Evening and welcome to the Bridgewater Township Planning Board special meeting agenda for Tuesday, March 31st, 2026. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10:4-6
on March 16th, 2026. Proper notice was sent to the Electronic News Sources of Record filed with the municipal clerk at the Township of Bridgewater and posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building. Please be aware of the planning board policy for public hearings. No new applications will be
heard after 9:30 p.m. and no new testimony will be taken after 10 p.m. Hearing assistance is available upon request. Accommodations will be made for individuals with a disability pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA provided the individual with the
disability provides 48 hours advanced notice to the planning department secretary before the public meeting. However, if the individual should require special equipment or services such as a CART transcriber, 7 days advanced notice excluding weekends and holidays may be necessary.
Would everyone please rise to salute the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Good evening, Miss Probes. Could I have a roll call, please? >> Chairman Vz here. >> Mr. Bonjouro >> here. >> Councilwoman Isla. >> Mr. Papis >> here. >> Mr. McGora >> here. >> Mr. Wang >> here.
>> Miss Sakura >> here. >> Mr. Banga. >> Miss Chardawitch. Mr. Chowdery. >> Mr. Atkins, Mark Peek, board attorney >> here, >> Bill Burr, board engineer,
>> here, >> Katherine Sarmad, board planner >> here, >> and Maurice Rashed, um, traffic engineer >> here. >> You have a quorum. You can proceed. >> Thank you, Miss Probes. At this time, I'd like to invite any members of the public wishing to address the board on
any matters that are not listed on tonight's agenda. Please feel free to come forward at this time. Good evening. Could you please state your name and address for the record and log into the book? >> Joan Guyger, 154 Hillside Avenue, Bridgewater, New
Jersey. I am the Bridgewater Town Council President. Mr. Papis made a comment several meetings ago and I just wanted to make sure I understood and that I it was clarified. you were talking about the notice that
Bridgewater gives um is required to give. Could you just repeat that? I think I m I I wasn't sure that I heard all of the towns correctly and understood exactly when the notice had been given. And my interest is as the town count town council president, I
want to make sure that Bridgewater has complied and done our due diligence in all of these matters. >> Sure. Certainly, Miss Gger. Um, the notice that I mentioned is a a public notice. It's a copy of it here. It is um
making reference to the Bridgewwater Township notice of master plan public hearing. The date of the hearing was June 25th, 2025 at 7 p.m. And the notice was sent certified mail on June the 6th.
And I have copies of the actual receipts. It was sent to uh all of the adjoining communities. Branchburg Township, Bedminster Township, Berners Township, Somerset County Planning Board, Greenbrook Township, Hillsboro Township, Somerville Burrow, Middle Sex
Burrow, Manville Burrow, Warren Township, Bound Brook Burrow, Raritton Burrow, and then also attached are the copies of uh proof of notice where someone signed for each of these from
each of the re receiving U public entities. So, who who do we actually send the notice to? Does it go to the other town's planning board? >> Municipal clerk. >> To the municipal. >> Yes. So, in each instance, it's uh the municipal clerk is listed by name. In
each of these communities, the Somerset County Planning Board, it's Matthew Loper who is the board secretary is designated by the board and every other instance, it's the township or burough clerk. >> So, we've complied. Yes. Bridgewater is in compliance. Thank you so much, Mr. Papis. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Okay, moving along to the only application portion uh for the evening. That's application 2526 PB. That's Wheatsworth Properties Urban Renewals, block 406, lot 2.01, commonly known as Cornell Boulevard and US
Highway Routes 202206. And who is returning this evening to represent the applicant? >> Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman. This is Jason Heinman from the law firm of PriceMe Showman and Dr. Armenino on behalf of the applicant Weatsworth Properties LLC. Uh, as the board may
recall, uh, we were here last on uh, March 3rd. You heard engineering testimony from our civil engineer, Mr. uh, Mike Fischer. Uh, we completed the direct examination. We heard some questions from the board as well as from
the board professionals, but uh uh time of the meeting did not allow for uh public questions and cross-examination from the um uh interested parties attorney. Uh so his testimony was to be continued to this hearing. As you can
see to my left, this is not Mr. Fischer. Uh we had a uh very good suggestion from uh board member Sakura to look into alternate site access on 2026. Uh we started that process. It's quite
involved um because it's it's a very complicated matter with DOT. So it's going to take a bit of time for us to fully flesh that out. Uh so in the interest of of moving these proceedings along, we're going to have our architect, Mr. Yogish mystery uh testify
with respect to the architectural uh and material elements of the building. Those things won't change um with this um potential alternative access. What would change is maybe the building placement. It might be reoriented. It might be
shifted. But the building footprints, the floor plans, the architectural elements, they're not changing. So, we're going to address those aspects. And uh you know at the end of this hearing we'll we'll discuss uh timing for the next hearing to bring Mr.
Fischer back. Uh and again it might take a bit of time. So it wouldn't be the next hearing. >> So we're clear just for housekeeping purposes and so we understand how this is moving forward. Once your team has completed its inquiry into
whether the alternate site access to 2026 is viable or not viable, then Mr. Fiser will come back. >> That's correct. >> Provide additional testimony and then there'll be opportunities for the board, the board professionals, and the public
to directly question Mr. Fischer on the totality. >> Correct. >> Of his testimony. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. And as another housekeeping matter, you had referenced at the last meeting um two exhibits, a a site inspection checklist and a uh no smoking
lease addendum. >> Yes. >> Uh that the tenants would have to do. And you did provide those to the board. Would you like to mark those as like A7 and A? >> Yes. I believe they're uh uh pre-marked A7 A8. Oh, >> okay. Very good. So, they're in the board packets that have been been handed
out and they were also emailed um marked. >> Right. Yeah. I didn't didn't notice that they were so >> All right. Thank you, >> Mr. Chairman. If I may interject for a moment, I apologize. Maurice Rashid here, traffic engineer for the board. I came tonight in anticipation of hearing
site engineering, traffic engineering, and access configuration. Being that tonight is going to be architectural, I think would be unfair to the applicant and the board for me to be here. Unless you'd like me to stay, I'm more than
happy to stay. But otherwise, I think I should pack my bags and leave. >> Unless there's any other purpose for you to be here regarding an architectural issue, I don't think so. And I think you'd probably could feel free to leave. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Have a good night. >> Thank you, Mr.
>> Mr. Heman. Thank you very much for bringing us up to uh speed with that quick review and uh how would you like to start the testimony this evening and with who? >> Thank you. So uh I think we should just jump right in. Um I would like to have uh Mr. Yogish Mystery sworn and we can begin his testimony.
>> Do you swear that the testimony you're going to give in the course of this hearing will be the truth and nothing but the truth? >> Yes, I do. >> Thank you. Could you state uh your name and spell your last name, please? >> Yogish Mystery. Y O G S H. Last name is M I S T R Y.
>> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh you sit down, Mr. Mystery. Um can you provide the board the benefit of your background education? >> Sure. Uh I'm a licensed architect in the state of New Jersey. I have been since 2000. I currently run a practice in Bud
Lake, New Jersey, where had that practice for 20 plus years. We do various types of architecture from uh new construction multif family units to office buildings, hotels, retail buildings. Uh I've testified in front of various boards throughout northern New
Jersey. Uh I believe it's my first time in Bridgewater though. >> Um license is in good standing. >> And you developed the architectural plans that were submitted with this application. >> Yes, I have. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh if unless there are any further questions, uh I'd request
that he be um qualified as an expert in architecture. >> Does the board have any objections to Mr. Mystery's qualifications? >> Please proceed. >> Thank you. Um Mr. Mystery, I'm pulling up uh the
exterior materials board for the 4-unit veterans building. You developed this uh this slide and submitted it with the application, correct? Yes, I have. >> Okay. And could you just for the board walk through generally the exterior of
the building, its dimensions, um height, materials, things of that nature? >> Sure. So, there's two buildings on the property. Um the subject property being uh what was discussed at the last hearing uh between Cornell Boulevard and Route 202 206. Um those two buildings
include a 4unit veterans housing building. That's the image that you're looking at here. And then the second building is an 11 unit um affordable housing building >> and that's depicted on the second sheet of uh uh this packet that you submitted.
