The most notable development involved the board’s decision to authorize a preliminary investigation into 1213 West Park Avenue. Members deliberated over whether the property should be classified as an area in need of redevelopment. Despite a discrepancy in the property’s designation on the tax map, which one member noted referred to it as block one instead of 1.22, the board proceeded with the investigation. It was clarified that the investigation would not involve eminent domain powers.

The board’s role in this process was limited to determining if the property meets redevelopment criteria. The planning board’s findings and recommendations will be reported back to the township council. During the discussion, implications of a positive or negative determination were considered, including the necessary procedures such as public hearings and notifying the property owner. Ultimately, the board’s decision was to authorize CME to complete the investigative report.

Another topic was the board’s review of a minor subdivision application for property on Norwood Avenue, overseen by Schlommo Jamal as trustee of the Lisa Jamal 2018 irrevocable trust. The application sought approval to divide an existing lot into two conforming lots. One lot, designated 10.02, is under construction, while the other, 10.01, will remain vacant but will undergo minor site improvements such as curb replacement and street tree additions.

The applicant’s attorney, Anthony Soro, clarified that the application aimed to eliminate a previous variance by removing a hedge, thus making the subdivision variance-free. Engineer Patrick Ward confirmed that both lots exceeded the required dimensions for the R4 zone and met all necessary criteria. The board unanimously approved the application after confirming that the tree replacement ordinance would apply to any new development on lot 10.01.

The board also tackled a minor subdivision application involving Rebecca and Eric Brown and Ryan and Gabriella Sherman, concerning property on Wikipekco Drive. This case aimed to correct discrepancies in a previous subdivision plan, discovered during a new survey. The applicants proposed to subdivide the lot into three conforming lots, similar to the original plan but based on corrected survey data.

Kevin Assad, representing the applicants, highlighted that only a variance for an existing condition was needed. Engineer Charles Serant provided further details about the subdivision amendment. The board scrutinized the technical aspects of the application, ultimately approving the subdivision amendment.

Another topic of interest was the discussion about a survey error related to property owned by Faith Baptist Church. The survey, revised due to a title search that revealed historical changes in parcel assembly and street relocation, resulted in adjustments to lot sizes. Despite the reduction in size of Lot 1.01 by approximately 2,900 square feet, it remained conforming, and no previously approved variances were affected.

The board confirmed that a tree waiver was unnecessary, with plans for 11 street trees to be submitted. Future development on the vacant lot would adhere to the tree replacement ordinance. The board approved the survey modifications.

Additionally, the board briefly addressed the municipality’s updated stormwater management plan, requiring consistency with the master plan. Although specifics of the plan were not discussed, it was deemed unlikely to conflict with the master plan. The board voted in favor of the plan’s consistency.