A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing an application from Diversified Acquisitions LLC. The applicant had previously received approval from the board, but due to a breakdown in communication with their former attorney, revisions to the resolution were requested. The applicant’s claim that self-storage use had been approved became a point of contention. Board members clarified that self-storage had never been part of the initial hearing process, making it necessary for the applicant to submit a new application if they intended to propose self-storage facilities. The board unanimously agreed to adopt a revised resolution without including any provisions for self-storage.

The board then moved on to other resolutions. A minor subdivision approval for John and Kathleen Troy Martin was granted unanimously. Approval was also given to submission waivers for SP11416249US9 LLC, and an extension of time for NJ Ruckle Realty LLC. Furthermore, the board reviewed and unanimously approved ordinance O-25-33. Each of these resolutions was passed with full support from the eligible voters present.

The meeting’s agenda also included a discussion on a preliminary major subdivision application from Bessador LLC. The application proposed a six-lot subdivision for high-end single-family homes, along with an open space lot. Michael Herbert from the law firm Parker McCay presented the case, emphasizing compliance with prior board directives. The existing dwellings along Church Road’s frontage would be removed, with the new lots featuring six half-acre residential spaces and a seventh lot designated as open space. The proposal included a sidewalk along Church Road and adjustments to water quality basins to reduce their size. Walter Hopkin, an engineering planner, provided further site plan details and answered board inquiries. The dialogue focused on the proposed sidewalk and curbing, stressing adherence to community planning standards.

The discussion shifted to another subdivision application, this time by Bestar LLC. Technical corrections were addressed, notably the requirement for a 50-foot buffer around the entire property. The board stressed that setbacks should be measured from this buffer to provide usable backyard space. Consensus was reached on implementing a deed restriction for the open land, preventing future subdivision attempts. The board suggested collaboration with the planning office to finalize the deed restriction boundaries, with a split rail fence marking the line. Questions about existing fencing, road design, and compliance with local ordinances were also addressed.

The board discussed the stormwater management plan. The importance of curbing along Church Road’s frontage was emphasized due to increasing pedestrian traffic. Street lighting was confirmed as part of the project, with maintenance responsibilities yet to be decided between the Homeowners Association or JCPNL. The complexities of road maintenance, particularly snow removal, were debated, contingent on the road’s public or private designation. Public roads would see the town responsible, whereas private roads would require HOA maintenance, potentially with town reimbursement under the Kelly Act.

Tree replacement requirements also arose during deliberations. The applicant sought a waiver due to a deficit in replacement trees, requiring a contribution to the town’s tree fund. The board recommended further collaboration with the township’s tree expert to enhance buffer areas, particularly along the southern property line.