>> Yes. I'll kind of maybe we'll start with the fourunit and then kind of work our way. >> All right. So I'll I'll present uh the first sheet. That's the fourunit. >> So this is the front of the fourunit um veterans housing building. It has four
apartments. two on the ground floor, two on the second floor. Um the the um there is no third floor. That's just an attic and and the the stormers on the roof line are essentially just decorative. There is no uh third floor. It's a
two-story building. Um each floor is about uh the first floor is 2230 ft. The second floor is 2270 square feet. Um there's consists of two two-bedroom apartments on the ground floor and two
twobedroom apartments on the second floor almost identical to each other. There's a um a small corridor and and stair access right in the middle. If you look at the front elevation there's there's one door that leads to a sort of a central core. Um and then all the
units are accessed internally within that uh kind of stair tower. Um the the the two-bedroom apartments are approximately 1,028 square ft each. Um the ground floor units are all ADA
compliant. Um their second the second floor units are they call ADA adaptable. They're just uh you know they have the ability to be accommodated but um there's no elevator in this building. U there is a full basement. It's going to
be used just for storage and utilities. And what you're looking at the outside is essentially um sort of a large house. Uh we kept it more in sort of a residential scale and character. Has uh hardy siding that's in a kind of a warm
uh warm gray or kind of a tan color. Uh in addition to uh some of uh the dor the dormers being uh hardy shakes. Um there's also a stone water table along the bottom of the uh the building. There's burgundy shutters and kind of a
slate color roof line. Um this is generally um complimentary to what's in the neighborhood and also complimentary to the other building we're proposing. Um just essentially keeping more of a residential look and and you know with the roof line and and scale of the
building, the windows uh and so forth. Would you like me to go to the architectural plans? Talk about the floor plan. >> Sure. >> On to the next building. >> So, uh, this is sheet A 2.01. >> Yes, this is sheet A 2.01. It shows the,
um, floor plans and the elevations again, but in black and white. This was part of the package that was submitted, uh, as part of this application. Um there's uh on the right hand side of the page is the first floor, second floor, and then the top is the the basement. Um
again, you can see that they're they're generally identical. You walk into the front door on the ground floor. Uh and then to the left is a doorway and it leads to um the first apartment. And then if you go to the door to the right leads to the second apartment. Um there's two bedrooms, there's a living
area, dining area, kitchen. Um, again, it's about 1,028 square ft. Um, they're almost identical sort of side by side and then also up and down. Um, as you get to the second floor and then in the basement is just the, uh, kind of an
open utility and storage space. Um, there are no mechanicals on the roof of either of these buildings. All the mechanicals are inside the building, whether it's in the basement or some of the HVAC units are within the apartments themselves. Um the only thing outside
are the condensers that are on grade. Um I think in this case there's uh a couple on each side of the building. Um the building will be fully sprinklered. Uh we'll have um sort of all these all the
kind of modern code requirements. Um there will be a track uh the the sorry the the mail access for this building will be mounted on the the face of the building right at the front or outside the front door. Um since there's only
four units there just be four mailboxes. Um the trash for this is located outside of the building. It's there's a small dumpster that was described on the site plan last time. So all the residents would just they take their trash out to the dumpster and then um throw it away
in the dumpster. >> There no signage on any of these buildings um except for you know maybe a number sign but there's no like a name or name of the project or anything like that. Um I know there were comments regarding fire department uh FDC's uh
the fire department connection. Um we'll be that will be coordinated with the fire department. we have no problem with where they want to locate that. Uh there will also include a NOX box and uh any truss uh signage that's required by the
fire department. Um I think some of those comments came up in the planners report as well. >> No decks or patios are proposed. >> No decks or patios. Um the overall height of this building uh from average grade to the peak is 29'2 in. That's
well within the 35. I believe that's allowed. Um, again, it's think that it's also just a general residential scale. I think most communities have two and a half story through 35 ft as a general requirement. So, that's within that um
limit. Um, >> and there is uh sconce lighting by the entrances. Yeah, there there's essentially small decorative lighting right at the front door. No different than you'd have at your house. Um, you know, I think the the site engineer
described any parking lighting, but this lighting is really just for illuminating the front door and if you know when guests come in and out. So there kind of see the uh uh the front entrance and the stairs there. There there is no um
I don't believe there's any more uh lighting on the on the building. >> So, do you want to move on to the 11 unit? >> Sure. >> So, we'll start with the uh color rendering and the materials.
>> So, what you're looking at is uh the second page of this exhibit. It's the uh kind of colorized rendering of this the 11 unit building. Um, this is an 11unit apartment building. It's three stories. It's um
has uh also has a basement. The first floor has five apartments. The second floor has four apartments and the third floor has two apartments. Um the breakdown is uh the first floor has one efficiency unit uh two one-bedroom units
and two two-bedroom units for a total of five. The second floor has four two-bedroom apartments and the third floor has two three-bedroom apartments. Again, this totaling 11 units. The units vary from uh about >> I'm sorry. Could you run through that
breakdown again? >> Sure. We can go through it in a little bit more detail when we show the u architectural plan, so you can follow. Okay, good. >> Yeah, we'll we'll go over that again. >> Sure. Uh and the units do vary from uh 583 ft to uh 1,391
ft for the three-bedroom. The 583 being the efficiency. Um the building itself is 34t2 in tall whereas 38 ft is allowed for this uh building. Um the exterior finishes again they're they're similar to the other
building although the colors are slightly different. We wanted it to be complimentary but not sort of mirrored and and not identical. Um it is all hardy siding and hardy shakes on the building. Kind of a mixture of it. There's also a water table of brick,
reddish color brick and the um the roof shingles are like a Peter gray shingle. Um, again, the the the scale of this building is a little bit larger than the other one, but um I we still have the the roof line that's that's kind of um
allows a third floor to sit within the kind of the attic space. It is a it is a threetory, but we've kind of tucked the third story into that roof line as almost like attic dormers um to help kind of uh reduce the scale. uh again that the the windows and just the
general character of the building lend itself more to sort of a residential look versus a commercial look. Again, just being mindful of uh where this building is situated. Um then I think maybe we could switch to
the floor plans. We'll start sheet two uh >> A2.02. Again, this is part of the package that was submitted. Um, the bottom right being the first floor plan. Um, and there's five units and kind of to
try to slow down the uh the unit count. So, the first floor has five apartments. There's one efficiency unit. Um, there's two one-bedroom apartments. >> That efficiency unit that's located in that central area. Yeah, that bottom
>> bottom central. Yeah. >> Um, and there's two onebedrooms that are kind of the the top and right uh the top left and right uh units. And then there's two twobedroom apartments which are the the bottom right and left.
Um again, each unit would have a living area, dining area, kitchen area, um bedroom area and and then toilets. Um they do each have uh I believe they all have like washers and dryers. They also
have internal uh uh HVAC units that are individually controlled. Uh the building will be all sprinkler be ADA compliant. Uh fully ADA compliant on the ground floor with ramp access and then the upper floors would be adaptable.
um the second floor which is on the >> uh before you move on to the second floor, are there is there patio access for the um units on the first floor? >> Um there there's a rear uh there's access to like two doors which are for
really fire exiting. I don't believe there's any patios out there. No, >> it's just they're they're kind of fire exits for the the tenants on the bottom of the page there. Um the mail in this building is handled in with inside the
stair tower. Stair tower being the top of the page there. Um so the mail and any packages would be handled inside that uh structure. Um the trash would be handled the same way just you know >> I'm sorry where's the mail handled
>> within that stair tower? Um I don't know if I could point to it but um there's a stair tower uh on the sort of the top part of the first floor. And within that stair tower will be uh mailboxes for >> Thank you.
>> Um so that that central stair tower will connect all the floors including the basement. Um on the second floor which is the top left of the page uh depicts the four two-bedroom apartments that are
located on the second floor. Um again the the the apartments are uh have consists of living areas, dining areas, bathrooms and uh kitchen areas there. Um and then the the top floor would have uh
which is the top right of the page would have two three-bedroom apartments um which is kind of generous in size that 1391 square feet each um
and the same things apply regarding uh this there's no signage on the buildings. We'll coordinate the fire department connections for for this building as well. It'll all be sprinklered. Um we'll locate the NOx box wherever the fire department wants as
well as provide any trust signage. Um and all the mechanicals again would be inside the buildings. Nothing on the roof and except for uh the condensers that are on grade for this building. >> And then similar situation to the four unit veterans with respect to the
basement. It's just utilized for storage utilities. >> Yeah. In fact, this one is like half crawl and half basement. Obviously, the crawl space is just there for utilities. The basement portion is for basement and for utilities and storage only.
Um, we we, you know, I've worked with this client on on various other projects uh throughout the state and these two buildings in particular. We've we've kind of used a similar plan or similar
layout in other towns. Um, and they, you know, both have worked out very well. They're they're suitable for veterans housing. um you know they provide a good accommodations and the finishes that um this client provides is is very commendable for I guess you know these
the fact that these are uh still affordable um you know that we are using hardy on the outside and it's not just vinyl siding uses good materials for the general exterior finish as well as interior he's using real stone and not not like a cultured stone on this um so
yeah I you know we we just have been to, you know, buildings of both of these u projects that were similar and seen them built and seen them executed and, you know, I would I would say they're they're always uh of good quality.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mystery. Uh I think that concludes the direct uh testimony from our architect. We'll open them up for questions from the board and uh professionals. >> Thank you, Mr. H. Thank you, Mr. Mystery. I'd like to open up to the board, please. Would you like to begin, Mr.
Bur? Please. Um, you talk about utilities in the basement. Is that for the building or for the individual units? >> Um, there it's both. The individual, like let's say there's hot water heaters for each apartment. We might put those in the basement. They'll be all for the
units, but there might be a common heating unit for the common areas with, you know, there's limited common area in this building. It's essentially the stair tower. And >> my perspective is what might happen. In other words, you just mentioned the hot water units. They're going to be in the
basement. So, if there's flooding, it's going to be in the basement. >> I mean, we don't anticipate any flooding. >> Well, hot water heaters don't last forever. >> Yeah. >> I mean, oh, if you're you're saying if if one of them leaks, yes, it would be in the basement, >> right? Yes.
