Bernards Planning Board Tackles Stormwater Management and Extensions
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/04/2024
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Recording Published:
06/04/2024
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Duration:
75 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Somerset County
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Towns:
Bernards
- Meeting Overview:
The Bernards Planning Board addressed several issues in their latest session, with stormwater management taking center stage. The board debated ordinance 2551 related to stormwater management, a state-mandated initiative, and its consistency with the township’s master plan. Additionally, two noteworthy extension requests were granted to Fenwick Basking Ridge HOA and William and Carol Moer for obtaining certificates of occupancy and construction permits, respectively, due to various delays, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Planning Board’s discussion of ordinance 2551 was significant due to its implications for stormwater management within the township. The absence of Miss McManis, scheduled to present on the ordinance, prompted the board to rely on her written memo and a summary provided by Mr. Schide. The ordinance is a response to state mandates and requires the Planning Board’s review for consistency with the township’s master plan. The board scrutinized Miss McManis’ memo, which supported the amendments to the ordinance and outlined specific plan sections that aligned with the proposed changes. The board recommended revisions to address a typographical error and clarify the master plan reference. Ultimately, the board voted to consider the ordinance referral as consistent with the town’s master plan and decided to incorporate the suggested changes into their report to the governing body.
The board also deliberated on two extension requests. The first case involved the Fenwick Basking Ridge HOA, which sought an extension until December 31, 2024, to secure certificates of occupancy for two lots. A board member raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of the proposed timeframe, stimulating a discussion among the members. Despite the concerns, the extension was granted, allowing the homeowners’ association additional time to fulfill the necessary requirements.
Subsequently, the board addressed a second extension request from William and Carol Moer. The Moers sought an 18-month extension to obtain a construction permit, followed by an additional 18 months from the permit date to secure a certificate of occupancy. The Moers cited late project commencement and delays due to COVID-19 as reasons for the extension. The board granted the requested extension, setting a new deadline of June 7, 2025, for the construction permit acquisition and an additional 18 months thereafter to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
In addition to these discussions, the board mentioned an upcoming affordable housing presentation and deliberated on a pending tree replacement ordinance. A reminder was issued about the next meeting, which is set to include items such as the landscape committee for Fellowship Village and ordinance referral 2553. Moreover, during comments from the board, an inquiry was made regarding whom to contact for comments on ordinance 2553, with a suggestion to speak with Tom, the engineer.
The meeting also saw a request to enter a closed session for legal advice pertaining to a specific case, after which the board resumed its regular session. As the session came to a close, the next meeting date was announced, and a motion to adjourn was seconded and approved.
Jennifer Asay
Planning Board Officials:
Paul Damurjian, Kathleen Mastrangelo, Tyler Seville, Nick Cuozzo, John Crane, Andrew McNally, Daniel Eorio, John Ladyzinski, Lauren Manduke, Ed Rubino, Julianne Smith, Jonathan Drill (Board Attorney), Bryce D. Good (Board Engineer), David Schley (Township/Board Planner), Cyndi Kiefer (Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/04/2024
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Recording Published:
06/04/2024
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Duration:
75 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Somerset County
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Towns:
Bernards
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