One element of the meeting revolved around the proposed variances for OCTA Pharmaceuticals. The company, represented by senior manager Santos Appala, plans to occupy three buildings on the property and expand its workforce to 60 employees within two years. Santos outlined the operational expectations, including the limited need for large tractor-trailer deliveries and the management of laboratory waste in compliance with laws. The proposal’s impact on impervious coverage was a focal point, with discussions revealing that the property’s current coverage exceeded limits by approximately 22,000 square feet, a condition pre-existing the company’s acquisition of the property in May 2022.

The board engaged in discussions on parking considerations, spurred by the project’s expected loss of six parking spaces to accommodate the new elevator addition and loading dock. Despite this reduction, the remaining 198 parking spaces exceed the ordinance requirement, supporting the company’s anticipated employment growth. The debate extended to electric vehicle parking spaces, an item not included in the current plan but noted by the board. The company’s engineer, addressing the board’s concerns, confirmed that the loss of parking spaces would not hinder operations, as the laboratory use was expected to generate less demand for parking than conventional office use.

The board’s scrutiny of the environmental impact of the proposed changes and their adherence to municipal regulations was evident. The applicant’s engineer presented an aerial view of the site, emphasizing the addition of vegetation and a silt fence for environmental protection. The discussion on environmental concerns also touched upon stormwater runoff and the potential impact on wetlands. The board expressed support for the application, acknowledging the project’s potential positive impact on the town and minimal disturbance to neighboring properties.

Additional conditions stipulated for the project included the confirmation of adequate plumbing flow by the Sewer Authority, compliance with the development fee, and submission of digital copies of the plans to the engineering department. The board also emphasized the adherence to best management practices for protecting sensitive areas on the site and discussed the non-conforming condition of parking spaces within the site’s setbacks, ultimately deciding to grant the necessary variances.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of Paul Damurjian as the chairman of the Bernards Planning Board, Kathleen Mastrangelo as vice-chairman, and Tyler Seville as vice-chair pro tempore. Furthermore, Bryce Good was reappointed as the board engineer, and Jonathan Drill as the board attorney. The designated official newspapers and the adoption of the 2024 meeting dates and rules and regulations for the Planning Board were confirmed, following the formal closure of the reorganization session.