The most notable discussion centered around the appeal regarding the zoning designation for a proposed luxury car storage facility at 639-645 South Avenue. Represented by attorney Carol Aly, the applicant, Mr. Albano, sought to overturn a zoning officer’s decision that such a facility was not a permitted use in the area. Aly argued that the proposed facility was similar to the existing limousine business, which had been operational since 2010 and was permitted to store and dispatch vehicles under a prior resolution. She emphasized that the luxury car storage would fit within the same industrial classification, citing the proximity of other auto-related businesses and a light industrial zone nearby.

Mr. Albano detailed his vision for the property, describing it as a climate-controlled storage space aimed at car collectors who need secure storage for vehicles that are not frequently driven. The facility would operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited service visits per vehicle each year. Albano assured the board that the business model would result in minimal foot traffic and disruptions, focusing on maintaining the building’s aesthetic appeal with landscaping improvements and upgraded exterior lighting that would avoid excess sky glow.

Board members scrutinized the proposal, particularly the increase in vehicle capacity from the previously permitted 18 to 50, and questioned the potential impact on the area. Albano clarified that the building’s footprint would remain the same, and the increased number of stored vehicles, primarily luxury and classic cars, would likely have less impact than the previously allowed limousines. The board deliberated whether to impose a vehicle limit or prohibit the installation of car lifts to prevent future capacity increases. They also discussed enhancing fire safety measures and ensuring compliance with prior use variance conditions.

In tandem with the car storage discussion, the board addressed the regulation of food trucks within Garwood. Concerns were raised about food trucks operating on private properties and along South Avenue. There was a consensus on the need for clearer regulations, suggesting that food trucks operating publicly should require board approval, while those for private events should not be subjected to the same scrutiny. The board considered potential ordinances that could either prohibit food trucks across all zones or allow them only in specific zones with board approval, recognizing the legal implications of a blanket prohibition.

Apart from these issues, the meeting featured a presentation by Michael Mstr from Harbor Consultants on the borough’s affordable housing efforts. He outlined the requirements for the upcoming fourth round housing plan, due by June 30, 2025, and assured attendees that all related documents would be available for public review. This presentation prompted public commentary from Bruce Patterson, who raised concerns about the borough’s affordable housing obligations and the impact of recent developments on median income calculations. He argued that adhering to these obligations could lead to overdevelopment and urged reconsideration of long-term tax abatements for developers.

Patterson also inquired about the status of the borough’s obligation for 31 units of “present need” affordable housing. He suggested potential zoning changes and partnerships with the school district to address the educational costs associated with new developments. The planning board ultimately entered into an executive session to further discuss housing-related matters and briefly considered claims before concluding the meeting.