12:11In the most pressing portion of the meeting, the board considered an application for a minor site plan and C variance concerning a new generator installation at Angelo’s Pizza, a local restaurant managed by Mr. Capola. The application was motivated by the restaurant’s history of basement flooding during rainstorms, exacerbated by power outages. Mr. Capola explained the need for a generator, stating, “Every time it rains… if the power goes out… you would have about 2 ft of water in my basement.” This condition threatens essential supplies stored in the basement, making the generator crucial for preventing financial losses and ensuring business continuity.

The discussion revealed no intended alterations to the restaurant’s operations, maintaining the existing number of seats at 86, including seasonal patio use. Mr. Capola clarified that the current parking arrangements, consisting of 20 dedicated spaces and an additional 20 shared with a neighboring laundromat, would remain unchanged, although the required number of spaces for current seating is 57. This discrepancy highlighted the need for a parking supply variance as part of the application.

A professional engineer presented the site plan, confirming it matched previous submissions with no modifications, emphasizing that the property is located in a B3 commercial zone on an undersized lot. The board examined the landscaping requirements, noting the applicant’s previous compliance with a double row of tree plantings. The township’s landscape architect suggested the inclusion of arbor variety or evergreen trees, to which the applicant agreed.

32:07Attention was also given to the impervious coverage, with plans to remove a gravel area to reduce this coverage. The generator installation, planned on a concrete pad 9 feet from the property line, sought relief for additional encroachments due to existing non-conformities in side setbacks. The board planner confirmed that no new architectural plans were necessary for the generator, as it was a straightforward addition rather than a major structural change.

Further discussions involved six C variances, four related to setbacks, a coverage variance due to existing pavement, and a parking supply variance. The board’s professional expert, referred to as McDunn, presented an analysis supporting the variances, highlighting the undersized lot and existing development as practical difficulties. McDunn argued that the benefits of the application outweighed potential detriments, citing compliance with the Municipal Land Use Law and no substantial negative impact on the public or zone plan.

The board deliberated on the necessity of incorporating recommendations for plantings and cross easements into the plan to ensure future clarity. A motion was eventually passed to approve the application with specific conditions relating to the engineering report and additional notes on soil erosion and sediment control.

01:59In other business, the board discussed updates on the township’s circulation and stormwater plans. The township planner highlighted the need to update the circulation element from 2005 to address current conditions, including potential new roads and improved traffic management. The board considered simultaneous updates to both the stormwater and circulation elements, acknowledging concerns about local traffic patterns and stormwater management.

Data collection from advanced traffic studies conducted by the police department was also a point of discussion, offering insights into various vehicle types and traffic patterns that surpass previously available data. This information could be pivotal in forming a comprehensive and effective circulation plan.

08:11Finally, the board briefly reviewed the minutes from the January 22, 2025 meeting, noting an omission regarding the chairman’s recusal from a specific application. The amended minutes were approved unanimously. A resolution to appoint G. Luwellyn as the board hydrologist was also passed, following a recommendation by the vice chair.