At the forefront of the meeting was Anthony Anteneelli’s application for a waiver from the township’s ordinance, which mandates a four-sided dumpster enclosure. Anteneelli, the applicant for a property on West Main Street, expressed frustration with the prolonged process of finding a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for dumpster placement. He noted the financial and logistical burdens imposed by the ordinance, stating that his initial designs, which included multiple dumpsters, were costly and impractical for the limited space available at his property. Anteneelli had since opted for a single eight-yard dumpster, which he argued was more suitable for his site.

Fred Turk, the planning board’s engineer, provided context by explaining that the requirement for a dumpster enclosure originated from a prior site plan approval for a Mexican restaurant. Turk emphasized the importance of maintaining community aesthetics and preventing littering through compliance with township ordinances. However, the placement of the original trash enclosure had been problematic, as it was located on a public right-of-way. This situation required the enclosure to be relocated onto private property, in line with state law and township regulations.

The discussion revealed that the ordinance, which had not been strictly enforced since its enactment in 2017, posed challenges for businesses like Anteneelli’s. The planning board considered the idea of a regional trash enclosure to serve multiple businesses along Main Street, potentially alleviating individual burdens. Nonetheless, the immediate focus remained on whether to grant Anteneelli’s waiver request.

Further complicating matters, the planning board encountered technical and legal aspects of the proposed dumpster solutions. Concerns were raised about the legality and feasibility of placing a dumpster on township property without proper agreements, with board members clarifying that such decisions fell within the jurisdiction of the township manager and council, not the planning board. Anteneelli’s request for relief aimed to allow his business to progress towards opening, as the ongoing dumpster situation hindered inspections for two businesses.

As the board deliberated, the conversation touched on the need for temporary solutions and potential future adjustments if a new business takes over. The dialogue highlighted the intricacies of balancing regulatory compliance with practical business needs, as well as the broader implications of enforcing ordinances on local businesses. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution.

In addition to the dumpster waiver discussion, the board addressed a resolution for Friendly Greens LLC, which involved site plan approval with specific design waivers and a change of use on block 189, lot 4.02. The resolution stirred debate over the inclusion of a stipulation that allowed for the removal of a fourth drive-through lane if deemed necessary by the township fire official. Board members expressed concern over the wording of the resolution, noting that it did not align with their original motion, which intended for the lane to remain permanently closed. The absence of a formal fire official report further complicated the matter, leading to calls for clarity and adherence to legal requirements.

Another topic was the discussion of Maple Shade Township Council Ordinance 2025-12 and its consistency with the master plan. The ordinance proposed removing the requirement for an endorsement from the cannabis advisory board before planning board applications, a provision deemed inconsistent with the master plan. The board recommended that the amendment align with the master plan’s purposes and goals, following a unanimous vote.

Finally, the meeting addressed public concerns regarding sidewalk requirements for new construction. A member of the public highlighted inconsistencies in enforcing sidewalk installations, citing a previously approved bank that was not required to install sidewalks despite ordinance stipulations. Board members acknowledged the importance of sidewalks for pedestrian safety and accessibility, especially in commercial areas.