One notable matter addressed was the informal review and subsequent approval of an application from the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center. The center proposed constructing a 24 by 30-foot pavilion to accommodate its growing services, such as Meals on Wheels, for residents on South Branch Road. The pavilion, designed for three-season use, will include electrical utilities but no restrooms, and plans for ADA-compliant sidewalks, landscaping, and associated grading and drainage improvements.

Board engineers raised concerns about stormwater management due to the added impervious surface, not previously considered in planning. The engineers recommended adopting best management practices to mitigate runoff issues. The applicant acknowledged these concerns and agreed to explore solutions, although they expressed reservations about installing dry wells due to high groundwater levels. Ultimately, the board unanimously approved the application, contingent on the applicant addressing all comments from board professionals and the fire marshal.

Another item on the agenda was Ordinance 2025-2, which proposed amendments to Chapter 188 concerning land use and development in the LI light industrial district. The ordinance, introduced by the township committee on January 28, 2025, aims to align with recent master plan amendments. It includes defining small-scale logistic facilities, revising existing definitions, and adjusting permitted uses and design standards. The ordinance is linked to a settlement agreement with the Lin entities, maintaining that the changes do not alter existing conditions or uses in the area. After some discussion, the board unanimously concurred with the ordinance as consistent with the township master plan.

The meeting also revisited the ongoing application by TBL LLC, which had been previously discussed in December 2024. The applicant’s engineer, Frank Farrell, presented a revised utility plan, leading to the elimination of two initially requested variances by opting for public water instead of wells. However, three variances remained, including one for a flag lot and another concerning multiple accesses off a shared driveway. Farrell emphasized that the design complied with conservation easements and proposed alterations did not affect the stream corridor. The board engaged in discussions on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of connecting a third lot to public water, ultimately determining the existing well to be sufficient.

Further debate ensued on the proposal for a flag lot utilizing a non-public roadway, designed to meet Rural Road standards. The project was presented as preserving the town’s rural character while addressing housing demand and aligning with zoning objectives. Variances were sought for the undersized lot width and the flag lot’s size, as well as for accommodating multiple principal uses off a unified access driveway. The applicant argued the variance requests were justified by hardship and outweighed any detriments.

The board discussed the driveway width, which was suggested to be narrowed to 18 feet based on fire department guidance, to provide future homeowners with more space for amenities. The applicant agreed to conditions regarding affordable housing contributions, consistent with township regulations.