The application for the church, represented by Salvator Alfieri, sought conditional use variance, preliminary and final major site plan, and bulk variance relief. The proposed new structure, intended to hold 318 seats, generated detailed deliberation regarding its size, parking arrangements, and traffic impact. A licensed planner presented the variances required for the church’s conditional use, underlining the unique challenges of the property, such as its undersized lot and the presence of a cemetery.

One of the issues addressed by the board was the proposed parking layout for the church. The plan included the removal and replacement of existing accesses, parking lot, and driveway entrances. It also comprised the provision of five tandem parking spaces, stacked staff parking spaces, and a potential shared parking arrangement with a neighboring school. The adequacy of the parking area during peak times, and the church’s agreement with the neighboring school for additional parking spaces were of particular focus. The pastor of the church provided testimony confirming the church’s activities and the use of building spaces and clarified that the older church building would be dedicated to youth ministry. He also discussed the food pantry operated by the church, which had been established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, the church’s architect, Richard Tokarski, addressed technical comments from the planner’s report and agreed to work with the town on required revisions, particularly concerning the rear elevation of the building. The board inquired about the height of the building, including the steeple, which exceeded the permitted limit. The need for a variance for this excess was discussed, and the architect justified the height as necessary for accommodating communal spaces and mechanical needs.

The board also heard from John Ray, a traffic expert, who updated them on a traffic study for the church. This study included revised traffic counts and projections for increased attendance due to the sanctuary’s expansion. The board’s concerns about traffic congestion and safety led to discussions about traffic control measures, including pedestrian crossing signs and speed limit enforcement.

Discussions on the church’s expansion plans extended to the implications for local traffic patterns. The board deliberated over solutions to ensure pedestrian safety, particularly concerning crossings from the daycare center parking lot to the church. The potential impact of future ownership changes on parking agreements with the daycare center was also considered. The need for traffic calming measures, such as solar-powered flashing speed limit signs, was discussed.

The board moved on to discuss the case of Nicholas Morocco, who applied for a variance to construct a swimming pool and patio in the front yard of a through lot in an R2 Zone. Board members agreed to approve Morocco’s application with certain conditions, considering the lot’s unique status and compliance with bulk standards.

Additionally, the board deliberated on an extension of time for Sucutus Realty LLC’s application, showing concerns about the lengthy process and the necessity for timely completion of work. The board granted two one-year extensions, setting the new deadline to January 11, 2025. Concerns were also raised regarding the adjournment of application number BA 22-11 for Aaron Peer and Yehuda Brown, with a suggestion that it should be dismissed if not ready by August 31st.