Central to the meeting’s discussions was the proposed land development on Lot 12, which involved the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The applicant’s engineer, Craig Styers, provided extensive details concerning the existing conditions of the property, the history of the area, and the intended subdivision plan. This included addressing encroachments by the existing garage and shed, as well as the plans for their removal and the construction of the new dwelling.

The board’s scrutiny extended to various aspects of the development including setbacks, the floor area ratio of the proposed house, and the need to maintain consistency with the neighborhood’s character. Concerns were particularly pronounced regarding the impact of construction on the area’s drainage. A member shared personal experiences about managing water on their property. The discussion examined the specifics of a drainage easement, the location of a storm pipe, and the effects of the proposed construction on the existing infrastructure.

Public comments amplified the concerns about potential flooding and drainage, with resident William Roed recounting two significant floods in the area and a newly built house experiencing flooding. Katie Russos, a neighbor across the street, provided historical context, noting previous unsuccessful attempts to subdivide the lot due to drainage concerns. She stressed the township’s past denials of subdivision over worries about the impact on water drainage. The public’s apprehensions about historical drainage issues and the subdivision’s potential exacerbation of flooding were evident.

In response to the public’s concerns, the board discussed the need for further investigation into the drainage system, including the potential disturbance of existing pipes during construction. Questions were raised about a pipe running from the property and the lack of information provided to residents about the subdivision plans. The board contemplated conducting on-site reconnaissance to better understand the current drainage situation and the effects of removing the existing pipe.

Testimony from Miss H, who purchased a property in 2019, shed light on her extensive efforts to improve the property and her intentions to build a smaller home next door. Having invested approximately $172,000 in improvements and removed considerable waste, she presented photos to demonstrate the transformation. Her commitment to further enhance another multi-family home in the neighborhood was also discussed. Despite the board’s concerns about flooding and the impact of new construction on an adjacent lot, Miss H conveyed her readiness to tackle drainage issues.

The meeting further delved into the technicalities of the proposed development, with discussions on zoning requirements, the doctrine of lot merger, and the architectural plans for the new home on Lot 12. There were debates over building on Lot 12, considering setbacks, and the viability of construction on a lot with different ownership. The potential removal of the existing garage on Lot 13 and the materials of driveways on both lots were also topics of concern.

Lastly, the meeting included a resolution authorizing the planning board to conduct a preliminary investigation of a municipal waste site for potential redevelopment. The rescheduling of the master plan workshop to May 22nd was addressed, with the next meeting set for May 7th.