ROLL CALL:

Mr. Rodzinak – present                            Mrs. Joanne Kane - absent       

Mrs. Knapp – present                              Mr. Leven – present      

Councilman Scaglione – present              Mayor Flannery – present

Chairman Fross – present                       Ms. Barbara Kane, Alt. #1 - present                   

                                                                        Mr. Hayes, Alt. #2 - present

Others present:  Board Attorney Thomas Collins, Township Planner Scarlett Doyle, Township Engineer Robert Bogart, Grace Karanja, Planning Board Administrative Assistant.

APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES:

August 25, 2008 Regular Meeting minutes– Motion by Mayor Flannery, second by Councilman Scaglione, the August 25, 2008 regular meeting minutes of the Planning Board were adopted, as presented, on a unanimous voice vote of those present and eligible to vote:

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MEMORIALIZATION OF RESOLUTIONS:

OWENS REALTY HOLDINGS, LLC

Block 907 Lot 49, 60.01 (Blazier Rd.)

#29-04-PB, Preliminary Major Subdivision (no variances)

PROPOSAL: Three (3) Lot Subdivision is proposed

DECISION: Approved with conditions 7/8/08

It was confirmed for the record that the adoption of this resolution will be tabled until the next regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting.

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NORTHWINDS CORPORATION

Block 653 Lots 36 & 37 (1475 Mountain Top Rd.)

#21-08-PB, Preliminary Major Subdivision (no variances)

PROPOSAL: Five (5) lot subdivision

DECISION: Approved w/conditions 8/12/08

It was confirmed for the record that the adoption of this resolution will be tabled until the next regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting.

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LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS:

EDEN WOOD REALTY

Block 329 Lot 14 (Main St & Radel Ave)

#12-08-PB, Conceptual Plan Review

PROPOSAL: Age restricted Housing Units

Francis Linnus, Esq. was present to represent the applicant. The applicant seeks to be in the Housing Element Plan, based on 3^rd Round COAH standards. Mr. Linnus reviewed the zoning history of the parcel, noting that the applicant’s previous proposal was to demolish the existing structures and construct a total of 223 senior citizen, age restricted units on lands zoned for senior citizen residential purposes. In an attempt to aid the Board in satisfying their COAH obligation for rental units, the applicant at this time requests an amendment to the SC-R zone in order to build rental units as opposed to senior citizen residential units which are permitted in the SC-R Zone. Forty Five (45) to sixty four (64) family affordable rentals will be provided in this proposed scenario. A total of 321 total rental units are proposed. He stated that the zoning density of up to 13 dwelling units are permitted. Mr. Linnus suggested that the new COAH rules and new ordinance is sufficient to break from the age-restricted recommendation of the Master Plan. He also described to the public the purpose of a conceptual site plan.

Michael Tobia, PP, was sworn in and accepted as a professional planner. He explained that the applicants’ current concept plan was submitted in response to the recent ordinance and COAH regulations. The applicant would be willing to proceed with the former plans which propose 223 senior citizen, age restricted units. He added that the former plans have already been submitted to the Planning Department.

Mr. Tobia explained his version of the benefits to the Township and the mix they envision for this all-rental project. The current concept plan proposes:

All family units

All rental units

No-age restricted units

Planner Tobia noted that the applicant is not looking to get an answer from the Board at this time, but rather to advise the Board that the property in question is viable if the Board ever needs it. With regard to density computations, the applicant noted that although a density bonus is almost inevitable based on COAH rules, the applicant is flexible and will work with the Board and its professionals. In addition, the applicant has no problem going with their original plan of 223 senior citizen, age restricted units. The benefits of the current concept plan were discussed.

Chairman Fross opened the hearing to the Board for questions. The Board complemented the applicant on providing notice to all neighboring property owners within 200-ft even though the Municipal Land Use Law did not require them to do so. The Board noted its appreciation with the applicant’s attempt to aid the Municipality in meeting their COAH obligations and their willingness to work with the Board. The Board however felt that it is pre-mature to make a decision at this time when the COAH obligations are still up for discussion. The Board added that we have ten (10) years to supply the rental units.

Chairman Fross opened the hearing to the public for questions.

John Bauer, 33 Manhill Blvd. was present and he was sworn in. He asked if the traffic circulation is necessary as it is laid out. He was particularly concerned about other traffic options which would not interfere with the privacy of their neighborhood. Mr. Tobia stated that nothing is cast in stone.

Edward Kowaleski, 70 Ramsey Street was present and he was sworn in. He was concerned whether the concept site plan binds the Township. It was confirmed that the concept plan did not bind the Township.

Chris Maraconda, 19 Ramsey Street was present and he was sworn in. He asked that the project remain as active-adult and added that low-income active adult is acceptable.

The Board did not render any decisions due to the concept nature of this application but provided input to the applicant as discussed above. The hearing for this matter was adjourned at approximately 7:00 pm.

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Chairman Fross called for a recess. The Planning Board meeting was resumed at approximately 7:05pm with all Board members present as before.

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PUBLIC HEARING:

Impervious Coverage – Presentation by Scarlett Doyle, P.P., Township Planner

Planner Doyle discussed the need to explore the zoning requirements for Impervious Coverage. She noted that impervious coverage is being affected by changing lifestyles and residential expectations for amenities. Years ago, a dwelling was considered the major contributor to the impervious coverage component of the Ordinance, but today, desired amenities are greatly affecting that parameter. She added that today, two and three car garages are common and driveways are now required to be hard-surface, while years ago, driveways were not required to be paved. Swimming pools were small and above ground, not requiring a hard surface patio surrounding the above ground. Today, many pools being sought are in-ground with hard surface patio decking surrounding the pool. Planner Doyle also noted the hardship for the residents because applications for this type of variance relief are very expensive. She suggested that the Board form a sub-committee to investigate the impervious coverage zoning requirements and report back to the Board.

COAH – Presentation by Dan Hayes, Planning Board Member

Mr. Hayes discussed with the Board the following aspects of COAH:

1. The agendas of COAH, Builders/Developers, Township Administration, Governing Body, the Planning Board, and the Taxpayers
2. Strategic responses to COAH
3. Will the strategic responses help and by when (short term and long term possibilities)
4. Strategy selections
5. Strategic responsibilities
6. The action plan of Administration and Governing Body
7. The action plan of the Planning Board
8. The action plan of Taxpayers
9. Planning Board responsibilities
10. Understanding the rules while preventing the Builder Remedy Lawsuit
11. Seven Steps to Substantive Certification
12. Understanding the rules: The Township Target
13. Understanding the Municipality’s situation including what the Township’s Target is
14. What needs to be done today
15. What will really be needed in 10-years
16. Weighing-impact minimizing strategies
17. How much land the Township needs
18. The Planning Board requirement for Establishing the Housing Plan

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It was the Board’s consensus to put in place three (3) subcommittees to investigate their respective areas and report back to the Board. The three (3) sub-committees and their members are as follows:

A.    Economic Development sub-committee:

1.     Andy Leven

2.     Barbara Kane

3.     Elizabeth Knapp

B.    Impervious Coverage sub-committee:

1.     Councilman Scaglione

2.     Steve Rodzinak

3.     Chairman Fross

C.    COAH sub-committee:

1.     Mayor Patricia Flannery

2.     Dan Hayes

3.     Joanne Kane

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OTHER BOARD BUSINESS:

The Board did not conduct any other business.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Chairman Fross opened the meeting to public for non-agenda items.  Upon hearing none, Chairman Fross closed the public portion of the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

It was the consensus of the Board to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Karanja,

Assistant Planning Board Secretary

Adopted 9/22/08