>> And it's going to be heaters or it's going to be instant hot. >> These typically are gas water heaters. Okay. >> All right. Um uh the the surface outside is hardy board. That hardy board is color is
surface color, right? >> It doesn't go all the way through. So it can fade. >> It can fade, but they, you know, we buy these prefinished. So they're finished in the factory. >> The the finish itself is a very durable paint that they apply. So there's a long
life to that and it can be repainted but you know they have a good life and it's a very durable project. >> Okay. And the dormers that I saw on the veterans building those were dummies. >> I'm sorry. >> The dormas on the veterans building
those were dummies. >> Yes. The the the fourunit building with the with the dormers. Yes. Those are just they're fake. They're just decorative. There's no apartments. There's no living space on that attic level. And just a a point of clarification, the the hot water heaters are going to be electric, not uh
>> for the 11 unit building >> for the 11 unit. >> They're going to be electric. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Questions? >> I have few uh Mr. Mystery. the um
looking at the first floor >> looking at the first floor um of the larger building floor plan. >> Yes. >> The entrance to the uh apartments are they from the exterior of the structure?
>> No. No. All the uh entrances are from the inside. There are four sorry five doors that allow for egress. It's it's just a requirement of this, you know, because we have the >> You point them out. I just want to make sure I I'm clear where the entrances
are. >> You want to point out the main entrance, right? >> Yeah. So, the main entrance is uh if you go to the first floor plan, I don't know if that cursor shows up. >> So, the main entrance to the building are those two doors where the cursor is to the sort of right and left of the
stair. One side is is accessed by a ramp, the other side is accessed by a stair. you you actually walk into the stair tower and then you go through that that door from the stair tower into this common quarter and that's where you access all the internal front doors of
each apartment. Now, the other doors that are outside, there's one door from the uh that one-bedroom apartment on the left. There's another door, there's another door from the second one-bedroom apartment, and then there's uh kind of
three doors at the bottom of the plan. Now, each of those doors are required for uh sort of a secondary means of egress. It's not meant to be an entrance door, but it's an >> emergency >> emergency exit door. Yes. And are the uh
the apartments on the first floor uh ADA compliant? >> Yes, they are. >> Um on the third floor, it appears that those larger apartments, threebedroom, have
one and a half bath. Is that correct? >> Yes, there's one and a half baths. >> The rest of the apartments, first and second floor, have one full bath each. Correct. >> Correct. And then uh you mentioned that the hot water is electric. What about um heat?
>> Yeah, it's also it's also electric >> on the 11 unit building. >> So there's no gas on this site. >> The the four unit veterans housing will still have a ga a gas hookup. >> So the 11 unit building, it's all
electric. is natural gas and is what's the reason for that? >> Yeah, that's a question for the uh >> the owner. >> Please, >> please. So the the reason for Luchiano Brunell
the reason for the electric is to meet certain funding which regards to zero net car um zero net carbon emissions and that was one of the qualifications for that. So that's why we're doing all electric. Normally we do gas but that
funding they wanted to see electric. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Papus. Mr. Mr. Just a few general questions on my end to begin. Um, is there going to be power generation on the sighting in event the power outages? >> Generator. >> Yeah, generator.
>> Uh, I believe so. We normally do put generators for these projects. >> Okay. And these are going to be located on the outside, I believe, on the slab where you have the HVAC uh units. >> Yeah, it'll just be on grade on a small like a concrete pad. >> Okay. Uh, do you anticipate or do you
know what type of uh generators those are going to be, what the KVA amounts going to be, that type of thing? >> Um, I couldn't tell you offhand right now, but they're they're usually small. It's just for sort of uh life safety. Not it's not a generator kind of put all your appliances on. It's just for life
safety purp. >> Is it going to be an entire structure generator uh with the capability of essentially providing power to the entire residents or to individual residents? >> One per building. >> One per building. Okay. And uh that's going to be gas. I'm assuming natural gas.
>> We usually do the natural gas. Yes. >> So there will be natural gas going to this site in general for that purpose. >> Yeah. There there's natural gas to the site. Yes. And it also serve the um four unit building. >> Okay. Uh you mentioned earlier that um there
is no plans at this time for a deck or patio. Is that correct? >> Yes, there is no no deck or patio right now. Could there be in the future a deck or patio? >> Um, I mean the only thing you can't I
can't say deck because there's no I mean there's no access to a deck um on the fourunit building like there no doors from the fourunit building that access outside the 11 building they would essentially go off
on grade. So if if anything it would just be a small patio. It could never be a deck because coming right off onto the there's like a walkway that leads to the just an exit walkway. >> Okay. So, there could be in the future the potential for some additional coverage for a patio essentially.
>> Potentially. >> Okay. Okay. I'm just going to quickly shift gears. I'm going to tweak Mr. Majardo's question. In the basement, you mentioned there's a full basement. Uh perhaps this is a question for the engineer will ask anyway. Uh it's going to be equipped. I'm assuming what type of water management system will be down there.
Grad water management. Some pump or drain? French drain. Oh, just for the basement. >> For the basements for for both units. Yeah. What's the um the drainage um solution proposed? >> Yeah, typically just a sump pump. You know, it's like a regular almost like a residential type basement and we just
pump it out. >> Okay. >> Some reason there's a lot of groundwater, but >> how many are proposed? Any idea at this time? >> Sorry. >> How many would be proposed at this time? >> Some pumps. Some typically two for each basement.
Okay. >> Are these going to be or the responsibility of the um tenant to manage? >> No. No. These are all like all the common areas and and this the infrastructure itself is all managed by the developer. >> Okay.
Um and let me see while I'm on my basement question here. Um access to the basement I'm assuming or if you could tell me uh will the residents have access to the basement? Um I'm not sure if I could answer that. >> I'm here. No.
>> Okay. Uh so essentially it's just going to be used for um groundskeeping. Um is there going to be I think Mr. Bonjouro mentioned about utility. Is there going to be active like appliances or furnishings in the basement? >> No. No. It's just I mean I if he has
like an extra I don't know a hot water heater that he wants to keep as his backup. Yeah. Other than that, it's just it's just general storage. >> Okay. And lastly, on the basement, any communal space planned? Um, and I think it's probably redundant. You answered my question already regarding the access. So, no communal space, I'm assuming.
>> No. >> Okay. Uh, my last question, and thank you for uh entertaining. Um, the larger building, um, why I'm just curious, why was that color pattern chosen for the larger building? I I saw this the smaller building with the the warmer color patterns. Why with the larger
building if you can explain just a little bit more why it's kind of like a gray on gray. It's a little bit more industrial looking. Just curious. >> Um we've used this color in other projects. It actually works well. It's actually um we didn't want to again sort of copy the other building. We wanted to
create some complimentary colors. But um you know I I don't think the the rendering itself does it justice because we've done a building with similar colors and it looks very attractive. you know, that I think the the white trim on on the windows and and some of the brick
really sort of play off of it. Um, so that's the reason. >> Okay, thanks. That's all for this uh moment. Um, I'd like to open up to any other questions. Mr. Chowry, >> Mr. Cora, >> thank you. Thank you, Chairman. >> Um, I think you mentioned about the
emergency exits. uh in the 11 unit building at any time probably about 30 people will be there you know with the childrens or everybody else. So can you explain on that especially on the third floor and the second floor how
they will get out during the fire or any other emergency? Yeah, they would use that central uh stairwell that's in the sort of the plan. The we do follow all the building codes and the building codes are written, you know, with safety
in mind. Otherwise, you know, they would have requested more. Um the the way this works is if you have more than four apartments per floor, you need secondary means of egress up to up to three floors. And so the ground floor we because we have more more than four
apartments we need additional exits which we've provided. For the second floor we have four apartments so only one exit is required. The same thing for the third floor only one exit is required because we only have two apartments. You know that also takes into consideration that each of those
apartments have firewalls that separate one from each other as well as from the stair and common areas itself. So that there's an added level of protection. And then in in addition to that the the building is fully sprinklered. So um you know with all those kind of layers um
the building code is is is fine with the way we have this arrangement. Again we've we've done this very similar building in in a few other towns and um you know it meets all the building local and state codes. >> The fire engine can uh go back site if
needed. Yeah, the the the the building itself is is you know fully open on all sides. I can't say >> no no no I can I remember this is basically you know lawn area is there backside but not any pavement area that
that's okay but basically fire engine can go if needed from the backside. Yeah, I believe so. I don't >> that would >> more of an engineering >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. >> Two questions. I saw laundry in the
third I think the third floor. Is there laundry in all units? >> Yes, I believe so. We normally do put laundryies in each unit >> in both the veterans home and the >> Yes. Okay. And then could you describe a
little bit about the efficiency unit? Yeah, that's um on the ground floor of the 11 unit. I think we only have one efficiency. Uh again, I I I think due due to his to the client's um obligations to meet certain, you know,
various types of unit, the efficiency is one of them and we've provided for that. Uh it's 583 square ft. You walk in, um there's a full ADA compliant bathroom. Um there's kind of a linear kitchen. Um there's a small dining area at the end
of the kitchen and then a separate sort of living area. And even though this is an efficiency, there is sort of a semi-closed off room for um for sleeping. Doesn't have a door on it, but you know, has sort of a separation wall.
So um you know, I think it's a little bit nicer than I guess an open studio type apartment. >> Got it. What makes it efficient an efficiency unit? >> Just a size and it's uh doesn't have a separate onebedroom. >> Got it.
>> Is the unit mix and the sizes are those mandated by like HMFA regulations or >> Yes. >> Yes. They they meet all requirements but of the affordable housing um hack
regulations and requirements. >> Yes. The best of my understanding that that's how we came up with some of these the counts on uh types of one bedrooms, two bedrooms, three bedroom. I'd like to recommend that we add the
subp pump and the generator to the property checklist that happens on a regular basis. >> Shouldn't be an issue. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Pap. Mr. Chairman, just a couple of qu further questions about the generator
and utilities. You said that it it's the practice to have generators for each building. >> Yeah, one one generator for each building. And could you describe again the capacity? I was a little unclear about that.
