Cape May Zoning Board Approves Vital Elevator for Special Needs Accessibility
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Cape May Zoning Board took steps to improve the life of a young resident named Abigail, who is confined to a wheelchair due to critical eye impairment. The board discussed and approved a variance request for the construction of an exterior elevator tower at a summer home. This decision stood out in the meeting as it directly impacts the well-being of a family and addresses essential accessibility concerns within the community.
The board moved on to address the specifics of the elevator proposal, which was designed to be unobtrusive and meet all relevant engineering standards. The elevator’s addition would enable Abigail to move from the ground level to the first, second, and third floors independently. The family assured the board that the elevator would not change the intensity of use on the property or the parking needs.
During the presentation, witnesses outlined the current conditions of the site and the proposed construction plans. The architect, accepted as an expert by the board, detailed that the construction would not expand the building’s footprint or occupancy. The proposal also confirmed adherence to setbacks, building height, and flood regulations. The board engineer was sworn in, and the presentation emphasized the limited impact on the property while preserving light, air, and open space. It was asserted that the proposed construction would not be detrimental to the public good.
The board members engaged in discussions about the design of the elevator and its potential effects on the surrounding area. Questions arose about the engineering assessment and the elevator’s access to the garage. There was also a debate regarding the placement of the elevator and its impact on the floor area ratio. Despite these concerns, the detailed insights into the proposed elevator addition revealed careful consideration of all aspects of the project.
In addition to the elevator construction, the board reviewed a variance request related to the floor area ratio of a semi-detached dwelling. After the board engineer corrected a typo in the report, it was clarified that the proposed floor area ratio of 0.53 slightly exceeded the requirement of 0.50, necessitating a d variance and five affirmative votes. The board looked over conditions concerning stormwater management, landscaping, sidewalk replacement, inspection escrow fee, and compliance with state, county, and local approvals. The fire department, public works department, and shade tree commission had recommended approval with no comments. The board ultimately voted to approve the variance request after public comments, including endorsements from two nearby residents who expressed no concerns about the proposed construction.
The meeting also included the adoption of several resolutions for different properties, a withdrawn application, and the announcement of an adjourned application set to be heard at a future meeting. However, these procedural elements, while necessary for the board’s operation, paled in comparison to the impact of the decisions made regarding the elevator construction and the floor area ratio variance.
Zachary Mullock
Zoning Board Officials:
Marissa McCorkle, Michael Yeager, William Bezaire, Dennis Crowley, Robert Gorgone, Richard Lundholm, Marilyn Reed, Michael Jones (Vice Chairperson with Environmental Commission), Norman Ledwin, Mary Notch, Stacy Sheehan, Sam Venuto (Vice Chairperson), Timothy Walsh, Theresa Werner (Chairperson), Marvin Zektzer
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/25/2024
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Recording Published:
07/25/2024
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Duration:
56 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Cape May County
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Towns:
Cape May
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