Summit City Zoning Board Approves Kent Place School Project Modifications
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2024
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Recording Published:
06/10/2024
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Duration:
95 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Summit
- Meeting Overview:
The Summit City Zoning Board meeting delved into the intricacies of the proposed modifications to the Kent Place School building project, culminating in board approval. The discussions, which included a careful examination of the plans, focused on alterations prompted by unexpected geotechnical findings, which necessitated changes to the building layout, including the lowering of the dance studio to ground level and the elimination of a basement.
At the forefront of the meeting, the attorney representing Kent Place School and project engineer Rob Walsh detailed the reasons behind the proposed modifications to the previously approved project. The revised plans were a response to new geotechnical data indicating a lower bedrock location and a higher water table than initially anticipated. This led to the need for reconfiguration, which included a slight reduction in the building size and a decrease in height in some areas. Notably, the modified building would maintain the scope of variance relief granted in the initial approval and, in some cases, would offer improvements over the previous variances. The school clarified that it was not seeking to change any of the operational conditions attached to the original approval.
The project engineer presented aerial images and a comparison exhibit to highlight the differences between the approved site plan from the previous year and the proposed modifications. He explained that the removal of the basement level from the building footprint allowed for the reconfiguration of the entrance driveway, resulting in additional parking stalls. Adjustments to the building layout also aligned the meeting level of the existing gymnasium with the modified structure.
Board members and professionals engaged in a robust inquiry into the proposed modifications, seeking clarification on the changes to the building layout and their impact on the surrounding areas. The discussion covered a range of topics including entrances, rain gardens, green roofing, and ADA-compliant ramps. Structural calculations, stormwater management, and the location of the security booth were also scrutinized. The professionals responded to queries and confirmed compliance with zoning regulations, emphasizing the thoroughness required in documenting all changes.
Additionally, the board deliberated on variances related to area ratio, combined fence and retaining wall height, and slope disturbance. There was some initial confusion about whether a variance was needed for an increase in lot coverage due to the lowering of the dance studio, but it was determined that the previous approval addressed this concern.
The applicant addressed questions regarding third-party site use and potential traffic increases on weekends. Efforts to minimize impacts included proposing a neighborhood liaison and regular community meetings. The retaining wall, lighting, fire department access, and parking arrangements were also topics of clarification.
A principal architect presented modifications to the building’s design, focusing on the relocation of the dance studio, removal of the basement, and alterations to the building’s height and roof plan. The architect confirmed that there were no physical changes to the more public-facing sides of the building.
The meeting also featured testimony from the head of the school about communication with neighbors and proposed improvements. After consideration, the board members expressed support for the project, leading to a roll call vote in which the application was approved.
Elizabeth Fagan
Zoning Board Officials:
Joseph Steiner, Scott Loikits, Tom Ucko, Donald Nelson, Ayman Maleh, Miriam Zahn, Michael Curran, Claire Toth (Alternate I), Alison Chieffo (Alternate II), Jay Fehskens (Alternate III), Paul Cianciulli (Alternate IV), Bob Pawlowski (Council Liaison)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2024
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Recording Published:
06/10/2024
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Duration:
95 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Summit
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