The proposal for oversized signage at Ever Home Suites sparked considerable discussion. EH Somerset LLC, represented by attorney John Duca, requested variances for two illuminated wall-mounted signs exceeding the ordinance’s size limits. The ordinance allows one sign with a maximum vertical height of three feet at each entrance. However, the proposal included signs measuring 150 square feet and 115.77 square feet, both larger than permitted. Duca emphasized the necessity of the larger signs for visibility in the high-traffic area, arguing that they were crucial for attracting guests. Witnesses Lynford Burkeholder and Timothy O’Donnell supported the application, citing technical and business reasons for the oversized signs, such as ensuring visibility from Easton Avenue and World’s Fair Drive. The board considered the hotel’s operational needs and traffic conditions but required further deliberation to assess the potential impact of the requested variances on the local area.

Simultaneously, the board evaluated a proposal to transform a triangular-shaped property on Elizabeth Avenue from a maintenance garage into a convenience store. Represented by Michael Svagi, the applicants sought a D1 variance due to the site’s location in the R10 zone, which does not permit the proposed use. The conversion aimed to enhance the site by removing the repair garage while maintaining gasoline sales. The convenience store, approximately 2,000 square feet, would operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving primarily as a fuel station with additional retail services. The board scrutinized several aspects, including operational logistics, parking adequacy, and site circulation.

The discussion revealed complexities related to delivery logistics, with representatives noting that deliveries would primarily consist of prepackaged items, alongside scheduled gasoline deliveries. Concerns were raised about the lack of dedicated loading areas and the potential for congestion, particularly during peak hours when vehicles might queue for fuel. The board debated the proposed six parking stalls against the calculated requirement for 17 to 18 spaces, considering the high turnover typical of convenience store operations. Questions about site accessibility and pedestrian safety were also prominent, with residents expressing apprehensions about traffic flow and parking spillover into adjacent areas.

As part of the proposal, significant architectural changes were planned, involving the removal of bay doors, installation of large glass windows, and additional landscaping to improve pedestrian access. The board emphasized the need for a cohesive architectural style across the site, including the convenience store, fuel canopy, and signage. However, concerns persisted regarding vehicular circulation, with board members stressing the need for vehicle movement studies to ensure safe site navigation.

The meeting also addressed the historical usage of a three-family house on Gerard Avenue. Despite discrepancies in documentation and concerns over the adequacy of evidence, the board ultimately recognized the property’s long-standing three-family use predating local zoning laws. Testimony from Belinda Baker, a former resident, supported the claim, detailing the house’s history as a multi-family residence since 1960. The board acknowledged the evidence presented, including photographs and testimonies, while noting the potential conflict with current single-family zoning regulations.