19:13Coka Plumton Realty LLC’s application highlighted a transformation of a property that has been home to car dealerships since 1971. The site, previously used by the Ditchman Flemington’s Ford Lincoln Mercury dealerships, is set for upgrades. The proposal involves constructing two new facilities for Porsche and Lincoln dealerships while maintaining the current Lincoln site to avoid vacancies. Discussions centered on the scope of the project, which includes accessory sales and repairs of motor vehicles. The board delved into the conditional uses permitted in the B2 zone, noting that not all conditions were met, hence the need for board approval.

28:53The applicant’s representatives, including professionals from civil engineering, architecture, and planning, provided detailed testimony. Initial testimony from Paul Frank, Director of Business Development for CA Automotive, outlined the project’s scope, emphasizing the planned construction of two buildings: a larger facility for Porsche and a smaller showroom for Lincoln. The proposed buildings are intended to enhance the dealership’s operational capacity without disrupting the surrounding community.

41:43Operational details, such as hours of operation, employee numbers, and waste management practices, were scrutinized. The board reviewed the dealership’s Monday to Saturday schedule and the absence of Sunday operations, attributing this to New Jersey’s blue laws. Waste management strategies, including the handling of hazardous materials such as oil and antifreeze, were evaluated to ensure compliance with state regulations. The facilities have systems in place for safe storage and disposal, aligning with environmental standards.

01:25:25Participant concerns were raised about the site plan’s impact on impervious coverage. The proposed project reduces impervious surface by 2%, yet coverage remains over the allowed limit at 82.4%, leading to discussions about enhancing landscaping to mitigate this excess. The zoning board emphasized the need for further reductions and more robust landscaping efforts to address environmental concerns.

01:50:05Fire safety and site access were other focal points. The board reviewed fire department letters and the applicant’s commitments to comply with recommendations, such as ensuring fire truck accessibility and adjusting hydrant placements. The board stressed the importance of unimpeded access for emergency vehicles and urged the applicant to implement necessary adjustments.

01:56:02The sanitary sewer system’s capacity was another topic. The Raritan Township Municipal Utilities Authority confirmed the proposed usage would not exceed the site’s capacity limits, but the board requested revised calculations to ensure accuracy. These calculations must account for all anticipated effluent sources, including the wash bays and other site facilities, to maintain compliance with sewage flow regulations.

35:17Parking and traffic flow were thoroughly examined. The board discussed the layout and adequacy of parking spaces, including provisions for employee and customer parking. Concerns about the safety of parking configurations near a battery storage area led to a preference for eliminating two parking spaces to enhance safety rather than seeking a variance.

02:00:26As the meeting concluded, the board outlined procedural matters for upcoming hearings. The board set the next hearing date for May 15, with expectations to finalize the current application.