14:16The most critical discussion of the evening focused on the contentious application from Dave and Test Lewis concerning their property on Battle Ridge Road. This case has persisted over several meetings due to its complexity and the neighborhood impact. The board revisited the concerns surrounding the property’s impervious coverage and its contribution to flooding in the area. The Lewis’s application sought to legalize a basketball court, shed, steps, deck, and patio, elements that had been in dispute for over three decades. The Lewis family, represented by Terosa Lewis, requested to carry the matter forward, citing complexities and conflicting guidance from various township departments.

The board’s discussion revealed that although the Lewis family agreed to remove the basketball court, the property’s impervious coverage remained a concern, still exceeding limits by 14%. The board attorney emphasized the need for a comprehensive engineered plan to address both the coverage and flooding issues. In response, the board proposed a special meeting on September 10th, contingent upon the submission of new plans 10 days in advance. This decision underscored the urgency felt by the board to address the persistent flooding, which was corroborated by attorney Kate Coffee, representing the Pinto family, who have been affected by the water issues. Coffee highlighted that the removal of the basketball court would not suffice without a professional analysis to mitigate the flooding.

32:26The meeting also addressed an application concerning a residential property on River Drive. An architect presented plans to demolish an existing flood-prone structure and construct a new two-story house that would meet New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection flood hazard requirements. While the plan involved moving the house back six feet to address non-conformities, three variances were still necessary, including for the front yard setback and building coverage. The board discussed the implications of these variances and the architect’s assurance that flood vents would be installed to manage water flow.

45:01In a separate matter, the board considered an application from Chick-fil-A to relocate a freestanding sign on Route 46. The original design proposed a 25-foot sign, which was revised to 15 feet to comply with local ordinances. The board deliberated on the necessity of a variance, concluding that none was required given the compliance with height regulations. The board approved the amended site plan, acknowledging the importance of maintaining visibility for the restaurant.

11:44Concluding the meeting, the board reviewed a straightforward application from Mecca, seeking to legalize an air conditioning unit installation that required a C variance. The unit had been installed in the same location as a previous unit but was slightly larger. The board found no opposition and swiftly approved the application.