>> They're like 25 AVA or um we've used on other projects slightly larger. >> Um so the generators are set up more for common area and for pumps. So if we have a pump or we have a sewer pump, we want them to be on on generators just in case
power goes out. we don't have a massive problem whether it is waterfr only only lighting up area some of the parking lot lighting itself and it's also providing protection for so
>> not a big generator >> okay and um you you mentioned that the smaller building will have natural gas heat but the larger building is electric. Could you describe the rationale for
that a little bit more? You made reference to funding but could you describe that in some more detail please? So again it's it's it's that simple fact funding require one funding for the 11 unit requires that you meet certain energy efficiency codes and the
other one didn't because we're not going for that funding. >> Um So to get points you meet that requirement points. >> Is there any other way to accomplish this point goal that you mentioned other
than all electric? And the reason I ask is that with electricity costs, this is a a complex for people who meet certain affordable housing uh requirements and the cost of heating
any dwelling with pure electric can be pretty pricey. Um, so how is it that a program that is provides funding for affordable housing, is it mandating the electric power or heating for these units? Is that or is
that just an option that you pursued to meet these point requirements? >> It's a net zerocarbon emission standard. That's what they want to meet. In order to do that, >> do you have any idea what the um I'm sorry. Go ahead. I interrupted you. No,
it's okay. Just just saying you're you're preaching to the choir doesn't make sense to me either, but that's what they said and that's how we got those. >> And do you have any idea what for the various sizes what the you know for today what the a monthly electric bill
would be for any one of these units? though based on the HUD regulation for utility costs, a twobedroom electricity alone for just the electricity portion of it
is $83 a month. they that's reality. I can't tell you that. It's going by what has in their schedule to show what electric cost is for the apartment. That doesn't include the heat water because I'm not sure what that
number is, but just electric. >> And does each uh apartment have its own thermostat that controls the heating and cooling? >> Yes. >> And I assume all the entire structure, all the units of central air. >> Yes. Okay, thank you.
>> And one clify one thing in the efficiency and the onebedrooms they will be a split system as they call it mini splits as they call it sorry which they'll be you know smaller units and they'll have the
set on the wall. It's to meet energy coding. The reason why do it on smaller units because the unit is bigger and the unit is bigger of that unit not the energy code. We
want you to be smaller. Um and then the last question uh you mentioned that these two structures are similar to structures that have been constructed elsewhere. >> Yes. Could we uh get not tonight but actual photographs of what something
would look like so we can get a better feel for the if the colors are similar just so we can get a better feel. Artist rendering is one thing an actual photograph of something I I'd be interested in seeing. >> Yeah, we're happy. >> Thank you. >> Thank
it. unit itself towards the building also. >> So the so entering the unit, you have an intercom system that allows you to put in your code and then let you in. An individual comes to the building and they want to be let in. They put in unit
number rings their cell phone >> basically buzz people cell phone >> and then the unit doors >> the unit doors are just locked the key. >> Okay, can I ask >> Mr. Chry?
>> That triggers one more questions actually. Okay. Uh >> good shape. >> Yes. uh as soon as somebody tells me about a cell phone, I have a problem with either the Wi-Fi accessible as a common access or somebody have to buy
the Wi-Fi or there is a at leant themselves will have their own internet. That's how they do it. So each unit has their own internet. We have the internet. >> No, no, no. I'm not asking for you basically telling that you know they will some somebody to punch that their
key and they will basically buzz in the cell phone. So that means cell phone will have to have a even before they enter the house cell phone has to have a signal. >> Correct. >> Only for guests only their guests. >> They don't need it for themselves, right? They have the intercom.
>> No, no, no. For for entering the room. >> Yes. So if a guest comes, they hit the intercom, >> right? >> That intercom sends a signal to the cell phone. >> Okay. >> Calls the cell phone. So it's like you calling from your cell phone call,
>> right? >> From that that person that has the cell phone in the unit will then hit a button and buzz that person in. >> Okay. So we're assuming that internet sorry um wireless connection connectivity will be available in the
building. >> Yes, there'll be Wi-Fi in the building, but it'll be for each individual unit. >> Okay. No, you still didn't answer my question. But all I'm asking you because you are using the cell phone, cell phone has to have a
interconnectivity. I know in the uh restaurant behind that you know that place has the you know Verizon or AT&T mobile all three uh this carrier service connections. Question is whether in some area even for a 10 ft difference you may
not have the uh connectivity. as long as you check it because otherwise people will not be able to enter that phone. >> Oh, you're talking about dead spots and signals within the >> I mean we can't we can't control that unfortunately. I mean >> but you can tell us where the reason
>> tower is. >> You can tell us where the nearest cell tower is, how far away. Not only that, uh we want to make sure that at least especially in the veterans um community like to have some alternative arrangement to go uh you know at least
to be able to enter their apartment. >> They can enter the apartment by going to the door and opening it up for that individual. >> Okay. Certainly. >> Is there any alternative key or anything arrangement there? >> There's a key that they will also have that >> Thank you. That's what I was looking for. >> Goes down. They can enter themselves.
>> Thank you. That's >> They won't need the cell phone to get in if it's No. Apartment. They only need it for guests. >> Correct. >> Oh, no. No. >> That's correct. Entering. No. Okay. Go ahead. Thank you. >> Can I Can I just ask one more question
about the heating? U I think Mr. Bruner, you may mention this about the um $83 HUD, I guess, estimate for electric use. That's for everything except hot water
and heat. Correct. >> And air conditioning. >> That's correct. No, not air conditioning. >> So, it's just your lights and >> correct. Plugs >> and but not heat, not air conditioning, not hot water. >> I could look it up and give you the numbers.
>> Oh, yeah. I would be interested in if if they have estimates for each of these units, size units. If that >> they do, they do have estimates for the two bedrooms. So, at least you'll know where the two bedrooms are. >> Yeah. I'd like to see that. Thank you. >> If I could, I'd like to focus on architecture related questions, but I do have one more that might go into an
engineering space here. You did mention and thank you very much about the power generators being used for sump pump backup. Um, so are they going to have battery um backup as well or or is that the generator solely that would take care of that? >> If we have a generator, we wouldn't need
a second battery. >> Okay. Generator. >> Uh, you mentioned about the net zero carbon emission standards and all that. And if you could just educate the board for a minute, does that ever include smart monitoring devices like water smart moniitored devices or perhaps something that monitors um whether
there's security cameras uh on site? Um is there any type of proactive smart management on this site that the residents for example wouldn't have, you know, would would be employed throughout the the unit that the residents wouldn't have to worry about, for example? >> Well, I I think just, you know, the the building code builds in itself some of
those features. I think that every time the building code comes out, they they improve some of the energy efficiencies, things like automatic switches in in apartments like you know, you're not occupancy sensors within common spaces. So, you know, if you're not in there,
the lights are either shut off or dim, things like that. I don't think because these are individual apartments, there's not like a sort of an HBAC management system throughout the whole building, but you know, everyone does have their own controls. So see with the local
thermostat um I mean back to Mr. Papis's point I know there's some hesitation regarding use of electricity and you know maybe uh from a cost standpoint but the way all the codes are going is they're trying to eliminate all any kind of
combustion it's a range gas range gas furnace you know go to California they've already written that in the code that you can't even build new buildings with gas appliances so it's eventually going to come here and I think That's the the
reasoning behind um what Mr. Brun had just mentioned based on the funding. >> Mr. number >> if you could just provide this to us. I don't need it tonight. Just if you could have someone send that to us.
>> You want me to read it off to you? >> I mean you can but I'd rather you just submit it in writing if you don't mind. >> Yeah, I can. So heating is Seven I'm sorrying is 102
cooking 24 although electricity 83 air conditioning 23 water heating 29 >> 25 >> that's for any unit for
>> two Bedroom >> bedroom. >> Sure. >> One bedroom. 79 for electric. Oh, sorry. 76 for electric. Apologize. 18 for cooking. 62 for other electric. Air conditioning
70. 17 and water heating 22. It's a onebedroom. Do you have three bedroomedroom numbers, three bedroom 125,
>> cooking 30, electricity 103, air conditioning 29, water heating 36. >> Thank you. >> The efficiency Sure.
Sure. >> Heating 58, cooking 14, electricity 48, air conditioning 13, water heating 17. >> Okay, thank you.
