Styers, presented a site plan for the new location, which showed no changes to the building’s exterior beyond maintenance. The plan included designated parking spaces, with an ADA-compliant space. The board discussed potential waivers for street trees due to utility line proximity and stressed the importance of compliance with previous approvals. The applicant expressed readiness to meet all necessary conditions, including ADA compliance.

The discussion also touched on compliance with past approvals, with the applicant willing to address any outstanding issues. The board considered allowing the applicant to submit for permits before final compliance was achieved, given weather-related concerns that could impact site work.

The application was eventually approved in a roll call vote, with board members voting unanimously in favor. The decision was seen as reasonable, preserving the building’s appearance and ensuring it blended into the neighborhood. The board expressed confidence that the change would be seamless for the organization, with minimal disruption to the community.

As the meeting concluded, scheduling for future applications was discussed, with an emphasis on addressing a backlog of pending matters. The urgency of resolving outstanding applications by the end of February was highlighted, and additional meetings were planned to manage the workload effectively.