PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

FEBRUARY 15, 2006

 

The regular meeting of the Planning Board of Pittsgrove Township was held on February 15, 2006 in the Municipal Building Courtroom. The meeting was called to order, compliance with the Open Meeting Act made and Flag Salute was lead by the Vice Chairman Frank Pace.

 

       Members present were: Joseph Lindmeier, Robert Widdifield, Linda DuBois, Tom Figlio, Robert Morse, Peter Voros, William Wright and Frank Pace.

 

       Members absent were: Gregory Hickson, Robert Ternay, Dennis Rambone, Charles Hughes and Kevin Foster.

 

MINUTES

JANUARY 25, 2006

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Linda DuBois the minutes of the January 25, 2006 meeting were approved as amended.

Vote: All were in favor.

      

APPLICATIONS

 

WAYNE MAY - MINOR SUBDIVISION (LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT) & BULK VARIANCES – BLOCK 1405, LOTS 1 & 2, GREENVILLE ROAD

 

       The applicant Wayne May was present with no other representatives.

 

       Planning Board Solicitor William Horner verified that all public notice requirements, completed by the applicant, were sufficient.

 

       Planning Board Engineer Mark Brunermer commented on his letter dated November 21, 2005.

 

       Mr. May noted that the map by Fralinger Engineering noted “iron posts have been installed”. He commented that the “Lot Line Adjustment” is only to expand the existing nursery.

 

       It was noted that the existing asphalt driveway encroaches upon the property line between Lot 2 & Lot 2.01.

 

       The application was opened to the public for questions and/or comments.

 

       Herb Wegner spoke of his concerns with the lot line and driveway.

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Robert Morse the Lot Line Adjustment was approved with all requested variances granted.

Roll Call Vote: All were in favor.

 

D’LEO CONSTRUCTIONBULK VARIANCE APPLICATION TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME ON AN EXISTING LOT IN THE R-2 ZONE THAT DOES NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR LOT AREA, DEPTH AND WIDTH - BLOCK 2707, LOT 8, RAINBOW TRAIL

 

       The applicants Richard Daniel and Phyllis Daniel were present with Dan Mychael from D’Leo Construction.

 

       Planning Board Solicitor William Horner verified that all public notice requirements, completed by the applicant, were sufficient and noted the variances requested.

 

       Planning Board Engineer Mark Brunermer gave a brief explanation of his letter dated January 30, 2006.

 

       Mr. Mychael testified that Mr. Ziegler, owner of lot 9 & 10 was not interested in selling any adjoining property.

 

       Mr. Horner stated the non-conforming property should be offered to the adjoining property owners for market value.

 

       The applicant noted that the majority of the lots in the area are 1/3 to 1/2 an acre.

 

       The Daniels presented the MLS ad listed by Coldwell Banker McClain Heller which stated “Buildable lot on beautiful Rainbow Trail.

 

       Some members were concerned with grading of the property and an existing swale that appears to go through the property.

 

       Mr. Horner commented that the applicant may want to continue the application to allow time to inquire about selling property to adjoining owners and to provide more information.

 

       The application was opened to the public for questions and/or comments.

 

       Herb Wegner commented that persons interested in property should not take the word of owners or realtors. He also expressed concern with a septic near Rainbow Lake.

 

       Bruce Harbison commented that approval of this application would defeat the existing code.

 

       Dominick Nardone spoke about the area being congested and his opinion that the woods should not be removed.

 

       James Costas stated he was in agreement with Mr. Nardone.

 

       Robert Chalow noted that he feels sorry for the applicant but the zoning rules shouldn’t be varied from.

 

       The public portion was closed.

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Robert Morse the application for the variances was denied.

Roll Call Vote: yes -     Robert Widdifield, Robert Morse, Tom Figlio, Joseph Lindmeier, Linda DuBois, William Wright, Pete Voros and Frank Pace.

      

530 PORCHTOWN ROAD, LLC, LICCARDELLOMAJOR SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY APPLICATION, BLOCK 802, LOT 46, CENTERTON PORCHTOWN ROAD (12 NEW LOTS PROPOSED) ATTORNEY: BARRY LOZUKE

 

       Barry Lozuke, attorney for the applicant was present and requested a vote to deem the supplemental application complete.