>> Any other questions from the days? >> How about from our professionals? >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Mr. Mystery, for as far as the secondary means of egress, is that required to be
a door or can that be a a window? >> No, it needs to be a door for these uh ground floor units. >> Okay. I just wanted to clarify that. Um, as far as the, um, the building design for the 11 unit building, um, I do think
that these are, you know, high quality materials, and I appreciate the design and thought that went into that. Is there was there any consideration to kind of I know you've kind of designed the two buildings to be complimentary to one another, but have you considered kind of adding shutters or something to
kind of make the 11 building a little bit more um clo closer or like kind of in more of a residential feeling or or like a single family residential feeling. I know the the building is larger, but
some it just feels like the shutters kind of do add to, you know, the smaller building. And I didn't know if that was considered on the um the larger building. >> No, I mean, we didn't consider the shutters on this. It the four-unit building is a little more colonial style, and it kind of lends itself to to
the shutters, and I think it works well there. I think on this 11-unit building, um it just would start to get really busy. Um you could kind of see on the elevation the number of windows and so forth. But again I I think the the the rendering and the 2D kind of image does
not do it justice. And you know I think we had agreed to provide some uh photographs of a similar building that we've done and you could tell right away that you know it'll look much better in the in the kind of the 3D uh photograph. Um, and
>> I was I mean I was thinking the same thing that there are a number of windows, so the shutters would definitely make the the facade a little bit busy, but I didn't know if there was any other elements that could be considered that would kind of give the same effect, I guess. Um, to the chairman's question about the
basement um being only utilized for utilities, is the door to the basement able to be locked? >> Yes. And so it will >> on on both buildings where you know before you get to the basement there's a spot for doors to be locked >> so they can remain locked you know as a
security kind of protocol to make sure no one wanders down there. Um I noticed that there are um the utility meters on the side of the building um and the um AC units on the other side of
the building um particularly for the 11 unit. Is there a way to um screen either of those either with vegetation or with um you know some some fencing? >> Um yeah, I think well >> yeah. So um you know referring back to
the the color site plant I don't know if it's projecting but uh as Mr. Fischer testified we are proposing plantings all around those areas so they should be screened. >> Great. Thank you. Also, the the 11 unit building, the condensers are all facing
the highway. >> Yes, they are. The the um meters are on the side facing interior. >> Yeah, >> understood. Um I know that you've provided some commentary on the where the mailboxes would be located and I
know we heard some testimony from Mr. Brun at the first meeting about package delivery. Um, is there sufficient area in both buildings for, you know, packages to be delivered where they wouldn't be in the way um of people walking through that
corridor? >> Yeah, I I believe so. We've again we we've done this very similar building for both of these buildings in fact at different locations and I've never, you know, heard any feedback that there wasn't sufficient space for uh the packages themselves. Otherwise, we would
have, you know, sort of expanded the the area there. >> And in those cases, I guess there's access for the delivery person to bring them interior to the building or they left outside on the by the front door. >> I believe Mr. Brun's testimony was that they get brought in internal. Is that
>> okay? And I just wanted to make sure that that was still the case. Um and then just for the board's edification, the um the U-Hack, the new U-Hack requirements, so un uniform housing affordability control requirements base minimum bedroom sizes
on the neighborhood balancing preservation program. So, it's a kind of a new regulation because there previously weren't really minimum bedroom sizes unless uh a municipality regulated it in their own ordinance, but now they are a requirement and it does
appear that they meet all of the requirements um and exceed them exceed the minimums for the by bedroom size. Um, and the efficiency unit is really just another word for a studio. I know efficiency lends itself to other ideas, but it's really just another name for a
studio unit. Um, and in this case has like a separation wall but no closet in the in the, you know, bed area. >> Um, and just to clarify, Mr. Papis, the electrification grant, I know it is confusing. I believe New York State
actually followed suit with California and as far as new new builds in natural gas appliances. I don't know what the future of that looks like. It was supposed to be implemented this year. Um but I I I think the intention with that of electrification essentially of appliances is that eventually if the
grid becomes um utilizes renewable energies obviously anything that's natural gas couldn't couldn't benefit from that. So the whole point is to electrify the grid now and in the future as renewables become more prevalent that those things could the grid could be powered by renewable which would then
trickle down to individual appliances whereas natural gas couldn't. I think that's the the basis for it but um and probably why the grant is promoting that. >> Thank you. Nothing further. >> Thank you, Mr. Sid. >> Mr. Burr. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Couple couple
questions. So, starting with the Veterans Building, the fourunit building. I see on your exterior elevation on the front view, the shutters are shown. Is it fair to assume that shutters are going to be carried around the perimeter of the building on all four sides or are
they just meant for the front? >> They're only on the front and the side, the right side. >> Front and the one side. The right side and that's the side that faces Cornell. Is that okay? Is there any reason why they wouldn't have just been carried all the way around?
>> Um, again, the these buildings are meant to be sort of the affordable category. So, you know, we kind of have to pick and choose where we could kind of spend the money. >> Not really intended to be visible from those areas, right? >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> And um to Miss Sarmad's question about the exterior doors on the 11 unit building being required for emergency purposes. Why are there not exterior doors on the veterans building? Just can you can you
clarify what the difference is? Is is there >> The ground floor has less than four apartments or or >> Okay. So, it's based on the on the apartment count that requires that that exterior door, >> correct? >> Okay. >> And um on the larger building on your
color rendering, you show the two-tone, the Hardy siding in the gray color, the lighter gray color, and then you show this shake siding in the pewtor, which is the darker color. >> Yes. Does that design concept carry around all four sides of the building?
>> Yes, I believe so. Yeah, there's a mix of like the siding and shakes, you know, around the >> Okay. So, the whole building >> does have that kind of two-toned effect in in in some manner. >> Some manner. Yeah. Okay. >> And this just may may have been a
drafting um issue, but I just wanted to clarify. So on both of the elevations you're show for both buildings I should say you're showing electric meters and gas meters but the testimony was on the larger building there will be no gas so
there won't be any gas meters on the larger building. Um, unless there's just a house there just a house gas, but yeah, I think that's just a a drafting error that we would eliminate those gas. >> I wasn't sure if that's if that's what
it was. Okay. And um I think you you touched on this, but just want you to clarify the exterior building mounted lighting is that just at the entrance points, the egress points. There's no other spotlights or any other type of
lighting that would be mounted to the building outside of what we would consider the typical residential lighting at the doorways. Is that >> true? >> Yeah. At at the entry doors and I I know on the 11 unit building, there's those additional exit doors at those doors as well. So, >> right, but they would be residential in
style. Yes. Low wattage. There's not going to be any flood lights or or spotlights mounted to the buildings. >> Correct. There would be none of those. >> Okay. And I I already heard this. I'm going to ask anyway. So with the with the basement in both buildings, we heard
about storage. That's not going to be storage for the actual tenants. That may just be miscellaneous storage for um the building owner. Is that >> Yes. Is >> that what's envisioned? >> It's not storage for the tenants. >> Okay. And um just as far as general refuse and
recycling and how you know that operation interacts with the residents, we heard in the veterans building, each of the tenants is responsible for bringing their own their own garbage and recycling out to the dumpster. The same is true for the larger building. The tenants are responsible. It's not going
to be a a property maintenance >> requirement. It's the tenants responsibility. >> There's separate dumpsters, you know, one for each building. So, yes, same procedure. >> Okay. And two more questions. Prior testimony, it may have been from
the first hearing, we heard um a question. I don't remember if it was from the one of the board members or a member of the public. They asked about bike racks, bike storage. Is there any accommodation outside of maybe space in the individual units? Is there any accommodation envisioned for bike
storage on these properties? can't speak for the outside as far as the inside of the building. No, I don't know if there's a that's something. >> And last question, this may be more for the applicant, but on on similar projects to this that have been
developed elsewhere. Is there any exterior kind of community space? And I'm I'm picturing like exterior grill spaces or are the tenants on the first floor that have access to the outside allowed to have grills on that sidewalk or patio space or are grills prohibited?
Exterior grills. >> Believe that would be uh prohibited in the rules and regulations. >> So in the rules and regulations that we have that the grills are not permitted on site. Okay. Very good. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Burr, any other questions by the board? >> You said that the the water heaters would be in the basement. >> Yes. >> And you're going to lock the basement, right? >> It'll be locked for for tenants. Yes.
>> Yes. So, if I'm going to go on vacation for a couple of weeks and I want to reduce the temperature on my hot water heater, I have to call you up and you'll have to let me in to get access. >> Yes. Or or or they would do, you know, the maintenance person would do it.
>> Okay. Um, that's it. Thank you, >> Mr. Bunard. No. At this time, I would like to ask any members of the public that wish to ask any architectural testimony related questions, please feel free to come forward at this time. If there are any questions regarding
engineering, uh, Mr. Fischer is not here this evening, so we'll wait for the next meeting for that. Good evening. >> Evening board. Uh, John Manilio, 255 West Summit Street, Somerville, New Jersey. >> M A N I L I O.
Um, yeah. So, a lot of these items were were brought up. Um, just a little clarification. And so the sump pumps in the basement, uh, was it stated where those will discharge to, into the storm system, into the basin or daylight? >> Um, we usually just daylight them. Not sure if there's a requirement here to,
um, time to the storm system. >> I mean, I can speak for the board. I think it' be prudent to tie it into the storm system so it doesn't overflow into any uh, neighbors properties. So if that's something that you or your engineer could look at, um, be appreciated. Um
so the rear doors that for the second means of egress what's stopping the tenants from using those doors during normal activities um instead of using the front door. Is there any prevention locks alarms bells? >> I mean they would have their own locks
on it. We can't we can't lock them from the outside because they are emergency exit doors. So uh you know it it the parking lot is on the opposite side. So, I think people would just naturally go from the front door. >> Okay. And then the other thing that I noticed on the plans, I'm not sure if
it's for you or the AR or the engineer, um those pads look uh pretty pretty decent size. They're larger than the rest of the walkways. They're about 10 ft deep. Um one can consider them a patio or used as a patio. Um, is there any uh way to maybe reduce the size of
those to maybe provide more vegetation and and less gathering spaces that could be on the outside facing the uh residence next door? >> Yeah. I mean, I can't speak for the site engineer how why or how he designed that, but I don't it's not meant to be a
patio. It's just essentially like a egress path there. >> And I I do recall I believe there is also a variance or design waiver being requested for foundation plantings. So that could definitely help as well on on that aspect. Um, next one that that's kind of concerning to me is is the
generators. Um, so at the first meeting I asked Mr. Brun uh directly. Um, you can watch the YouTube video at 2 hours and 29 minutes. Are there going to be any any generators on the site? Uh, his response was not that I recall. I wouldn't know. Um, tonight he seems to
be the expert on the generators and there's going to be a generator for each building. It's not shown on-site plans. Uh we don't have information as far as the size of them. Um there was kind of a little testimony as what the size may be or may not be. I'd like to have a little more information on that location. Um
the sound if there's going to be any sound attenuation and what level sound attenuation is going to be proposed. I'm not sure if those are answers you could answer now or come back to us. >> I I think we could come back to you on that. >> Bring those to the next hearing if possible.
