The December 7th meeting opened with a moment of silence for Pearl Harbor and Hanukkah greetings. The board then efficiently navigated through the scheduled agenda. One highlight was the unanimous approval of the application 37-2023 Z, for Oldbridge Properties LLC, which proposed a Tesla dealership at the former Lowe’s property. After reviewing revised site plans and a traffic update, the board expressed support for the project, citing its potential positive impact on the community. There were no public comments or objections, and the plan was approved.

The board also addressed an application for a storage building on Englishtown Road. The property, used as a secondary location for a Construction Company, had recent zoning issues that prompted the need for a use variance. The company plans to construct a 6550-square foot building to store construction materials and equipment, aiming to improve the visual aspect of the site and eliminate outdoor storage. The board members discussed the company’s past use of the property and its efforts to address the zoning violations, emphasizing the need to clean up the site and bring it into compliance with the town’s regulations. The discussion also brought up environmental considerations, including wetlands delineation and flood hazard verification.

Another significant topic of discussion was a proposal for a new building on a separate property. The board expressed concerns about the building’s design, landscaping, and potential impact on the surrounding residential area. The planner highlighted the site’s isolation due to surrounding wetlands, supporting the proposal as an appropriate use of the property. The special reasons for the proposal’s approval were identified as promoting economic development and utilizing the land effectively. The board discussed the potential impact on the surrounding residential area and the need for further adjustments to the building’s design and site features.

The board also discussed the town’s municipal land use law to promote a desirable visual environment and efficient use of land. The planner presented a thorough analysis highlighting the historical non-residential use of the property dating back to 1957, as well as the site’s isolation from traditional residential neighborhoods due to wetlands. The planner also addressed the potential impact on the neighborhood and the Zone plan, emphasizing the need for an upgrade and the potential benefits of the proposed use.