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Joseph Lindmeier the application was deemed complete as supplemented.

Roll Call Vote: All were in favor.

 

       Mr. Lozuke noted that the supplemental plan does not withdraw the original application.

 

       Mr. Horner commented on the public notice stating the date published in one of the newspapers was incorrect. However, his investigation proved that incorrect publication of one newspaper does not disqualify the hearing.

 

       Mr. Brunermer commented on the supplemental plan and his review letter dated February 7, 2006 and the letter from the Environmental Commission dated February 6, 2006.

 

       Steve Filippone, Professional Engineer and Planner for the applicant described the alternate subdivision plan. The plan reduced the cul-de-sac to 1000’ in length and is changed to rolled curbing.

 

The existing home will be removed with a new home replacing it which will be accessed from the cul-de-sac road and will not encroach agricultural buffers as the existing home would. However, the applicant is requesting a waiver of the agricultural buffer.

 

       The alternate plan represents one variance required for a lot width of 110’ for access to the basin.

 

       Albert Newman spoke on his Environmental Report dated November 15, 2005. The report noted the potential for Coopers Hawk in this area.

 

       The meeting was opened to the public for any questions or comments regarding this application.

 

       Robert Chalow asked about the “open space” and what it is used for.

 

       William Horner responded, “Normally it is maintained by the Homeowners Association.”

 

       Kevin Garrison was concerned with the length of time spent on the property for the Environmental Study.

 

       Mr. Lozuke commented that experts provide an opinion and land is provided and preserved for the Coopers Hawk.

 

       Timothy Hack questioned the possibility of light pollution and commented that he likes the darkness in the area. He also stated that the board should have an independent Environmental Study.

 

       Steve Filippone commented on the proposal of four low level street lights also stating there would be no project signs.

 

Barry Fox would like to see proposals in writing before final approval and housing deleted from the existing home lot.

 

Arnold Shelton asked what happened to the requirement of 200’ frontage.

 

Herbert Wegner, Chairman of the Environmental Commission would like a second opinion on the Environmental Study. He has talked with a birding expert who informed him the Coopers Hawk must be investigated in early spring.

 

It is his opinion that the proposed home should not be in the agricultural buffer. However, does not want the old house there.

 

Mr. Wegner also spoke of his concern with homeowners cutting trees and asked if it could be deed restricted.

 

William Horner stated, “It is possible to deed restrict cutting of trees. However, it is difficult to enforce.”

 

Mr. Lozuke commented that they have provided the location of all trees and have agreed to locate the septic and wells in order to preserve trees. He also commented that the Township could have ordinances to prevent “cutting of trees” for the entire township.

 

Mr. Horner informed the board that they can retain their own expert but should be sure it is necessary also noting the applicant has granted several extensions for time of decision.

 

Mr. Lozuke summarized the application stating the alternate plan was a genuine effort to conform to the board’s request and that the applicant has never said no to any requests from the board.

He asked that the board abide by the ordinance and its rules and grant preliminary approval tonight.

 

       A motion was made by Robert Morse and seconded by Tom Figlio to have an independent environmental study based on concerns regarding the presence of the Coopers Hawk.

Roll Call Vote: yes -     Robert Morse, Tom Figlio, Joseph Lindmeier, Linda DuBois and Peter Voros

                                    No -       Robert Widdifield and Frank Pace

 

       Mr. Lozuke advised the board that the applicant is not willing to grant an extension of time for decision.

 

       Mr. Horner explained that the board must act within a required time period.

      

       On a motion by Peter Voros and seconded by Linda DuBois the application was denied based on the information from Mr. Lozuke that additional time will not be granted by the applicant.

 

Roll Call Vote: yes -     Peter Voros, Linda DuBois, Tom Figlio, Joseph Lindmeier, Robert Widdifield and Robert Morse

                                         No -  Frank Pace

 

 

BIFULCO BROTHERS - MAJOR SITE PLAN, PRELIMINARY APPLICATION – BLOCK 2001, LOT 29.01- ALMOND ROAD – ATTORNEY: HENRY ZERELLA

 

       The Planning Board Solicitor announced that the application for BiFulco Brothers would not be heard this evening and that he has received, from the applicant’s attorney, a waiver of time for the board to make a decision.