>> Yeah. On top of that, um these generators, um so they have weekly testing that needs to be done. So if you could tell us what days those happen and what times those happen as well. >> These are essentially like u you know almost like residential type generators
that you put at your own house. >> No, I understand. But >> diesel generator, >> correct? But those residential generators go on once a week as well. Um, and I'm sure there's an ordinance in town that has the sound levels at the property lines. Um, so probably behoove
yourselves to pick a model or or a comparable model so you can see what the sound levels are at the uh property lines to see that that conforms. I I don't think we're asking for too much. Um, those are I think any board would ask those questions. Um, my second question on that is so uh
we're being told those are gas power generators. So, is that a waiver or how's that work with the uh state funding? So, you're allowed to have the generators to have gas but not the actual buildings if that's you or Mr. Brun because Mr. Brun testified to that.
>> We ask Mr. Brun as well because I think he's the one that was testifying to that. >> Okay. Um the other question as far as that funding and and the net zero um carbon emissions, um does the state allow you to buy carbon credit offsets and still
put gas in? >> Is that something that you or um maybe one of your professionals could look at for the next meeting? >> Yeah. So I'm saying is that something you could look into to see if it is available? Uh, is there any tenant storage in the
building besides their own apartments? >> Uh, no. >> Uh, so if if tenants have extra um items and stuff that needs to be stored, they have to find their own storage either offsite or uh throw it out, I'm assuming. >> Yeah.
>> I believe that's that's >> not for tenants though. Yeah. operations, maintenance, storage. >> Uh, was there any discussion about electric bikes? No electric bikes stored inside the building. So, I'm not sure if that was bike storage in the building. >> Okay. So, tenants can't it's in the laws or in your bylaws that you can't have
electric um bikes in in the facility. The only reason I asked is because of, you know, fires when it gets charged. Okay. >> I said it would be prohibited. It's in the rules and rags that were submitted. >> Ebikes.
>> That's all my questions. Thank you. >> Mr. Miller, did you sign into the signin sheet there? >> I'm signing right now. Thank you. >> Mr. Burr, question. Uh, Mr. Burr. Mr. Millio asked about the sump pumps tie into the storm sewer. I can't recall if we have any ordinance
that um regulates that. >> Um I don't I don't believe there's a specific ordinance that dictates they have to be tied into the into the storm sewer. What um what we don't like to see is having them discharged at the curb
line at the edge of pavement where there is no drainage where they cause icing issues and that's been a common problem in past. We do try like on road improvement projects, we do try to get them tied into the storm system where they're adjacent to a formal storm
sewer. Um, but I have to take a look if there's a specific ordinance because I don't think there is. >> M, could you uh maybe pass it on to Mr. Fiser that might be something that would be reflected in the site plan, the location of the sump pumps and the where they are proposed to drain from the
building, taking into account what Mr. Burgess said. And uh Mr. Papis, >> hang on one second. I just want him to acknowledge that. >> Yes. >> Okay, >> we'll look into that. >> No, in this case, I think if the sump pumps tie into the storm drains, those all those storm drains on the site flow
into the basin. So, it's not going to go into the uh the town's system. Good evening. >> Good evening, members of the board. Rob Simon from Herald Law. Uh on behalf of uh various property owners that I have previously identified, Mr. Mystery, good
evening. Um when were you first retained for this application? Um can't recall >> what what so when you say a few months so your plans are dated I believe uh
December of 2025 give or take correct? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. So if that's the case, does that refresh your recollection as to approximately when you were retained for this project? >> Um
could be a month before that. I I don't I can't recall when >> And at the time you were retained for this project, was the uh the site plan already completed and presented to you? >> Uh no, usually work together. >> Okay. when you say you work together, uh
what did you contribute to the site plan in terms of the um location or orientation of the buildings? >> Um I mean just there's usually feedback between the site engineer and myself on you know the size of the structure and how it could be placed and you know
>> so what specifically do you recall with regard to the size of the structure and where it could be placed that you contributed to the site plan? I'm sure we looked at various placement options and you know we thought that this was maybe the most efficient or you know made the most sense in terms of
parking and circulation and so forth. >> Do you remember specifically why you chose the location of these two particular buildings as opposed to other locations on the site? >> Yeah, I I I couldn't I couldn't I
couldn't tell you. I mean it's partly engineering there. So >> Okay. So you don't have any recollection as to any contribution you may have made to the location orientation of either of these buildings. Correct. >> Correct. I don't. >> Okay. And what about the size of the
buildings? Did you contribute to determining the size of these buildings? >> Yes. >> Okay. And um what did you take into account to determine the overall size of these buildings in terms of square footage? >> Um just the number of units that we needed and uh
types of units. Um, did you're familiar with the uh ordinance of the township of Bridgewater, correct? >> Yes. >> And you're familiar with the ordinance that is the the subject of this
particular property that was recently adopted, correct? >> Yes. >> And um you also reviewed the application materials, I take it as part of this project. Yes. >> Right. Um, you visit the site? >> Uh, it's been a while, but yeah.
>> Okay. When you say it's been a while, when's the last time you visited the site, sir? >> At the beginning of the project. >> Okay. So, uh, beginning of the project prior to December 2025. >> Yeah. Yes. Before submitted. Yeah. >> Okay. Do you recall whether you you visited the project in the summer, fall,
winter? >> It was it was like winter, I guess. >> Winter. Mhm. And um before that winter visit, had you visited the uh the property before that? >> No. >> And um you mentioned that a couple of
times now that the elevations and floor plans uh were were used for other projects. Is that correct? >> Yes. Similar type project. >> Similar type projects. So um are you talking about similar type projects that
you have designed for Mr. Brun? >> Yes. >> And have you been present for uh the testimony to date with regard to this application? >> I've been to one other hearing. >> One other Okay. Which hearing was that?
Was that when Mr. Fischer testified or when Mr. Brun testified? >> Mr. Brun. Okay. So So you were present at the first hearing when Mr. Brun testified. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. And at the time, um, Mr. Brun, um,
listed a number of projects that he had, um, been the developer on around the state, including two in Glenrock, one in Midland Park, one in Mountain Lakes, one in Wanuku, one in Wayne, and one at Mont in Montil. Do you recall that testimony?
>> I do. Okay. And um of those projects, did you work on any of them? >> I did. >> Did you work on all of them? >> I think I did all of them. >> Okay. So when you say I think I did all of them, um, of those seven projects,
give or take, um, how many of them utilize the, uh, elevations andor floor plans that this board is reviewing as part of this application? I >> can't recall exactly which ones, but they're, you know, they vary depending
on the site. >> When you say they vary depending on the site, what do you mean by that? I mean, there's two different buildings here. So, we didn't, you know, we didn't put two buildings on each property like that. >> Yes. So, there's no other project of those seven where you put two buildings
on a property. Correct. >> I don't believe so. >> Okay. And with regard to uh the buildings themselves in terms of let's start with the elevations um as as you sit here and having um listened to Mr.
Bernie's testimony. Um, are there other sites that utilized uh elevations similar to either the 11 unit building or the 4unit building? >> Yes. >> And and which ones are those if you can recall? It was all of them or some of
them? >> Some of them. >> Did you recall which ones? >> Um, off hand. I mean the I know the one in Mountain Lakes looks similar to the four unit. There was one in Wharton that looks
similar to the 11 in where Wharton >> Wharton is the 11 unit and you said Mountain Lakes Mr. Mystery is the four unit. >> Yes. any any others besides Wharton for the 11 unit and Mountain Lakes for the four
unit where you utilized the elevation for either the 11 or the four unit that's before this board. >> Um I the whole list >> two in Glenn Rock, one in Midland Park, we talked about
Mountain Lakes, one in Waniku, one in Wayne, and one in Montil. the the Glenrock one also was similar to the 11 unit and I believe the uh Wayne one was similar to the 4unit
and and I believe it may come from the chairman um that you were asked I I believe to provide um photos of what those buildings look like. Are you um when you said that you would will you
also um include the four units in Wayne and Mountain Lakes and the 11 unit in Glenrock and Wharton? >> You able to buy provide photos of those buildings? >> I could ask the client for those. >> Thank you.
