Bernards Zoning Board Deliberates on Multiple Variance Requests Amid Concerns Over Water Management
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting that covered a range of zoning variance requests, the Bernards Zoning Board focused heavily on issues of stormwater management, property modifications, and the technicalities of impervious coverage. The board examined several applications, including a proposed pool installation that raised concerns about water runoff, along with variances for existing and proposed property features.
A notable segment of the meeting revolved around the application from Michael and Jasine Vubio, who sought to build a private swimming pool and related amenities on their property. The board scrutinized the request for a D1 use variance, alongside multiple bulk variances for the new construction. The Vubios emphasized their commitment to integrating the pool into their family home. Questions arose about the potential impact of the pool project on existing water runoff issues identified by neighbors. The board explored the layout, dimensions, and environmental implications, noting the need for precise management of water displacement given the property’s topography.
Further complicating the meeting, a resident, Walt Bolan, voiced concerns about water runoff from a neighbor’s pipe affecting his driveway, which he feared would worsen with the proposed pool. The board discussed the pool’s technical aspects, including the use of cartridge filters to minimize water discharge and the logistics involved in emptying the pool for maintenance. Despite assurances regarding setback compliance and water management strategies, the board decided to carry the application forward to a future session to allow for a site visit and further deliberation.
Another focal point was the application concerning a property on Valley Road, where the owner wished to replace an existing sunroom with a larger four-season room and install a new paved patio. The board examined the proposed increase in lot coverage, which was justified by the property’s grandfathered status, permitting more flexibility than the current stormwater ordinance allows. However, questions about the accuracy of property measurements were prominent, with reliance on outdated surveys raising doubts about the precision of the data presented.
The board debated the need for an as-built survey post-construction to verify compliance. Concerns about stormwater management persisted.
In another case, the board considered the Kalanins’ application, which also faced scrutiny regarding the accuracy of impervious coverage measurements. The historical alterations to the property, including driveway changes due to erosion, complicated the assessment. The board emphasized compliance with stormwater management requirements, particularly given the proposed expansion’s addition to impervious surfaces. The decision was made to postpone the application to gather more accurate data and address stormwater concerns adequately.
Additionally, the board reviewed a proposal for minor modifications to a residential patio, which involved setback variances for pre-existing conditions like a shed and driveway. The board deliberated on the implications of these variances and the potential adjustments to meet coverage requirements.
Janice M. Fields
Zoning Board Officials:
Jeanmarie Genirs, David Tancredi, Beth Pochtar, Lisamarie Baumann, Anil Agrawal, Karl Kraus, Kippy Piedici, Elizabeth Silver, Steven K. Warner, Esq. (Board Attorney), Thomas J. Quinn PE, CME (Board Engineer), David L. Schley, AICP/PP (Board Planner), Cyndi Kiefer (Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/04/2026
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Recording Published:
02/04/2026
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Duration:
171 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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