The meeting commenced with a detailed examination of Blue Crest Detox’s request to expand its bed capacity. The center, located on Miniing Road, had previously been granted a D1 use variance, allowing for 25 patient beds. Due to increased demand and a desire to improve patient outcomes by offering shared accommodations, the center sought to increase its capacity to 32 beds. The board discussed the implications of this expansion, particularly concerning parking and sewer capacity, which were deemed critical to the approval process.

The board’s traffic consultant confirmed that the expansion would not necessitate additional parking spaces, as the facility’s patients are transported rather than driving themselves. The absence of visitation further alleviated parking concerns. Additionally, the Raritan Township Municipal Utilities Authority granted the necessary sewer capacity, quantified as an additional 3.75 Equivalent Dwelling Units, confirming that the expansion could proceed without requiring a reduction in plans.

The board scrutinized the operational aspects of the facility, including compliance with health regulations for room sizes. The architect assured the board that the current room configurations met the Department of Health’s minimum size requirements for single and double occupancy rooms, thereby supporting the proposed changes without structural modifications.

Discussions also focused on the need for improved landscaping around the facility, particularly concerning the screening of a generator and heat pumps. The board emphasized the importance of aesthetics, requiring additional landscaping to conceal the generator and improve the overall appearance of the site. A previous resolution had stipulated a nine-foot fence around the generator, but the board agreed to amend this to a ten and a half-foot solid vinyl fence to ensure adequate concealment. Additionally, the board required that new plantings be at least six feet tall at the time of planting to provide effective coverage.

The board’s deliberations extended to the Certificate of Occupancy for a generator, which had been issued without proper approvals from the planning and zoning departments. This highlighted a recurring issue of miscommunication between the construction and zoning departments, leading to certificates being granted prematurely. The board acknowledged that this was not the applicant’s fault and required no action from them, but emphasized the need for corrected as-built plans.

In another significant agenda item, the board addressed a time extension request for a site plan application at a property on Cool Road. The board ultimately agreed to extend the deadline for site plan approval to January 31, 2026, allowing the applicants additional time to obtain the required documentation.

The meeting also involved the withdrawal of an application for a non-conforming use certificate by the Schuman Living Trust. The board agreed to formally accept the withdrawal and directed the board secretary to inform the applicant that a new hearing date would be set once a complete use variance application was submitted.