The New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s application proposed a minor subdivision and lot line adjustment on the Holland property, located on Rake Road. This plan aimed to transfer approximately 12 acres from one lot to another. The property owner, Sean Holland, participated in the meeting, underscoring that the primary goal was land preservation without any current or future development plans. The foundation’s representative highlighted the organization’s long-standing mission to protect New Jersey’s natural resources.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on 26 pre-existing non-conforming structures on the Holland property, including barns and sheds that did not adhere to setback requirements. Concerns were raised about their placement and compliance with zoning laws. Timothy Grill, representing the foundation, addressed these concerns by emphasizing the historical context of the structures and their minimal impact on public welfare. He argued for variances, suggesting that the structures’ existence should not pose a detriment to the community, as they were not in active use since 2010.

The board’s planner had previously noted concerns regarding these structures, particularly those encroaching into required setbacks. Grill outlined that the benefits of the proposed lot line adjustment, which would preserve open space, outweighed the minimal detriments posed by the existing structures.

In a separate application, the board considered a lot line adjustment involving the McNelis and Do Santos properties to resolve a fence encroachment issue. The McNelis sought to transfer 2,436 square feet from the Do Santos property, allowing them to bring their fence, installed in 2010, into compliance with property boundaries. The fence was originally installed with permits, but a neighbor’s survey later revealed the encroachment.

Joseph McNelis detailed the boundary misunderstanding during the fence installation, emphasizing that both parties were aware of the situation and had no objections to the proposed adjustment. The board discussed the implications of the fence’s location within a drainage easement, noting that it did not obstruct drainage or violate local ordinances.

The board’s planner, Jeff Vella, raised additional concerns about a minor encroachment onto a neighboring lot owned by Ken Walters. In response, McNelis expressed willingness to adjust the fence to eliminate this issue if the application was approved.

The board also delved into the legal aspects of the drainage easement, emphasizing the need for compliance with specific restrictions outlined in the local ordinance. These restrictions included prohibiting buildings and excavation within the easement without township authorization. The discussion clarified that the easement likely involved an underground pipe, and the fence had been in place without issues since 2010.

The surveyor confirmed that the lot line adjustment would not create any non-conformities or require additional variances, describing the application as a straightforward land swap. The board unanimously supported the motion to approve the subdivision, recognizing the need to adhere to the conditions outlined by the engineer and planner.

The board reiterated the necessity for detailed testimony regarding the structures’ compliance with zoning laws and the positive and negative criteria required for granting variance relief.