The meeting began with the board attorney, Martina Bailey, introducing the first item on the agenda: the application for a nail spa. The applicant presented her business model, emphasizing a focus on natural nail care, including manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. She noted that the operation would be appointment-based, serving five to eight clients per day, and would be dedicated to sanitary practices and high-quality service.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the zoning regulations. The property is located within a residential zone intended to support Cranbury’s historic district, which does not permit commercial uses like those proposed by the applicant. The board attorney explained the history of variances granted for the property, including one in 1984 for mixed-use and another in 2006 for personal services such as massage therapy and personal training. The current application sought to establish a nail spa, a type of personal service not included in past variances.

Board members questioned the applicant about the distinction between a nail salon and a nail spa. The applicant clarified that her focus was on high-quality products and personalized service, stating, “I take great care in service and I get to know each client individually with their needs.” Concerns about traffic and neighborhood impact were addressed, with the applicant noting that most supplies would be delivered to her home, minimizing deliveries to the spa location. She also confirmed that her space would be adjacent to a single-family home and described the access arrangements for clients.

The board also discussed the nature of the variance, debating whether it would remain with the property or the owner. The attorney confirmed that variances typically run with the land, meaning any future changes in ownership would not affect the granted permissions. The applicant reiterated her commitment to providing a serene and quality service environment, inviting board members to experience her offerings firsthand.

Several individuals provided testimonies in support of the proposed nail spa. Suzanne Savage, a retired physical education teacher, emphasized the importance of foot care for overall well-being, stating, “If you have any of those then that’s instrumental to having a calm day.” Peter Miller, identifying himself as the applicant’s husband, spoke on behalf of the community and the couple’s long-standing ties to Cranbury.

Operational aspects of the proposed spa were discussed in detail. The applicant clarified that the spa would operate on a reservation-only basis, with no immediate plans to hire employees. Concerns were raised about the potential for future tenants to utilize the space as a typical salon, which could lead to an influx of customers and parking issues. One board member suggested, “If she is successful… you don’t want 10 people all showing up at the same time because then the parking will become an issue.” The applicant confirmed that her operation would focus on one customer at a time, mitigating potential parking problems.

The proposed hours of operation were Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Thursday from 1 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The applicant affirmed her intention to comply with existing stipulations from a 2006 variance. Details about signage were also discussed, with the applicant indicating that her sign would conform to zoning ordinances, measuring 2 feet by 8 inches, and would prominently display the name “Gentle Healing Nail Spa.”

Waste management was another point of concern. The applicant mentioned that a commercial dumpster would be utilized, with pickups occurring once a week. There was debate over whether a trash enclosure should be mandated, with one member noting, “It would be kind of a onerous to put on… you need to build a trash enclosure,” indicating that such a requirement might not be necessary given the nature of the business. The visibility of the dumpster from the street was also discussed, concluding that it would not be a concern as it was located in the back of the property.

After thorough deliberations, a motion was made to approve the application for the nail spa. The board members voted unanimously in favor, with each member affirmatively acknowledging the motion. Following the approval, the applicant inquired about the timeline for opening her business and whether a soft opening might be possible prior to the formal adoption of the resolution scheduled for October. It was clarified that while she could prepare the space and move in some items, she could not officially open for business until the resolution was adopted. The Historic Preservation Commission confirmed that they had no objections to the proposed use, as no exterior alterations were planned.