ECG New Jersey Incorporated, represented by Zoe Ferguson, sought approval to establish a place of worship within a 600-square-foot unit in a local shopping center. Architect Michael Tormi testified that the space would not undergo external construction and detailed the interior layout, which includes seating, a stage, restrooms, and emergency lighting. The anticipated occupancy capacity is approximately 49 people.

The board engaged with the applicant’s team over several issues, notably the lack of external features such as fences or shrubbery typically associated with places of worship and the analysis of parking availability. Tormi clarified that the commercial zoning of the area did not necessitate such features and explained that the space was suitable as it stood.

Sylvester Elliott, the lead pastor, provided insight into the expected congregation size, stating that approximately 35 people would attend Sunday services, with additional Bible studies anticipated on Wednesdays. The church also has plans to live stream services on Zoom and intends to create a small room for children, with a potential future addition of a cry room for babysitting.

Board members expressed concerns regarding the potential for future activities that could extend beyond the currently stated uses, such as parties or weddings. The church representatives emphasized that the location was intended solely for worship services. This led to discussions about the calculation of parking requirements based on square footage and considerations about the need for a caretaker in the children’s room.

The board’s planner applied a relaxed standard from a previous court case to both the positive and negative criteria for the D3 variance and presented an exhibit of a church in a residential zone to demonstrate the intended use of the property as per the zoning ordinance. The planner argued that the specific circumstances of the property justified the variances and suggested that the deficiency in parking spaces could be mitigated through conditions imposed on the applicant.

After a thorough debate on the long-term implications of the variances and their potential impact on future uses of the property, a motion was made to grant the variances with conditions. These conditions included restrictions on the number of attendees and prohibitions on food preparation and consumption during services. The motion was seconded and passed by the board members present.

The board’s decision to impose specific conditions aims to ensure that the worship space operates within the agreed parameters and that any potential issues related to parking and property use are proactively addressed.