Chatham Zoning Board Greenlights Contested Garage and Stairway Projects Amidst Legal Debates

Overview: In a detailed and multifaceted meeting on September 26, 2024, the Chatham Zoning Board of Appeals tackled several applications, including a contested proposal for a garage on Ridgeville Road and a long-debated stairway at Shore Road. The board members navigated complex legal arguments and community concerns to reach unanimous decisions on these and other applications.

Berkeley Heights Zoning Board Considers Settlement to Avoid Costly Litigation Over Development Dispute

Overview: The Berkeley Heights Zoning Board meeting focused heavily on the settlement of ongoing litigation involving a contested development project on Mountain Avenue. The board deliberated on the merits of a proposed settlement agreement to resolve the dispute, which would allow for the construction of four single-family homes alongside an existing church. This settlement arose from previous board decisions denying subdivision and variance relief, which led the applicant to file a complaint challenging the board’s decision as arbitrary and unsupported. The potential for the litigation to broaden into federal claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act further complicated matters, prompting the board to weigh the risks and costs associated with continued legal battles.

Piscataway Township Zoning Board Grants Variance for Solar Panels at Wawa Store

Overview: The Piscataway Township Zoning Board held a detailed meeting where decisions included granting a variance for solar panel installation at a Wawa convenience store and extending a temporary use permit for a property on Hose Lane. Other discussions covered variances for fences, sheds, and a proposed townhouse development.

Princeton Zoning Board Grapples with Environmental Concerns in Pool and ADU Proposals

Overview: During the latest Princeton Zoning Board meeting, substantial environmental and zoning challenges emerged as members deliberated on a proposal for a swimming pool on Stony Brook Lane and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on Mount Lucas Road.

Westport Zoning Board Grants Special Permit for Storage Facility with Strict Conditions on Vehicle Storage

Overview: The Westport Zoning Board meeting focused on several issues, with the most significant being the approval of a special permit for a storage facility expansion in the aquifer protection district. The board discussed conditions to ensure environmental safety and community concerns were addressed, particularly regarding vehicle storage and stormwater management.