Bernardsville Planning Board Approves Major Affordable Housing Project with Stipulated Conditions

Overview: The Bernardsville Planning Board recently approved a municipally sponsored affordable housing project. The meeting witnessed discussions on a range of topics, including the development’s amended preliminary and final site plans, parking regulations for affordable housing, and amendments to the building’s design to ensure compliance with fire safety recommendations.

Bernardsville Board Advances Affordable Housing Projects Amid Debate

Overview: The Bernardsville Planning Board’s recent meeting primarily centered on the progress of various affordable housing projects in the area. The discussions were robust, covering a range of issues from building layouts and signage to parking ratios and environmental concerns. The most significant outcome of the meeting was the approval of an amended preliminary and final site plan for a municipally sponsored affordable housing project, with a 5-1 vote in favor. This development plan includes 12 affordable housing units and has been a subject of considerable revision to address previous comments from the board and professionals. The revisions include the reduction of the retaining wall height to allow for sufficient light and air, addressing the trail easement with the borough, and ensuring building safety in response to the Fire official’s comments.

Long Hill Planning Board Approves Home Office for Acupuncturist with Specific Conditions Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: In a recent Long Hill Planning Board meeting, the board approved an application for an acupuncturist to operate a home office under specific conditions, addressing a range of concerns from community impact to zoning regulations. The approval, which followed a detailed examination of the implications for neighborhood character and potential traffic issues, permits the practice with limitations on operation days and the number of patients per day, eschewing the need for a deed restriction to be filed in the county clerk’s office.

Somerville Zoning Board Meeting Focuses on Bank of America Site Upgrades and Appointment of Planner and Engineer

Overview: At the recent Somerville Zoning Board meeting, the board discussed a variety of matters including the swearing-in of new member Eric Alvarez and the election of Arthur Adair as chairman. Additional noteworthy topics included the proposed site upgrades for the Bank of America building and the appointment of Michael Cole as planner and engineer. The upgrades include new signage, HVAC equipment, and other site improvements, with discussions on the requested variances and design waivers. The appointment of Mr. Cole raised concerns about transparency and the impact on ongoing applications.

Old Bridge Township Zoning Board Addresses Multiple Variances, Emphasizes Permit Compliance

Overview: At the recent Old Bridge Township Zoning Board meeting, several homeowners sought variances for property improvements ranging from driveway expansions to deck constructions. The meeting also saw Louis Izzo sworn in as a full voting member and an alternate member, D Singh, welcomed aboard. A D1 use variance relief application for a property on Englishtown Road was discussed and approved, paving the way for the demolition of an existing structure and the construction of a new building for storing construction equipment and supplies.