 

ESCROW FEE DETERMINATION

 

WAYNE MAY – MINOR SUBDIVISION (LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT) & BULK VARIANCES – CURRENT BALANCE: $950.25

 

On a motion by Linda DuBois and seconded by Robert Morse the escrow paid for this application is deemed to be sufficient.

Vote: All were in favor.

 

D’LEO CONSTRUCTIONBULK VARIANCE APPLICATION

CURRENT BALANCE: $788.50

 

       On a motion by Linda DuBois and seconded by Tom Figlio the escrow paid for this application was deemed to be insufficient and an additional $700.00 is required.

Vote: All were in favor.

 

530 PORCHTOWN ROAD, LLC, LICCARDELLOMAJOR SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY APPLICATION – CURRENT BALANCE: $625.00

 

       On a motion by Robert Morse and seconded by Tom Figlio the escrow paid for this application was deemed to be insufficient and an additional $1,500.00 is required. All were in favor.

 

 

 

BIFULCO BROTHERS - MAJOR SITE PLAN, PRELIMINARY APPLICATION

CURRENT BALANCE: $3,996.75

 

       On a motion by Linda DuBois and seconded by Robert Morse the escrow paid for this application is deemed to be sufficient.

Vote: All were in favor.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

ROBERT MORSERESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING APPROVAL OF A BULK VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR PROPOSED POLE BARN NOT MEETING REAR AND SIDE YARD SETBACKS – BLOCK 1503, LOT 49 – CEDAR ROAD

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Tom Figlio the resolution granting approval to Robert Morse was approved as submitted.

Vote: All were in favor. Robert Morse abstained.

 

COMMITTEES

 

ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE

 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

LETTER FROM FIRE COMPANIES DATED FEBRUARY 4, 2006.

 

       Timothy O’Donnell, Fire Chief of Willow Grove Fire Company and Ed Myers Jr., Fire Chief of Centerton were present to discuss the letter regarding cul-de-sacs and widths of roads.

 

REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LANDIS AVENUE

SUBCOMMITTEE TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR PROPOSALS FROM PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS

 

       The Vice Chairman announced that the sub-committee has scheduled some meetings to start this process.

      

REXAMINATION OF MASTER PLAN DUE YEAR 2006

ESTABLISH DATE TO MEET WITH TOWNSHIP PLANNER, SALLY BIRDSALL (2006 MEETING SCHEDULE)

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Joseph Lindmeier the board secretary will contact Sally Birdsall requesting an estimate of required time, dates and cost necessary to reexamine the Master Plan.

Vote: All were in favor.

 

ADOPT A ROAD PROGRAM – MCKISHEN ROAD – LAST CLEANING WAS 8/7/05

No business

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION (IF REQUIRED)

 

       On a motion by Robert Widdifield, and seconded by Peter Voros, a Resolution to Authorize Executive Session was approved as follows:

 

       The Open Public Meetings Act permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances, and the Pittsgrove Township Planning Board, being of the opinion that such circumstances exist, resolves as follows:

 

1.   The public shall be excluded from discussion of the executive session subject matter.

 

2.   The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as  follows:

 

a.             Anticipated litigation in which the Board may become a party; matters falling within the attorney/client privilege.

        

3.   It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter may be made public as follows:

 

a.             with respect to matters involving litigation, after said litigation has been resolved and all periods of appeal have expired; and

 

b.            with respect to other matters within ninety (90 days from the date hereof.

 

4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

Vote: All were in favor.

 

       Following discussion on the executive session matter, on a motion by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Peter Voros, the meeting was reopened to the public.

Vote: All were in favor.

 

530 PORCHTOWN ROAD, LICCARDELLO

 

       A motion was made by Robert Widdifield and seconded by Linda DuBois to revisit the Major Subdivision application without requiring another Environmental Specialist. If approved, the applicant will be invited back for the board to reconsider approval of the application.

Roll Call Vote: yes -     Robert Widdifield, Linda DuBois and Frank Pace

                                     No -      Tom Figlio, Joseph Lindmeier, Robert Morse and Peter Voros

                                     The motion did not carry.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

       There being no further business the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Pete Voros and seconded by Linda DuBois.

Vote: All were in favor.

________________________________

Nancy L. Huster, Land Use Administrator