The application from Tenon Auto Service, Inc. stirred debate, primarily concerning environmental and zoning compliance. The applicant aimed to convert a residential property into office and storage space for buses, ceasing residential use. However, concerns were raised regarding the handling of sanitary waste and maintenance activities, with the applicant clarifying that all such activities would occur at external depots in Brooklyn and South Amboy. Despite assurances that no buses would be washed or serviced on-site, skepticism persisted among board members and residents. The board scrutinized waivers sought by the applicant, particularly relating to parking lot landscaping.

Public objections were strong, focusing on historical non-compliance and environmental impacts. Residents highlighted numerous violations of a previous agreement limiting the number of buses on-site, with one resident reporting 32 violations over 43 days. The resident expressed distrust towards the operators, citing their failure to adhere to the agreed limits. Another resident presented photographs showing environmental degradation, including drainage issues and damaged flora, attributing these to the operations at the site. The resident criticized the site’s prior management and insisted on accountability for rectifying these issues.

Concerns extended to the regeneration process of diesel engines, potential emissions, and compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Residents and board members questioned whether the application’s provisions adequately addressed environmental standards. Despite the applicant’s promises to mitigate noise and light pollution with fencing and strategic bus placement, doubts about the effectiveness of these measures persisted.

The board also addressed a related application concerning property renovations and compliance with a previous Civic Engineering letter. The applicant’s representatives emphasized their intention to rectify past violations, particularly regarding drainage systems and unauthorized bus presence. However, the board’s apprehension about the applicant’s credibility and compliance history influenced the decision to deny the application. Board members expressed unease about stormwater management solutions, stressing the need for pre-approval inspections to ensure effectiveness.

The meeting further delved into issues surrounding unauthorized storage trailers and ongoing violations. A letter from the director of code enforcement highlighted the absence of an application for the trailer, conflicting with another party’s claim of received permissions. The board ultimately decided to deny the application, citing unresolved environmental issues, credibility concerns, and non-compliance with prior conditions as the primary reasons. Each board member echoed similar reasons.

In addition to the bus facility discussions, the board considered an informal application for a subdivision on Pyramid Avenue. The applicant proposed subdividing a 100 by 100-foot lot into two, with plans to build a house for his daughter. The board discussed challenges associated with creating undersized lots and emphasized the importance of aligning new home sizes with existing neighborhood properties. The applicant was encouraged to gather evidence of prevailing development patterns to strengthen his case.