So, was there any um was there anything about the um elevations or floor plans for this project that were different than any of those other projects for either the the
11 unit or the 4unit? I can't recall the you know variations you know between those projects and the this project. >> Okay. Um and do any of those projects to your
knowledge um have basements that are used by the tenants for any purpose whether it's storage keeping their bicycles or otherwise? >> No, not not to my knowledge. So just common storage for um not for the
tenants but for the building owner. >> Okay. Um with regard to the uh building face um that faces each parking area. Um what
is the height of the highest building face for each of the buildings? the >> that that face the parking area. >> Yeah. The the the fourunit building is
29t 2 in and the um 11 unit is 34t 2 in from the >> and that would be the height of the highest building face. >> You say highest building phase, it's
measured from the like grade in front to the peak of the roof. >> Yes. the the height as as required by the ordinance. What is the height of the highest building face? And that that's the answers you gave me. >> Yes. >> Okay.
Um and when you um utilized the elevations and floor plans for this project,
um did you first consider the language contained in the ordinance as to what these buildings are to look like and what they're not to look like. >> Um, the language is is kind of vague. What's written in the
>> So, when you say the language is kind of vague, what language are you referring to that's kind of vague? >> I believe it's it says, you know, shall be consistent with the character of the neighborhood. And >> and wait a wait, let's just let's just back up, Mr. Mystery. First of all, if you can just identify for me what
section of the ordinance you're referring to. I don't have the exact section in front of me, but >> Okay. And do you recall where this language that you're referring to is located? Is it located in in a zoning ordinance and a site plan ordinance and a subdivision ordinance?
>> Believe it's in the the redevelopment, but I'm referring to the comments from planners report. >> So, you're not you're not referring specifically to your review of the ordinance. You're you're referring to um the board professionals
quotes about the ordinance. Okay. Go ahead. >> Go back to the >> Go ahead. >> It's referring to page uh nine of 11. >> Page nine of 11 of of what, sir? >> Mr. Mystery, can you make sure you speak
into the microphone? >> Yes. Um it's a planner's report page 9 of 11. Um item number four regarding the AH3 zone requires requirements. >> What's it say?
>> In order to ensure the development will result in an aesthetically harmonious architectural design. The buildings shall demonstrate a common theme and compatible architectural features with respect to design textures, facade modulation and roofscape.
Um, how did you design either of these buildings differently from the prior designs you had for the other
developer projects? So to comply with that requirement, how was it? How was it different? What you what do you do? What do you tweak? Would you change so to comply with the ordinance? looking at it doesn't require it has to be unique. Says it has to
>> All right. Well, just I'm just I'm I'm talking Jason to Mr. Mystery. >> Um >> taking issue with the question. It misrepresents what the ordinance requires. >> What's the ordinance require? Mr. Mystery development will result in an aesthetically harmonious architectural
design. The building shall demonstrate a common theme and compatible architectural features with respect to design, textures, faculation, roofscape. As Mr. Mystery testified uh he did design these buildings to be compatible with one another.
>> Okay. Um did you design these buildings to be compatible with the neighborhood? >> We believe it works within the neighborhood. >> You believe it works. Okay. And where in the ordinance does it talk about the need for the building to work within the neighborhood? >> Does it say it anywhere?
>> That was your question. No, >> it doesn't say that anywhere. It doesn't say work within the neighborhood. compatible meaning >> compatible. Um did you do um a study a neighborhood study? >> No, we didn't do a neighborhood. >> You didn't submit any report or study to
the board in support of this application. Correct. >> Wasn't requested. >> When you say it wasn't requested, it wasn't requested um from the board or from the client >> either. Okay. Um
>> it's not a checklist requirement, Mr. >> Well, I think complying with the ordinance is a checklist requirement, but we'll keep going. >> Mr. P, I I I just wanted to clarify because I was part of the drafting of the ordinance in conjunction with the affordable housing attorney and
affordable housing planner. I just want to clarify that that ordinance provision is related internal to the site. It is is it a design requirement because there are two buildings on the property that they're supposed they they the intention was really that the architecture was not
far apart on the two because they are directly next to one another and there's nothing separating as far as like a buffer between the two of >> I think we've heard ample testimony to that end. >> Can I Yes. And I just want to clarify because Mr. Simon seems to be asking a question and no design study of the
neighborhood was required because it wasn't it's not an ordinance provision. And it's not a requirement of the >> um can I just >> excuse me can I just want to clarify one other point. It was someone I don't know who was just a few moments ago was talking about the property site with two
buildings. Um is M s just clarify or Mr. Peek um this site plan application is this to put two buildings on one lot? >> No, there's a subdivision application as part of this. So, it's not two buildings
on one lot. >> No, it's not. >> Where? >> Just to clarify that. >> Um, Mr. Simon, >> Mr. >> You made that me made that comment before. >> Well, it's one tract. It's two buildings on one tract. >> Two lots. They're asking for
subdivision. So, one building in one lot, one building on another lot. >> It's two buildings on one tract. I'll keep going. It's >> your characterization. >> Um, Mr. Mystery. Are you familiar with section 126-159 of the ordinance that talks about the
design of buildings? >> Not directly. >> Okay. I'm going to read it to you in part. Um the design and layout of buildings and parking areas. This is section 126-159, which is separate from what we just
talked about. um shall be reviewed as to provide an aesthetically pleasing design and efficient arrangement. Period. Particular attention shall be given to safety and fire protection,
impact on surrounding development, and contiguous and adjacent buildings and lands. Period. And it goes on to talk about things like that. Um, did you review that section of the ordinance before you designed the project? >> Believe we meet all those requirements.
>> I I didn't ask if if you believe you met them. Did you review that section of the ordinance? I >> I probably did. Yes, >> you did. Okay. And um, were you aware of the bulk requirements of the AH3 zone when you designed this
building or the buildings? Sorry. >> As it relates to the building? Yes. Um, did you did you review the bulk requirements of the zones that are adjacent to this
property, this tract? The the uh township's R10 single family residential zone and the burrow of Somerville's R1 single family residence district. >> No, I didn't I didn't review all those
requirements >> and The did you take into consideration whether the AH3 zone contemplates indoor
recreation and community facilities before you design your project? >> I'm sorry. Can you repeat that question? >> Sure. Um, did you consider that the AH3 zone contemplates not just outdoor but
also indoor recreation and community facilities as part of this development? >> I'm not aware of of that. >> Okay. But just just to be clear, no no communal communal amenities are proposed
with this application. Correct. >> Correct. You're referring to Wait, you're referring to section D design requirement says indoor and outdoor recreation and community facilities shall be located so as to be accessible by handicapped residents and guests of
residents. Is that what you're referring to? >> I'm referring to that section of the ordinance. Yes, you can talk ask them on redirect whatever you want. Um, with regard to, give me a second. You talked about the square footage of
the buildings and I think for the four unit, you said it was 4,500 square ft. Does that that doesn't include the basement, right? >> No, 4,500 of the livable area, the first and second floors. >> Okay. You understand that the uh gross
square footage or net square footage includes basements for residential properties, correct in the in the ordinance? >> Correct. >> Um and in terms of the elevations of these buildings, in terms
of the front the front facade, do you know, Mr. chemistry. Um what the dimensions of those front facades of those buildings are >> in terms of the height or not sure
>> height and width combined square footage just the facade. >> Well, the I mean the fourunit building is is 29t 2 in high and the width >> and what's 71 ft. >> 71 ft. Mhm.
And what about the 11 unit? >> It's 34T 2 in and the 75T >> 75 ft wide. >> Yes. Are you um aware of any
buildings, residential buildings in the surrounding area in either Somerville or Bridgewater um that have building facade widths as great as 70 ft wide? I didn't again I didn't do a study of you know different
buildings in uh >> and and with regard to um the attic and I might have just missed this and I apologize. I know you said that the dormers are fake and that there's no there's no living space there. Did you
provide any type of elevation of the that attic area in terms of the height of the the roof floor to roof or otherwise? >> Ceiling height. >> I don't know what the question >> is. Is there do you have a ceiling? What's what's the ceiling height for
that attic area? >> Yeah, I couldn't tell you offhand. It's just I mean we have some dormers up there, but they're just fake dormers. >> Is it is it going to be accessible that attic area to anyone? Yeah, there'll probably be some utilities and things up there. So, >> so in the building there's area for
storage up there too potentially. >> No, you can't store stuff up there. It's not going to have like a structural floor, but it'll be, you know, you got to have insulation and you don't always have to have access because it's just a code requirement to have access to spaces like that. >> Yes. But so no storage whether it's by
residents or by the property owner is contemplated for that adequate. Correct. Okay. Thanks. Um, and somebody made a comment about the number of windows. I mean, for the I
counted um just on that front facade for the 11 unit about 70 I'm sorry, about 30 windows. Um, not not to include even those three doors that look like windows. Um, you didn't do any review to
determine like what are the most number of windows in the neighborhood that are on any facade. Correct. You didn't look. >> No. >> Yeah. >> And um in terms of the the bedrooms, I understand I'm sorry that's inarticulate. Um you have you have an 11
unit building and a four-unit building. And the four-unit building is two all two bedrooms. And the 11 unit building is a mixed one, two, and threes plus, you know, the efficiency, etc. Um, what's the total total number of um kids
potentially that could be living in these units combined? >> I That's really not my >> Yeah, I think that >> Well, I'm Well, what's the what's the total number of bedrooms? I'll ask it that way. >> Um, well, let's see. The the the four
unit has four eight >> bedrooms. Four unit building. The 11 unit has uh one >> 19 plus the eight.
