The January 24th meeting of the Maple Shade Planning Board commenced with a notable moment of silence in memory of a former councilman and board member, recognizing his contributions to the community. Following this, the board swiftly moved to its reorganization, which is an essential annual process to ensure the smooth functioning of the board. Joe Dugan was reinstated as the chairperson, while Justin Bennett received the nomination for vice chair.

Further appointments included the vital roles of the board’s attorney and engineer, with Steven J. Boraske and Fred Turek fulfilling these positions, respectively. Their expertise is crucial in guiding the board through legal and technical aspects of planning and development within Maple Shade.

One notable issues highlighted during the meeting was the resignation of the board’s secretary. The absence of a secretary posed immediate challenges, as evidenced by the difficulty in documenting the meeting accurately and processing resolutions without the customary roll call. The board members did not mince words in expressing their admiration for the former secretary’s careful work and acknowledged the challenge they face in finding a competent replacement.

Among the critical resolutions discussed and approved was a change of use and site plan waiver for a new retail franchise, specifically a Mattress By Appointment store, set to operate on Loop bonus block 189 lot 4.04. During the discussion, a debate emerged over a condition or representation by the applicant regarding the Luke bonus, which was resolved without a roll call due to the secretary’s absence.

The board also revisited a previous resolution concerning the SAR and Hooka Lounge, adding a condition that prohibits the consumption of alcohol and marijuana on the premises and mandates appropriate signage to inform patrons.

New business included addressing deficiencies in three applications for properties located on Willow Road, 20 East Main Street, and East Main Street. These applications were not heard during the meeting but were scheduled to be continued on February 28th, 2024. The board took this opportunity to also approve the appointment of an environmental engineer for ER Mar C. Cover.

During the meeting, there was a moment of confusion concerning the approval of resolutions, specifically between the Luke Bonus and SAR and Hooka Lounge resolutions. Despite this mix-up, the resolutions were ultimately approved with the necessary conditions being effectively incorporated.

The conclusion of the meeting saw a motion to adjourn, with board members exchanging well wishes and emphasizing the importance of the community’s involvement in their work. The next meeting was announced for February 28th, 2024, and members reminded the public to confirm the schedule to prevent unnecessary trips to the board meetings.