PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

SEPTEMBER 15, 2004

 

Meeting Time: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

 

The regular meeting of the Planning Board of Pittsgrove Township was held on September 15, 2004 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, Linda DuBois, Robert Ternay, Nicholas Mesiano, Donald Garrison, and Charles Hughes.

 

         Alternate members present were:  Tanya Davis. 

 

         Members absent were: Sheila Benson, Kevin Foster, Christine Seeney and Kenneth Shelton, Jr.

 

Planning Board Solicitor Gary Salber, Planning Board Engineer Mark Brunermer, Professional Planner, Harry Dare and Secretary Nancy Huster were also present.

 

MINUTES

AUGUST 18, 2004

 

         On a motion by Robert Ternay and seconded by Frank Pace the minutes of the August 18, 2004 meeting were approved as revised. (Charles Hughes was added to “members absent”).

 

ESCROW FEE DETERMINATION

No Business

 

APPLICATIONS

 

STEVE PERKINS – FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL GRANTED 7/6/04 FOR HARDING HEATING AND COOLING SUPPLY – BLOCK 201, LOT 10, HARDING HIGHWAY (PRELIMINARY APPROVAL GRANTED 12/2/03)

 

THE APPLICANT IS REQUESTING TO USE THE BUILDING APPROVED IN THE ORIGINAL SITE PLAN FOR AN ADDITIONAL USE AND IS CURRENTLY SEEKING DIRECTION FROM THE BOARD AND ITS PROFESSIONALS

 

         The applicant Steve Perkins was not present. Therefore, the board did not address the letter submitted from the applicant.

 

RESOLUTIONS

No Business

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

AGRICULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

         Herb Wegner was present to speak to the board regarding Green Acres issues. Planning is in the works for the Greenberg property preservation settlement. Another eighty acres in the Township is being pursued in addition to Phase II of the Running Deer Golf Course Development.

 

         A meeting is scheduled to be held at the Schalick High School, September 27, 2004, conducted by Morris Land Conservancy.

 

         Mr. Wegner also discussed a problem with an Almond Road property across from Parvins State Park. His concern is that the property is in wetlands and horse manure is washing into the State Park. It is his suggestion that the Property should be preserved.

 

 STATE CROSS ACCEPTANCE PLAN

 

         Ron Rukenstein was present to review the process and obtain questions and/or comments.

 

         Mr. Rukenstein presented slides of the 2001 plan, the most recent plan prepared, which located environmentally sensitive areas.

 

         Mayor Voros expressed his concerns that there were problems with the designation of soils and waterways that are very important.

 

         It was suggested by Mr. Rukenstein that he address concerns in writing to the County.

 

         The State Plan is eliminating designated centers and would rather have a Master Plan and ordinances from the Townships. Herb Wegner will supply the County with preserved land information.

 

         The timeline for the Cross Acceptance Plan is October 22, 2004 and comments from the Township are required by September 30, 2004.

 

         The board advised Mr. Rukenstein that the questionnaire was forwarded to the Environmental Commission, Tree Preservation Commission, Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Economic Development Committee for their input.

 

         It was noted that to be a Community with an Endorsed Plan the Township must adjust the Master Plan to match the State Plan. This will also help the Township regarding preference for grants.

 

         Township Planner, Harry Dare stated that our current ordinance requires a 200’ setback from any stream.

 

         Mr. Dare suggested a Planning Board Sub-Committee to make a list of concerns derived from the Planning Board members input.

 

         The board was informed by Mr. Dare the process of revising the Master Plan is very time consuming and costly.

 

         Mr. Rukenstein stated that the Township can submit the current Master Plan for the States opinion at no cost.

 

         Mayor Voros asked if the Township could increase the required lot size to six acres in the current three acre minimum zones.

 

         Mr. Dare stated the increase to six acres can have problems and cluster developments are a good way of saving land.

 

         The Planning Board Sub-Committee members will be; Township Planner Harry Dare, Nick Mesiano, Greg Hickson and Robert Ternay. The members will meet on September 20th or the 23rd, depending on Harry Dare’s schedule.

 

         The Township Committee will receive the information from all Committees.

 

         The completed questionnaires from the Planning Board members must be returned to the board office by September 20, 2004.

 

         Mr. Dare will contact the board secretary Thursday with the date and time for the Sub-Committee meeting.  

 

REDESIGNATION OF LANDIS AVENUE - JIM SHUSTER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – Initial Discussion 2/3/04

 

No Business

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE – SOIL PROTECTION DRAFT PREPARED BY HARRY DARE DISTRIBUTED 4/6/04 – Initial Discussion 2/3/04 – CONTINUED TO JULY 21, 2004 – Approved as revised 7/21/04 – To be forwarded to the Township Committee with recommendation to adopt.

 

Planning Board Solicitor Gary Salber will revise the Soil Ordinance as decided by the Board at its meeting on 7/21/04.

 

 ADOPT A ROAD PROGRAM – ROAD ADOPTED 8/99 –LAST ROAD CLEANING WAS 3/28/04 – next cleaning due 7/04 (four times a year)

 

         Planning Board Vice Chairman Frank Pace cleaned McKishen Road this past weekend and forwarded the report to the Clean Community’s Coordinator.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION (IF REQUIRED)

 

No Business

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

         There being no further business the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Peter Voros and seconded by Linda DuBois.  All were in favor.

 

 

_____________________

Nancy L. Huster

Land Use Administrator