The meeting began with a delay in the Target site plan application hearing due to the late arrival of their attorney. In the interim, the board addressed a resolution authorizing a redevelopment study for properties on West Avenue. The board’s discussion touched on the ownership of the properties in question, though no conclusive information was shared.

During the public session, resident Dillia Collins expressed her concerns about the potential traffic impact from multiple redevelopment projects on Westfield Avenue, a county road. Collins highlighted the possibility of significant traffic disruptions, particularly during school hours, due to the planned projects, which include the redevelopment of four homes. She sought clarification on whether traffic studies had been conducted for these projects. The board confirmed that each applicant is required to perform such studies, which are reviewed by the board’s traffic expert. They noted that these studies typically show negligible increases in traffic compared to existing conditions. Collins also inquired about construction schedules, to which the board replied that these are generally managed by the applicants.

With Target’s representative Amy Ferrell and Joe Ventura from Kimley Horn present, the board revisited the site plan application. Target’s proposal involves modifications to their current setup to enhance their in-store pickup program through a drive-up service. Ventura detailed that the site currently has 789 parking spaces and 12 drive-up spaces, which are unmarked for loading or unloading. The proposed changes include reconfiguring the parking layout to create dedicated drive-up spaces, reducing the total number of parking spaces to 783.

Ventura elaborated on the proposed improvements, which involve the addition of lighting and signage to improve the drive-up service. This includes relocating a light pole and adding new fixtures for better visibility and safety. The drive-up spaces would feature double-sided signs with space numbers and solar beacons to guide customers. An ADA ramp is also planned to ensure accessibility for all customers. These changes are designed to streamline the pickup process.

The board engaged Ventura in a discussion about the rationale for reducing the number of drive-up spaces to 12 from the initially proposed 18, which Ventura explained was to accommodate loading aisles for deliveries. This adjustment is aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety, minimizing confusion for customers navigating the parking lot, and facilitating quicker service for those utilizing the drive-up feature.

Ventura also addressed operational aspects, explaining that customers would place orders through the Target app, which would notify them of pickup times, allowing for staggered delivery windows to manage traffic flow and avoid congestion. The board raised questions about the signage, which includes a double-sided directional sign and a solar-powered beacon, both exceeding the ordinance size limit requiring a variance request. Ventura assured the board that these signs are designed to avoid interference with existing security cameras and that no changes are needed inside the building for the beacons’ operation.

The board, expressing general approval of the application, recognized the potential operational efficiency of the drive-up service. A motion to approve the application was made and received unanimous support from the board members during the roll call vote.

Transitioning to new business, the board discussed affordable housing applications and the need to evaluate parking requirements and potential ordinance adjustments. Concerns were raised about the lack of commercial space requirements in new developments, particularly around West South Avenue, and the adequacy of street parking given expected future development. A broader discussion ensued about the oversight of multiple concurrent projects and whether more comprehensive reviews could benefit the board’s planning efforts.

In old business, attention was drawn to rusting excavators in the former AMP parking lot, prompting inquiries about the status of development on that property. It was reported that additional properties were under consideration for acquisition, though timelines and development plans remained uncertain.