One item at the meeting was the in-depth discussion surrounding Church Street Properties’ proposed site plan. The applicant sought preliminary and final site plan approval, variances, and waivers to add a two-story extension to the existing office building. The planned expansion would add approximately 1,000 square feet per floor, resulting in nearly 7,000 square feet of total space, and increase parking capacity from 23 to 32 spaces. The application aimed to provide more office space, a conference room, and enhanced facilities to accommodate additional employees and improve company operations.

During the proceedings, Ron Trevalone Jr., a principal at Trevcon, testified about the company’s need for the proposed addition due to current space constraints that require employees to conduct virtual meetings despite being in the same location. He highlighted the absence of a conference room as a significant operational limitation and noted that the expansion would address these issues, facilitating better communication and collaboration within the company.

The expansion plans also involve removing an existing non-compliant shed, which would rectify a side setback variance issue. Trevalone mentioned that their parking space is shared with neighboring businesses, like a local restaurant and church, during off-hours.

A civil engineer, identified as Mr. Hollesman, provided expertise on the site plan, confirming that the lighting plan was designed to minimize spillover and meet township standards. The plan includes the addition of new parking spaces and landscaping improvements to offset tree removal necessary for the expansion. Hollesman also addressed traffic flow concerns, noting that the revised plans incorporate a designated loading area to prevent disruptions.

The board discussed various technical aspects, such as grading, drainage, and the impact of the addition on the site’s historical context. The applicant’s architect, Lawrence Lauce Appel of Appel Design Group, presented the architectural design, emphasizing that the addition would align with the existing structure and respect the area’s historic integrity. The architect noted that the front of the building would remain unchanged to preserve the streetscape, while the addition would be constructed at the rear of the property to minimize visibility from Church Street.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the project’s compliance with zoning regulations and maintaining the historical character of the Liberty Corner Historic District. Planner Donna Homequist provided a comprehensive analysis. The planner highlighted that the addition would not detract from the historic district’s integrity and would be compatible with existing structures.

Concerns regarding employee numbers and traffic were also addressed. The board discussed potential traffic impacts due to the increase in employees from 15 to 18, with a proposed cap of 25 employees to ensure compliance with zoning regulations. The idea of requiring future tenants to certify their employee numbers to the zoning officer was proposed to maintain oversight and compliance with any established limits.

The board members engaged in a collaborative discussion, reflecting on their observations from site visits. They concurred that the proposed office use would not generate significant traffic and supported the idea that the expansion would not detract from the Liberty Corner business district’s character. The board ultimately approved the application, subject to conditions such as employee limits and requirements for future occupancy changes.