Raritan Zoning Board Tackles Pivotal Discussions on Target Store Application
- Meeting Overview:
One notable matter from the Raritan Zoning Board meeting on January 18, 2024, centered around the application for a new Target retail store. The discussion about the big-box store’s application was multifaceted, involving the scheduling of a special meeting, the need for four board members to be present for a decision, and considerations regarding the store’s environmental impact on the community. Additionally, the board addressed various other applications, including a variance and several extensions for property developments in the area.
The application for the Target store clearly dominated the meeting, as members of the board grappled with the logistics of accommodating such a significant proposal. The store’s application brought forth concerns related to the local aesthetic and environmental conservation. The board members discussed the possibility of the applicant revising their proposal to include more trees and fewer parking spaces. The board exhibited a cooperative spirit, as they considered technical and engineering aspects of the proposal, and encouraged the submission of revised drawings by February 5 for further review.
Another major topic of discussion was the decision to table a resolution for a property on Route 2, which was contingent upon the resolution of unpaid taxes.
In addition to these primary concerns, the board members dealt with an array of applications that depicted the town’s ongoing growth and development. They approved a series of resolutions that included granting a variance for increased hard surface coverage on a Province Drive property, extending the time for plan revisions for a Royal Road property, and authorizing the installation of additional equipment on Minonin Road. Furthermore, the board gave the green light for the construction of a detached garage on Shields Avenue.
The scheduling of the special meeting to accommodate the Target application was debated, with board members voicing their wish to possibly advance the date to ensure thorough consideration of the project. The necessity for a quorum of four board members to be present for the meeting was highlighted.
The board’s busy schedule was also a topic of conversation, revealing the potential for conflicts with other applications and highlighting the board’s need to manage its time and resources. The members expressed a desire to streamline the process, possibly through a work session or by providing advanced notice to ensure adequate preparation for upcoming decisions.
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a unanimous agreement to extend the time extension until March 30th, giving applicants sufficient time to revise and improve their submissions. The motion to adjourn was met with positive feedback.
Scott Sipos
Zoning Board Officials:
Cynthia Schaefer, Rasul Damji, Randy Block, Steve Farsiou, Lindsey Kuhl-Brengel, James Ferraro, Laurette Kratina, Donna Drewes, James Miller, Jonathan Drill (Board Attorney), Jeffrey Vaccarella (Township Planner), Rakesh Darji (Township & Temporary Engineer), Mark Kataryniak (Temporary Board Engineer), John Morgan Thomas (Township & Board Landscape Architect), Jessica Caldwell (Board Planner), Jay Troutman (Board Traffic Consultant), Jackie Klapp (Board Stenographer)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/18/2024
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Recording Published:
01/19/2024
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Duration:
25 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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