Planning Board Approves Variance and Revised Site Plan for Cubes at US22 Sub1 LLC Project
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
02/08/2024
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Duration:
36 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Warren County
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Towns:
Lopatcong
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the local Planning Board witnessed developments regarding the Cubes at US22 Sub1 LLC project at the former Philipsburg Mall site. The board approved a critical variance for stormwater management and the revised site plan, which includes substantial changes in site circulation and stormwater design. Moreover, the board conducted its annual reorganization, appointing Robert Samson as chairman, Susan DiLeo as vice chair, and Beth Dilts as secretary. The meeting also touched upon the need for revisions to the zoning ordinance related to non-conforming structures.
The core of the meeting revolved around the presentation by Chris Costa, representative of the Cubes at US22 Sub1 LLC, who outlined the proposed amendments to their ongoing project. The amendments emphasized a redesign of truck circulation within the site to ensure a clear separation from passenger vehicle traffic. This move is aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of internal site operations.
One of the key changes included a variance request concerning the slope of one of the stormwater basins. Reeves explained that the variance would allow the basin to be closer to the property line, a positioning that is consistent with the area’s intended industrial and commercial use. Furthermore, the board assessed the measures proposed to control truck traffic, including the installation of a gate and comprehensive wayfinding signage.
The Planning Board delved into the topic of stormwater management, focusing on the proposed location for a basin. This discussion encompassed the basin’s drainage capabilities, the site’s topography, and the need to repair the existing basin. Adjustments in response to the fire official’s comments were also presented, which included the addition of a new hydrant to improve fire safety measures.
Further modifications to the site plan were scrutinized, such as alterations to the driveway, a reduction in trailer drop stalls, and a decrease in the number of loading docks, while maintaining the original building size. The board evaluated the project’s adherence to various comments and addressed concerns related to buffer width, landscaping, traffic flow, and sight distances for trucks, culminating in the board’s unanimous vote to approve the variance for stormwater and the revised site plan.
Additionally, the assembly considered a proposal to revise the zoning ordinance that pertains to pre-existing non-conforming structures. This discussion highlighted the concerns some members had with the current regulations and underscored the need for potential revisions to accommodate the evolving landscape of the community.
The reorganization of the board was also a focal point of the meeting. Members took oaths of office, with new and returning faces among the board, including Andrew Melendez, James Palitto, Robert Samson, and Anita Caughy. The election of officers followed, leading to Robert Samson being named chairman, Susan DiLeo as vice chair, and Beth Dilts as secretary. The reorganization consent agenda passed, which included setting the annual meeting calendar, reappointing the attorney, planner, and engineer for the board, and adopting the rules that will govern the meetings for the coming year.
An important procedural update was the board’s discussion on modifying resolution 2405, which entailed the removal of the second public comment period from meetings. This change required members to acknowledge and adapt to the revised rules and regulations.
William Wright
Planning Board Officials:
Andrew Melendez, James Palitto, Robert Samson, Susan DiLeo, Anita Caughy, Kermit Hartman, Ann Coyle, Brian Weeks, Robyn George, James Bryce (Attorney), M. Beth Dilts (CMC/CMR/Administrator), George Ritter (Planner), Paul Sterbenz PE (Engineer)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
02/08/2024
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Duration:
36 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Warren County
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Towns:
Lopatcong
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