0:02The meeting, conducted via Zoom, centered on the primary application for a minor site plan with conditional use at the sewage treatment facility located on River Road. The application sought to demolish a 28-year-old office trailer and install a larger structure with improved accessibility features, including an ADA-compliant ramp. The new trailer, designed to increase the facility’s capacity from 13.06 million gallons per day to potentially 20 million gallons per day, aimed to enhance the operational efficiency of the site.

14:45Dante Alfieri, representing the applicant, introduced Michael Nexon, an engineer with expertise in civil and environmental engineering, to present the specifics of the proposal. Nexon outlined the project details, highlighting that the new trailer, measuring 60 by 23 feet, would maintain existing access and parking arrangements. He assured the board of the continuity of essential services, including water and fire protection, provided by a 20-inch line from New Jersey American Water.

A critical aspect of the discussion was the potential impact of the project on the local environment and community. Nexon addressed concerns about impervious coverage, confirming that the site would remain under the 400 square foot limit for minor projects and that the drainage area for impervious surfaces would remain consistent. The board also considered the adequacy of current parking facilities, with the sewage plant’s engineering manager affirming that the 41 parking spaces on site were sufficient for the 46 employees, noting the shift rotation system that allows for available parking throughout the day.

Board members raised questions about the absence of bike parking facilities, with one member highlighting the potential for future bicycle commuting among employees. In response, the board agreed to include a condition in the approval for installing a bike rack, a suggestion accepted by the applicant’s representative without objection.

The application also required approvals from the Mercer County Planning Board and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission. Nexon informed the board that a determination of no impact had already been received from Mercer County.

0:02Public participation in the meeting was limited, with only six members present and no comments raised during the public comment session. This lack of public input did not deter the board’s comprehensive evaluation of the project, as they examined the proposed improvements and their alignment with community needs and regulations.

14:45Following the deliberations, a motion to approve the application was made, incorporating the condition for a bike rack alongside other standard conditions. The board members unanimously supported the motion.

The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as the board navigated the agenda items and addressed all pertinent issues. The chair humorously remarked on the session’s swift progression, noting the “record time” of completion before adjourning the meeting.