Kevin Levelvel, president of Innovative Manufacturing, provided insights into the company’s plans and operations. Established in 1997, the company specializes in manufacturing valves for aircraft and space exploration, employing around 60 people. Levelvel described their production processes, which involve CNC machines primarily for milling and turning, emphasizing their precision capabilities with inspection tolerances within 80 millionths of an inch. Stainless steel and high nickel alloys are the primary materials used, with no combustible metals like magnesium involved, addressing potential safety concerns.

The relocation proposal, which also includes parking modifications, received a favorable response from the board. Michael Kford from Bank Leaf Engineering presented the site plan. The board’s legal counsel confirmed that the site plan waivers could be granted under specific conditions, noting that the proposed development had an insignificant impact due to a previous site plan approval dating back to 1988.

Board members inquired about potential noise from the manufacturing processes, especially given the proximity of a nearby nursing home. Levelvel reassured the board that noise levels outside the building would be minimal, with most sound contained within the facility. Additionally, the company plans no outdoor storage, which could alleviate any community concerns regarding the site’s aesthetics or environmental impact. With no opposition from community members present at the meeting, the board unanimously approved the site plan waiver request, signaling support for Innovative Manufacturing’s move to Raritan Township.

In other business, the board reviewed a site plan waiver request from Johanna Foods Inc. for a construction project involving an addition to a wastewater treatment platform. The request, represented by Steven Gruinberg, involved a 536 square foot addition to an existing metal rack and a reduction of 1,883 square feet in impervious coverage. The project complied with township ordinances and did not require variances, as confirmed by engineer Ian Hill. The addition will be located at the rear of the wastewater treatment building, with minimal land disturbance and no adverse effects on circulation or parking. After a review, the board unanimously granted the waiver.

The board also considered a request from FAC LLC for parking modifications on Bartles Corner Road. John Mayer, representing the applicant, noted that the property currently houses a commercial building with three tenants. FAC LLC plans to occupy the property after the tenants’ leases expire and will implement improvements similar to the Johanna Foods project, with minimal impact on the surrounding area. The board’s decision on this request was not highlighted.

Lastly, the board addressed scheduling issues related to Diamond Nation LLC and Diamond Nation Ballpark. A scheduling mistake was noted, as a previously planned meeting date was already booked. The board discussed rescheduling options, potentially accommodating both Diamond Nation and a separate application concerning Summit on April 22, contingent on Summit’s agenda status. The timeline for the Technical Review Committee’s meeting on March 30 was also considered, with sufficient time anticipated for necessary adjustments.