The board’s most pressing discussion revolved around ordinances 17 and 18, which were returned for review after a copy-and-paste error inadvertently increased restrictions on property owners. The board deliberated on the necessity of amending these ordinances to reflect the original intent of the master plan. Members expressed concern over language omissions, particularly the absence of minimum frontage requirements, which could necessitate zoning variances for properties that were previously compliant. The urgency to finalize these revisions was underscored by the approaching December 9 deadline, as residents, especially those in Malaga Village, were eager to commence building activities pending ordinance approval.

To address the identified inconsistencies, the board proposed modifications to explicitly state that no minimum lot area would be required, but a minimum frontage of 100 feet should be established to prevent the creation of excessively narrow lots, known as flag lots. The goal was to ensure a streamlined process for residents with existing lots while maintaining reasonable standards across all districts. The planner emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory clarity with the practical realities faced by property owners.

In parallel, the board reviewed an application for the development of contractor spaces on Delta Drive, intended for businesses such as plumbing and electrical services. The proposed site layout featured four buildings subdivided into eight units, each equipped with loading areas and storage facilities for contractor vehicles. The board considered several design waivers and variances, including a reduced agricultural buffer and the absence of sidewalks, due to the area’s limited foot traffic.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on building materials and aesthetics, with a debate over the use of pre-fabricated metal panels versus more traditional materials like stone or brick. Concerns were raised about the potential visibility of the rear buildings from Del Drive, leading to an agreement that all structures should incorporate stone elements along their facades for improved visual appeal.

Noise ordinances and operational restrictions were also topics, particularly due to the proximity of the proposed contractor spaces to residential areas. The board emphasized the importance of enforcing existing noise ordinances to prevent disturbances from heavy equipment operations outside standard business hours. Restrictions on operational machinery were debated, with a consensus that while machinery could be stored on site, it should not be used there.

The board also addressed tenant quality and relations with neighbors. Waste management responsibilities were clarified, with the landlord tasked with maintaining a common dumpster and ensuring tenants adhere to disposal regulations.

As the meeting progressed, the board summarized their decisions regarding the application, approving variances for the agricultural buffer, sidewalk waivers, and designated loading areas. The importance of documenting these decisions in accordance with community planning goals was highlighted.

In addition to these primary discussions, the meeting included a report from the township’s agricultural advisory committee, which detailed expenditures for farmland preservation and noted the preservation of over 3,300 acres within the township.