Zoning Board Tackles Variances, Flooding, and Open Space Projects
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
02/27/2024
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Recording Published:
03/01/2024
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Duration:
59 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Passaic County
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Towns:
Pompton Lakes
- Meeting Overview:
In a notable assembly, the Pompton Lakes Zoning Board addressed a series of critical matters concerning local development and environmental management. The session’s focal point was an application by Pro Print Graphic LLC, which required detailed scrutiny due to its request for a D1 use variance aimed at establishing a landscaping business. The application sparked discussions over site suitability, environmental impacts, and community benefits, revealing complex challenges inherent in balancing business interests with ecological and residential concerns.
Pro Print Graphic LLC’s proposal centered on utilizing a uniquely shaped lot, adjacent to both a railroad and a brook, to park six vehicles and three trailers. The applicant’s planner, Catherine Gregory, presented a case. The planner also addressed the necessity for bulk variances due to the property’s existing buildings and the desire to minimize negative impacts on neighboring lots.
Board members engaged with the presentation, raising questions about the visibility of the parking area and potential vegetative screening. The planner’s responses highlighted the intention to preserve the site’s character while meeting business needs. The debate expanded to include concerns about material storage, the adequacy of lighting, control of vehicle parking at night, and the proper use of buildings on the site. Furthermore, the board sought clarity on the number of vehicles expected to be parked and the possibility of additional parking spaces.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to environmental considerations. The board and applicant engaged in a detailed examination of the potential for flooding, given the property’s proximity to a floodway. There were apprehensions about the direction of water flow and the risk of exacerbating flood conditions. As such, the board underscored the urgency for an engineer’s plans or memo to address these concerns.
In addition to the variance considerations, the board engaged in discussions on the storage of landscaping materials and their environmental implications. The applicant provided clarifications on the types of materials to be stored and their proposed locations, assuaging concerns about environmental degradation.
The meeting also broached the topic of open space enhancements, particularly the movement of fields and the financial aspects of dog park improvements. The idea of sponsor signs as a means to fund the project was introduced.
The session concluded with a motion for adjournment, and notably, the public discussion segment observed no participation.
Michael Serra
Zoning Board Officials:
Willie Hunt, Frank Abate, Mary Curran, Michael Coss, Maureen Bernstock, David Rowan, Stephen Baig, Jared Luciani, Mark Figula, Richard Debonte, Carmelina Fusaro (Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
02/27/2024
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Recording Published:
03/01/2024
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Duration:
59 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Passaic County
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Towns:
Pompton Lakes
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