Raritan Zoning Board Grants Extension for Tree Planting and Occupancy Certificate
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Raritan Zoning Board meeting on October 16, 2025, decisions revolved around extending deadlines for Pioneer Developers, Inc. , addressing site compliance issues, and discussing the expansion of a storage facility. A primary focus was on a significant motion to extend Pioneer Developers’ timeline for obtaining a final certificate of occupancy by a year, influenced by ongoing compliance matters, particularly in tree restoration efforts. The board also examined requests from Executive Snow Control LLC and Hunter Storage, Inc., deliberating on site plan modifications and compliance with existing zoning resolutions.
The board’s primary agenda item was Pioneer Developers, Inc.’s request for an extension on their final certificate of occupancy, initially set to expire on August 4, 2025. The application, represented by Robert McN, sought a one-year extension due to outstanding compliance tasks, primarily involving reforestation. The developers were previously granted an amended site plan approval in April 2025 but required more time to complete the remaining punch list items, including tree planting.
The meeting saw discussions on tree restoration timelines, with the board contemplating modifications to existing conditions. The proposed plan required 50% of the offsite restoration trees to be planted by December 31, 2025, and the remaining 50% by May 15, 2026. This timeline was established to ensure completion by the next spring planting season, considering potential weather-related delays. Approximately 1,200 trees were to be planted, and this condition aimed to encourage developers to finish the work without seeking further extensions.
Concerns were raised about ensuring compliance with the reforestation deadlines, with suggestions to incorporate conditions related to offsite tree planting in any extension approval. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining compliance with prior resolutions and discussed the necessity of dialogue with township engineering representatives to finalize compliance plans. These deliberations resulted in a motion to extend the timeline for obtaining the final Certificate of Occupancy from August 4, 2025, to August 4, 2026, with the amended site plan deadline shifted from October 17, 2025, to January 19, 2026.
The board’s roll call vote confirmed unanimous agreement on the motion.
In another significant case, Executive Snow Control LLC sought their first extension for final site sign-off on submitted plans. The board discussed and approved an extension from October 17, 2025, to April 17, 2026, pending feedback from board professionals. This request aligned with statutory requirements.
Hunter Storage, Inc. presented plans for expanding their storage facility, focusing on constructing climate-controlled units. The applicant revisited previous proposals for outdoor storage and aimed to revert to an approved site plan with minor modifications. The board engaged in a discussion about existing site conditions, traffic implications, and compliance with prior tree preservation requirements.
Jessica Nicholson, representing Hunter Storage, Inc., provided testimony on the facility’s operations, detailing customer access, refuse management, and security measures. The proposal for new climate-controlled buildings responded to market demand and aimed to enhance site offerings without increasing impervious surfaces. The board’s discussion touched upon historical compliance issues, particularly concerning tree preservation, which were addressed through updated landscaping plans.
Comprehensive deliberations included reviewing professional memos and addressing site improvements and necessary repairs. The board’s attention to detail ensured that proposed changes aligned with current zoning regulations. A motion to approve Hunter Storage, Inc.’s application was made.
Bob King
Zoning Board Officials:
Cynthia Schaefer, Rasul Damji, Randy Block, Steve Farsiou, Lindsey Kuhl-Brengel, James Ferraro, Laurette Kratina, Donna Drewes, James Miller, Jonathan Drill, Esq. (Board Attorney), Jeffrey Vaccarella, Aicp, PP (Township Planner), Rakesh Darji, PE (Township & Temporary Engineer), Mark Kataryniak, PE (Temporary Board Engineer), John Morgan Thomas, ASLA (Township & Board Landscape Architect), Jessica Caldwell, Aicp, PP (Board Planner), Jay Troutman, PE (Board Traffic Consultant), Jackie Klapp, CCR (Board Stenographer)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/16/2025
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Recording Published:
10/17/2025
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Duration:
115 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Hunterdon County
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Towns:
Raritan Township
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