Central to the board’s deliberations was the application for minor site plan approval for the smoke shop and restaurant, represented by Daniel Benador of the law firm Askin and Hooker. Alan Campbell, a licensed professional engineer, provided testimony concerning the property’s layout and operational changes. The application aimed to replace two existing tenants with the new businesses, raising questions about parking, septic systems, and traffic management.

One key issue was the adequacy of the parking arrangements, which included a shared lot serving all tenants. The site accommodates 50 parking spaces, with three designated for handicap access. Concerns arose over whether these arrangements could handle the traffic generated by the new businesses. The septic system’s capacity was another focal point, especially given the restaurant’s expected demand. Campbell assured the board that the system was independently designed to accommodate up to 60 seats and was currently functioning well.

Traffic management became a significant topic, particularly regarding access from Route 15. The board discussed the practicality of current access points and the potential need for signage to direct traffic flow. Historical context was provided, noting that left turns had consistently posed challenges due to changes in traffic patterns over the years.

The board also addressed the potential for shared parking arrangements to maximize space utilization. Concerns about accessibility for customers and the distribution of parking spaces were discussed, with suggestions made to allocate employee parking to alleviate pressure on customer spaces. These considerations were crucial given the overlapping business hours of the smoke shop and restaurant. Representatives confirmed that deliveries to the restaurant would be scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

Signage was another critical aspect of the application, with discussions about adhering to previous zoning board requirements regarding electronic display signs. The applicant agreed to conform to established color, intensity, and frequency restrictions. There were assurances that the LED sign would not include time or date indicators, maintaining a static display to prevent driver distraction.

Community involvement was encouraged, with public input invited during the meeting. Residents expressed concerns over traffic flow, particularly the difficulty of making left turns onto Route 15. The board was urged to consider proactive measures to address these challenges, given the potential for increased congestion with new developments. Suggestions included revisiting past plans aimed at improving traffic flow through infrastructure enhancements.

Despite the approval, the board emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments to traffic and parking arrangements as the businesses begin operations. Conditions attached to the approvals included requirements for signage plans, septic system inspections, and adherence to lighting and operational hour restrictions. These measures aim to ensure that the new businesses operate within community safety and regulatory standards.

In addressing procedural concerns, the board examined the legitimacy of the application due to issues with attorney representation. A prior submission by an attorney potentially unlicensed in New Jersey was scrutinized, with the board keen to ensure the integrity of the application process. The current attorney’s involvement was deemed sufficient to move forward, with the board focusing on the merits of the application itself.