The meeting commenced with the application from Raven Kop House, seeking to reestablish the use of picnic tables for outdoor dining, a practice initially adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application required minor site plan approval and several waivers due to the site’s pre-existing conditions. Mr. Tomakian, representing the applicant, noted the absence of any increase in impervious coverage and confirmed compliance with the board planner’s and engineers’ reports. He addressed the need for documentation on zoning charts, easements, and natural features. The board planner, Miss Winter, explained the necessity of these waivers, primarily related to the existing nature of the site with minimal changes proposed.

Maddie Kazani, the restaurant owner, detailed the operations, confirming consistent service hours from 11 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week, excluding January due to weather conditions. She assured that the outdoor dining would be serviced by staff, not counter service, and highlighted plans for lighting using floodlights and battery-operated lanterns. The board engineer verified that the fire department had no objections. The site engineer also confirmed the gravel area sufficed for drainage needs. With no concerns, the board moved to approve the application, allowing for the immediate use of outdoor tables, albeit at the applicant’s risk under township regulations.

Another focal point was the minor site plan application for a new Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant, proposed for a location previously occupied by Sports Clips and Berry Bowls. The new restaurant required several variances due to pre-existing non-conformities, including parking, signage height, and impervious coverage. The applicant argued that the change in use would decrease parking demand, aligning closer to conformity. The board discussed the need for waivers related to tax payments and site documentation, all of which were approved.

Ahmed Patel of Paripony DHC LLC, the operator, described the restaurant as a fast-casual establishment with counter service and takeout, seating approximately 39 patrons. The restaurant would operate daily from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with deliveries occurring twice a week. The site engineer confirmed no increase in impervious surface, and the traffic engineer, Sandy Kosa, assured the board of sufficient parking availability within the shopping center, noting a decrease in demand due to vacancies.

Further deliberations included the need for proper signage, which required a variance due to its proposed size exceeding permitted limits. Delaney, a planner involved with the application, testified that the signage would aid in wayfinding without causing visual clutter, asserting that the variances met land use law requirements. The board approved the application, contingent on conditions such as monitoring well coordination, oil storage screening, and site plan updates.

Public comments included Camille Pesha’s petition advocating for residential development on Century Drive instead of a proposed warehouse. Pesha articulated concerns over noise and disruptions from potential warehouse operations and urged the board to reconsider zoning for residential use. The board clarified that zoning decisions rested with the council, encouraging Pesha to pursue her advocacy at upcoming council meetings.