A central focus of the meeting was the application for a minor subdivision on Main Avenue, spearheaded by the applicant’s representative Frederick Zelli. The proposal involved dividing the existing property, a corner lot with a single-family home, into two lots. This subdivision would allow for the construction of a new three-bedroom home on the newly created lot, intended for one of the applicant’s daughters. The current property measures 17,920 square feet, falling short of the R4 zoning requirement of 20,000 square feet. The new subdivision would further reduce the lot size, necessitating several variances, including for lot area, width, and setbacks.

Caputo, a seasoned architect, outlined the design of the new home, which would face Morris Street and reflect the architectural character of the neighborhood. He noted that the design choices aim to respect the existing environment without directly mimicking it, offering a modern yet modestly scaled structure. Concerns were raised about the absence of a garage, but Caputo contended that the available street parking on Morris Street and Main Avenue was sufficient.

The discussion also delved into the technical aspects of the project, particularly its impact on drainage and stormwater management. With the property lacking environmental constraints like wetlands or floodplains, the main concern was effectively handling stormwater runoff. The plan included connecting roof leaders to a catch basin at the intersection of Main Avenue and Morris Street, aiming to mitigate potential flooding issues raised by residents, including concerns from a neighboring property owner, Marilyn Shriber. Shriber voiced apprehensions about increased water seepage into her basement, exacerbated by previous local construction. In response, the development team assured that their drainage strategy, involving sump pumps and storm sewer connections, would alleviate rather than worsen the situation.

Beyond the subdivision application, the board engaged in a broader dialogue about zoning regulations, particularly regarding commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. The existing ordinance, LU124.2, restricts outdoor overnight parking of commercial vehicles in single-family zones. The board considered revising these regulations, proposing a shift from defining commercial vehicles by load capacity to using the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This change would align the township’s standards with contemporary vehicle sizes and address resident concerns about regulatory burdens on those using work vehicles at home.

The board also discussed potential amendments to density regulations, contemplating an increase in allowable dwelling units per acre from five to twelve in certain zones. This proposal prompted mixed reactions, with some members cautioning against significant density increases that might disrupt the character of specific areas, such as local hamlets. The board recognized the need for a tailored approach, considering the unique context of each zone.

In a related matter, the board reviewed ordinance amendments regarding ground floor apartments, refining language to clarify applicability to village and hamlet zones. This effort is part of ongoing initiatives to update and streamline zoning regulations.