The church’s application for a D variance proposed the addition of a new building to their property. The church, which has been operating at this location for over two decades, emphasized that the expansion is not meant to increase congregation numbers but to provide a more efficient and secure space for its community programs. The board’s decision followed discussions on various aspects of the project, including storm drainage, fire safety, and the impact of the new construction on the local infrastructure.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the concerns regarding the project’s potential effect on storm drainage. The board reviewed a storm drainage report and working drawings that depicted the details of how water from a detention basin would be managed to prevent overflow onto adjacent properties. The board seemed satisfied with the storm drainage plan, provided that additional information confirmed its effectiveness.

Lighting was another major topic, with debates centering on its potential impact on the night sky. The church’s representatives were tasked with ensuring that the lighting plan would mitigate any adverse effects on the environment.

The architectural plans for the new building also underwent scrutiny. The board suggested incorporating landscaping to buffer mechanical equipment areas and to enhance the overall aesthetics of the site. The need for transitional screening was debated, with some suggesting that a previously approved overall landscape plan could potentially suffice for the new addition.

Utilities, including water supply and the septic system, were confirmed to have received the necessary approvals. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining an as-built plan for the facility for accurate record-keeping purposes.

Safety concerns, particularly related to children, were brought to the forefront during discussions on the relocation of children’s services to a permanent location within the facility and the proximity of the storm water detention basin to play areas. The board sought to ensure that the basin would be managed effectively and safely, with clear oversight established.

Discussion also turned to the need for buffering HVAC units from public view while ensuring they had proper ventilation. This addressed both aesthetic and functional aspects of the building’s design. The board also took care to maintain an open corridor for the township’s water transmission main.

A typographical error in a letter related to taxes and assessments was identified during the meeting.