PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD
JANUARY
27, 2005
The regular meeting of the Planning Board of Pittsgrove Township was held on January 27, 2005 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 Chairman Gregory Hickson.
Regular members present were: Gregory Hickson, Frank Pace, Mayor Peter Voros, Charles Hughes, Robert Widdifield and Joseph Lindmeier.
Alternate members present were: Robert Ternay and Dennis Rambone.
Members absent were: Kenneth Martin, Donald Garrison, Sheila Benson, Kevin Foster and Christine Seeney.
Planning Board Solicitor William L. Horner, Planning Board Engineer Mark Brunermer and Secretary Nancy Huster were also present.
(Forthcoming)
DECEMBER 15, 2004
REORGANIZATION – JANUARY 10, 2005
No Action
NO BUSINESS
APPLICATIONS
DAYTOP VILLAGE OF NEW JERSEY, INC. – USE VARIANCE HEARING FOR REHABILATATION/CONVALESCENT PURPOSE TO EXPAND PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PROJECT – BLOCK 204, LOTS 4 & 5
Attorney, August Knestnaut was present representing the applicant.
Mayor Voros stepped down from the board.
Mr. Knestnaut explained that the applicant is seeking a use variance to expand the previous use variance granted for Block 204, Lots 4 & 5. He noted that Daytop has purchased and now owns all three adjoining lots of the previous “Pine Tavern”.
All lots will be consolidated to be one lot.
The following representatives for Daytop were present and sworn in by the Planning Board Solicitor: Henry Haley, PE, Mike Hanlon, Service Director, Ian Gershman, Administrator, Father Joseph Hennen and Pat Serrano. Each person noted their education, background and experience.
Mr. Haley presented a full size map showing the layout of the three phase plan. “Phase I has previous use variance and site plan approval.
Father Hennen described the current facility (70 beds) in Mendham offering the following comments: The program is not a religious based program. The facility currently has a waiting list. The program does not offer detox treatment. Any person in need of detox treatment must go to hospital before entering their program and must be drug free when coming to the facility. The treatment is based on a highly structured program.
Mr. Gershman described the criteria for acceptance into the program.
Ms. Serrano described the surrounding area of Mendham and the Daytop students and that they have never caused any trouble in the community.
Mike Hanlin stated that no facilities of this type exist in South Jersey and the operation is funded by Federal and State money based on the financial need of each individual.
The new facility in Pittsgrove will not exceed a maximum of 70 residents.
The application was opened to the public.
Some adjoining property owners were concerned with living next to this facility. The applicant was questioned about students “running away” and causing problems in the neighborhood.
Father Hennen stated that the facility is secure and that it is extremely rare for residents to “run”.
Parents of children who attended Daytop spoke on behalf of the application. All parents felt that Daytop is a wonderful program and some stated the program saved their children’s lives.
Planning Board Solicitor, William Horner explained the board’s responsibilities and fundamentals regarding “use variances”.
On a motion by Frank Pace and seconded by Robert Ternay the “Use Variance” to expand a Residential Juvenile Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Center is approved as an inherently beneficial use conditioned upon the following:
1. Not to exceed 70 residents.
2. Not to be used as a detox facility.
3. Any expansion would require site plan approval.
4. Lot line adjustments as described, consolidating the lots, must be completed.
5. Buffer placement should be addressed with adjoining property owners.
6. The Facility can only be used as a New Jersey licensed facility.
Roll Call Vote: All were in favor.
STEVEN COHEN – HEARING FOR USE VARIANCE APPLICATION TO ESTABLISH A PROFESSIONAL DENTAL OFFICE IN THE R-2 ZONE – BLOCK 1601, LOT 1 – CENTERTON ROAD
The applicant Dr. Cohen was present along
with his attorney, Howard Melnicove.
Mayor Voros stepped down
from the board.
Dr. Cohen was sworn in by the Planning Board
Solicitor and testified that he has lived in Pittsgrove Township since 1993. He
has a practice and also teaches in Philadelphia.
His plans are to preserve
the original interior and exterior of the building. And only make changes required
by the disabilities act. His office hours will be 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday
thru Friday. He anticipates a total of 4 employees and total of 6 patients in
the building at one time. The maximum number of cars in the parking lot would
be ten.
The medical waste will be handled by a private company.
The current owners and
residents of the home testified that they desire to move due to the noise from
traffic in that location.
The application was opened
to the public for questions and/or comments.
Edwin Falk, resident on
Dealtown Road expressed concerns with the driveway and traffic pattern.
However, he noted that he has no problem with the use variance to allow a
dental office.
On a motion by Frank Pace
and seconded by Robert Ternay the use variance to allow a dental office at
Block 1601, Lot 1 is approved subject to the following:
1. Maximum number of employees will be four in
addition to doctors.
2. Site Plan submission and approval is
required.
3. The office hours will be 9:00 am to 6:00 pm,
Monday thru Friday.
4. The maximum number of dental chairs shall be
four chairs.
5. The second floor of the building will be used
for office space for the dental business only and will not be used for a
residence.
Roll Call Vote: All were in favor.
NO BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION - ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE INVENTORY PREPARED DECEMBER 2004 TO BE
ADOPTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD
The Environmental Resource Inventory
hearing will be scheduled for the Planning Board’s regular meeting on February
16, 2005 requiring special public notice.
SALEM
COUNTY CROSS-ACCEPTANCE REPORT
PITTSGROVE
TOWNSHIP PLANNING AREA CHANGE
LETTER FROM RON RUKENSTEIN DATED
JANUARY 5, 2005
NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE LANDIS AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AREA – REPORT FROM WAETZMAN PLANNING GROUP FORWARDED TO MEMBERS AND PROFESSIONALS
MEETING DATE WITH PLANNING BOARD FOR PRESENTATION BY LARRY WAETZMAN
REQUESTED BY JIM SHUSTER (LETTER DATED 12/19/05 ATTACHED)
On a motion by Pete Voros and seconded by Joseph Lindmeier a special meeting will be held on February 23, 2005 in the Municipal Building Courtroom for the Landis Avenue Redevelopment Area for the Planning Board and Larry Waetzman.
ADOPT A ROAD PROGRAM – ROAD ADOPTED 8/99 –LAST ROAD CLEANING WAS 9/04 – next cleaning due 12/04 (four times a year)
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Peter Voros and seconded by Joseph Lindmeier. All were in favor.
____________________________
Nancy L. Huster, Secretary