The Board’s approval of the Tesla dealership marked a notable development for Old Bridge, as it involves a major commercial project poised to revitalize a key site along Route 9. The application, which had been discussed in previous meetings, includes demolishing an existing building and constructing a new facility to house the dealership. This approval was granted based on testimony from several professionals, including engineers and planners, and comes with specific conditions outlined in the resolution.

Reorganization was a central theme of the meeting. After James Sullivan’s and Doreen Chevalier’s appointments, Leon Scogno was nominated and approved as Secretary, and Lauren Pelli was appointed Vice Secretary without opposition. The Board also moved to appoint various consultants for the year, including Dy and Associates PC as board attorney and environmental Resolutions Inc and CME Associates as planning and engineering consultants, all of whom were approved unanimously.

The meeting also addressed administrative matters, including the adoption of the 2024 Zoning Board of Adjustment rules and regulations. No changes were noted from the previous year, and the motion to adopt the rules was passed without dissent.

As an item of continued business, the Board revisited the application for a D variance by Abilio and Elizabeth Tashera, who propose to demolish an existing building and construct a larger one for storing construction equipment and supplies on Englishtown Road. The application, represented by Peter Clauser, had been fully presented at the December 7th meeting but was postponed for voting due to an incomplete board. With a full board present, the variance was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously, with the caveat that the applicants must return for site plan review.

The Board members were commended for their voluntary service to the community and reminded of the busy year ahead, with the planning office having processed a near-record number of applications in the previous year.