Millburn Zoning Board Contemplates Solar Panels for St. Rose Lima Church
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/17/2024
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Recording Published:
06/17/2024
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Duration:
213 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Millburn
- Meeting Overview:
During a recent meeting, the Millburn Town Zoning Board addressed several significant proposals, with the most newsworthy being the discussion around installing solar panels at St. Rose Lima Catholic Church. The church’s initiative to adopt renewable energy and lower its electricity expenditures drew attention, as the board scrutinized the project’s requirements for variances, such as side yard buffers, setbacks from street lines, and the height of the panels. Representatives for the church presented their case, emphasizing the alignment of the project with the town’s sustainability goals and the subsequent need for approval following initial construction steps. The debate also included considerations for the visual impact of the solar panels on neighboring properties and the church’s continued functionality as a house of worship post-installation.
Following the focus on the church’s solar project, the board engaged in thorough deliberation over the Paper Mill Playhouse’s proposal for expansion and renovation. The executive director of the theater outlined the significant economic and cultural contributions of the institution to the local community, detailing the vision for an updated and more accessible Carriage House. The plans, aiming to bring the theater into the 21st century, include a multi-year construction schedule and substantial fundraising efforts, with a portion of the required $43 million already secured.
Discussions also touched upon the potential for the Carriage House to host a variety of events and the implications for parking and community impact. Public concerns surfaced about the ramifications of construction, including noise, light pollution, and the historical context of the area. The speaker assured those present that there would be efforts to minimize disruptions and that there were no plans to increase bus traffic.
Additional topics covered during the meeting included various residential pool proposals, each raising issues of environmental impact, zoning variances, and neighborhood suitability. One application highlighted the family’s unique health considerations, advocating for a saltwater pool to accommodate a child with activity-induced asthma. Other proposals sparked discussions on property size, landscaping, and adherence to zoning requirements, with decisions for some applications deferred to future meetings.
Another point of interest was a proposal for a carport installation with solar panels. Technical aspects such as fire lane clearance, water drainage, and the integration of solar technology were examined, with the board seeking to reconcile aesthetic concerns with environmental benefits.
The urgency of the application process for a lease and the acquisition of a parking lot was also a matter of priority, stressing the importance of expedited planning to secure funding for projects. The board underscored the need for all necessary approvals and variances to be in place, as well as coordination with the Historic Preservation Commission, to address the possible impact on local traffic and parking.
Annette Romano
Zoning Board Officials:
Craig Ploetner, Jessica Glatt, Joe Caulfield, Chandru Harjani, Amy Lawrence, Gary Rosen, Regina Truitt, Robert Simon (Board Attorney), Eileen Davitt (Zoning Officer/Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/17/2024
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Recording Published:
06/17/2024
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Duration:
213 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Millburn
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