The most discussion centered around the application by Martin Wong, who sought to construct a new home on Lawrence Road. Wong’s representative from the law firm Robert Gman presented the case, emphasizing the need for variances due to existing non-conformances related to lot area and width, and additional requests concerning impervious coverage and minimum front yard setbacks. The proposed project aimed to reduce impervious coverage from 54.2% to 48.9% and increase the front yard setback from 16 feet to 21 feet.

Wong testified that the new home was necessary for his growing family, who currently reside in a one-bedroom structure. He assured the board that the new three-bedroom home would better meet his family’s needs. However, the proposal raised concerns from several neighbors regarding potential drainage issues and privacy intrusions.

One resident, Robert Ki, questioned whether the new structure would have a larger footprint than the existing one, expressing concern about its impact on drainage. The project engineer, Tom Scrael, addressed these concerns by detailing the stormwater management plan, which included underground systems to manage roof water and connections to the township’s existing stormwater systems. Scrael assured that the project would not disturb existing improvements and that the revisions had been shared with township engineers, meeting all stormwater management requirements.

Despite these assurances, another resident, Patricia Vasto, raised additional concerns regarding the review by Fire and Rescue services and the potential for increased water pooling due to the three-foot drop between properties. Scrael responded that the proposed changes would reduce impervious surfaces, thus alleviating stormwater issues.

Further discussions involved the removal of existing features such as a large shed and an extensive paved driveway, which would be replaced with narrower, more pervious surfaces. The board also addressed concerns about the project’s impact on the neighborhood’s aesthetic and privacy, with suggestions for installing evergreen landscaping and a solid white plastic fence to mitigate these issues.

After thorough deliberation, the board voted unanimously to approve the application, recognizing the positive impact on stormwater management and the neighborhood. The decision was set to be memorialized at the next board meeting.

Another notable topic involved a contentious request from a resident to remove a condition from a 2018 resolution that prohibited parking in a specific area of her driveway. The resident argued that the restriction created unnecessary complications, especially during the winter months when street parking is reduced due to snow. A neighbor objected, citing that the driveway did not meet the required separation from the property line and that parking there infringed on his property rights. The board acknowledged the civil nature of the dispute but ultimately leaned towards granting the request, emphasizing the resident’s right to utilize her driveway.

In other matters, the board approved an application by Jane Lebard to replace her existing deck with a composite deck of the same footprint. The contractor confirmed that the new deck would maintain existing footings and allow water drainage through gaps between the boards. The board also approved Michael Moy’s request for a patio construction, advising him to consult with the municipal engineer regarding stormwater management issues before proceeding.

Additionally, the board considered a proposal for a two-story addition and driveway expansion at another property. The applicant emphasized the need for the addition to accommodate elderly parents with health issues. The architect detailed the plans, including a front yard variance request to reduce the setback from 40 feet to 25 feet. The board approved the application.