>> So 20 27 bedrooms. The 11 unit has 21 including if it's >> 11 years 21. Okay. So that's that's 29 bedrooms, >> right? >> Okay. >> Is that right? >> I wasn't counting the efficiency. It may
28 or 29 depending on how you >> Okay. All right. Um Let me see if I have any other questions. Just give me a second. Um, did you you didn't look at the surrounding residential neighborhoods in
Bridgewater or Somerville to determine the um style or materials of of of roof roofs, residential roofs. Correct. >> Correct. And so you didn't when you went out that
one time in the winter to look at this property, you didn't take any type of notes or um recall any particular type, style, aesthetic of any home in the area. Correct. >> Oh, just says that they look like
residential neighborhood that you'd see in a lot of other areas. And you didn't compare the square footage of these two buildings to any square footages in the neighborhood. Correct. Whether you did it when you went to the site or whether you looked at tax records or otherwise. Correct.
>> Correct. >> Second. Probably all the questions I have. Yeah. Nothing further. Thank you, >> Mr. Simon. >> Mr. Chairman, I have a question for Miss Sarmmed. >> Yes, Mr. >> Um Mad, um
could you describe if there are any restrictions or any requirements for um residents of affordable units in the bedrooms? In other words, if a affordable unit has
three bedrooms, is is there any requirement or limitation on the number of people that can reside in those units based upon the bedrooms? I believe well one that when because it's a lottery system in which these
units people are placed into these units that there is um depending on the number of children you know preferences right about things but they would not put like a one person in a three-bedroom right because they wouldn't they wouldn't meet the you know the threshold for the need there um I think there is a limitation I
I think it's two children per bedroom and the children have to have their own bedroom um so I think there's a limit limitation on that. Um >> if we could get that for a subsequent hearing because I know that that question is alluded to here and I just
I'm curious about that. I I do remember >> theoretically based upon that um you could figure out you know the maximum number of children that could be produced. Um there are also studies that have been produced from Ruckers um that
estimate the number of school children based on you know a number of projects and developments over the years. So they have data you know driven analyses of the estimates for school children from market rate units and affordable units. >> Right. Right.
>> Mr. mystery. Um when you um um I guess this is kind of a hypothetical question, but whenever you are involved in designing a a structure like you were in designing the structure for this property,
do you take into account what's permitted in that in the zone that the property is located in? >> Yeah. Okay. Did you take into account the uh design of the structures
on commercial properties adjacent to this site >> in terms of don't understand the question. >> Mr. Simon asked a question. Did you take into consideration the design of the residential structures adjacent to this site in Bridgewater Somerville? And I'm
asking you did you take and you answered his question and I'm asking you did you take into consideration the design architectural design of the commercial properties adjacent to this property? >> Uh no. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Mr. You had a question and I think the Mr. Chairman short break maybe >> how much more public is >> right right so we have gentleman's going to represent some of the public as well how just a show of hands how many other uh questions do we have from our
individual members of the public count two let's continue Um, the sprinkler system. Oh, I'm sorry. Dennis Galvin with the firm of the Galvin Law Firm representing Somerville. And And my question has to do with the
sprinkler system. Is it a is it a 13R? >> Uh, yes. It usually is a 13R application. >> Okay. So then, so then I'm I'm I'm alerting you to the fact that you have to show a hot box on the property. That sound right? >> Yeah. whatever sprinkler requirements
are associated with that system that we'd have to provide. >> Correct. But my engineer says he wasn't able to identify it on the plan. >> I mean the these are not I mean these are planning board submission drawings. They're not final drawings for construction. So at some point we would provide >> Well, I'm trying to help. So I'm
alerting you that you should go that Jason I'm telling you that you should >> sure it out to the engineers and make sure that he puts it on site. >> Right. But that again is something. >> If it was a 13D and not a 13R, they wouldn't need it. >> But I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. So that that's it.
>> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Please come forward. >> My name is Robert Gumlac. I'm a resident of Somerville 115 Prospect. I'm in the corner lot across from the adjacent project.
G is in George. um u um for numbers of years there's been sighting of gas smell in the area that's still there as of today when they were trimming the lawn the areas of trees.
I distinctly smell very strong gas in that area that hasn't been rectified as of many years ago when there was a gas station down on the corner of Cornell and 28. They changed the gas tanks and the lines
and they put pilot holes to vent out the smell of the gas. Those pilot holes are still visible in the grounds. And when I went down to investigate what was going down the end, there was a very very strong smell of gas. >> M Mr. Gumlac, do you have a question
regarding um >> Are they aware of it? Are they aware of that? >> I I am not aware of that. >> Well, you should be because that's a very strong issue. If you're going to be dredging and dug digging in the area, we don't need an explosion in our area.
>> So, we'll take that. Uh >> yes, please. I mean, you know, And as of uh dredging the area with the creek behind the properties, are you aware that where are you going to channel all that water?
>> The these are questions that are better suited for our civil engineer who will be returning. >> Okay. I mean, I just wanted to bring it out on the record. That's all I have. Thank you for your let me come up and talk. >> Thank you, Mr. Galik.
>> Believe I saw two hands in the rear. Could you just remind everyone to sign in please when they approach? >> Hi, my name is uh Jim Han. I'm at 6 Arling Drive in Somerville, New Jersey. And uh my question first is there was
mentioned earlier about an app used to control entrance to the to the uh buildings. Um my question is first my first question is is are there other apps
required uh to make full use of the of the facilities >> to your knowledge that I'm not I'm not familiar with the whole I don't I'm not familiar with the the Hulk app and you know
>> a question for Mr. Brun. >> Okay. >> Sorry, what's your question? >> Uh are there you mentioned a an app for controlling entrance to the building.
Are there other apps required to make full use of an enjoyment of the of the property? No. Okay. Are is it possible to get the the terms and conditions and privacy policy of that app?
>> Um >> I mean I I don't understand why it's a concern of the board and the site plan. That's >> well uh okay. Uh if I may, I have a bias that apps tend to be Trojan horses until
uh proven otherwise. Uh and uh it's happened before that apps could for example be used to I I mean there are terms and conditions of apps that are more complex than agreements I've used
to buy and sell houses and businesses. Uh it's quite often it it can be used for example to add conditions uh to that are not directly you know that
are not explicitly in a lease for example I mean just providing the terms and conditions of the of the uh the app and the privacy policy. I I can't even answer that question to
be honest. >> You're talking about the terms and conditions of the third party vendor that provides the service that we utilize. >> Is it a third party vendor? I >> mean, it's anony I don't think you design a proprietary app. >> Yeah, I can't I can't even answer that
question because I'm not sure what >> well you're asking. >> My well identify the app and how to get a copy of the terms and conditions of and the privacy policy. I don't I don't know that that's really germanine to the subdivision and site plan application. I
mean, this is that's a a matter between the landlord and tenant. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is James Walmacher. 19
Wartzville Road, Hillsboro, New Jersey. Wo H L M A C H E R. There was an exhibit earlier that showed the um the floor plans. I don't know if that could be put back up again.
For which building? >> Uh for the larger building. >> Connected, but it's not projecting right now. plans. >> If you have access to sheet A2.02, >> I have it on my screen, but it's not
projecting. >> Okay. Is there while is there a particular >> Yeah, the lower right one is the larger building first floor elevation, right? uh first floor floor plan. >> Suzanne, are you able to get it on the other >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. So, the on the outside of the building, there's a row of eight um I guess they're the condensers, right, for the the unit HVAC >> systems, >> and then there's another four in front of it. >> Um I think there was testimony that said
that that row of condensers is facing the highway. >> Yes. Is there another exhibit that shows the orientation of that building relative to the the whole site? >> Here's the here's the um colorized site plan. Uh I think this was exhibit A2
uh that the engineer introduced. So you see at the um that's depicted here where the cursor is. Understood. Are those um are those essentially heat pump units like as you so they're doing both cooling and and
uh and AC? >> Yes. >> So they're basically running year round given the fact that they're doing both cooling and heating duties. >> Yes, it could be. >> And the four I I guess there's five of them maybe because there's a common area one on the smaller building also. It
looks like also facing the if that's if north is up on that diagram, it would be to the northwest. >> Well, yeah, the smaller building has four and the other building has 12, I think, because the other one the other the 11 unit building has an extra one
for the common area, I believe. >> So, the two that are on the smaller building, they appear to be sort of on the Cornell Drive side, right in the in the lower right hand corner of the smaller building. There's two on the back of the that four unit building and there's two that's on the side left side
facing the highway. >> Do you know about how far they are from Cornell Drive? >> Well, to the property line. What does that say? >> Oh, there's no measurement on this plan. >> Yeah, that's 31 ft, but that's to the property line.
>> Yeah. >> And then Okay, that that answers my question about the about those units. Just lastly on the first floor egress doors on the larger building, are they are they keyed? So a tenant could open them with a key from the outside.
>> Yes. Yeah. I mean, >> so they're not like an emergency exit door like the back of a bar might have where you can only go out. There is a way to get in from those doors. >> I mean, they're they will be locked, but >> Right. But they'll have a knob and you
could you could access it if you wanted to come in that way. You could, >> right? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I don't have anything else. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Any other questions? >> Hi, Maria Denota. 322 West Summit Street
in Somerville. D N O D A. Um so I have a question actually regarding the 4unit um building for the veterans. Um I found some information that said that generally for these
buildings you have an office location. I did not see that in the site plan. So is that something that you do have for your other units for your other buildings? >> An on-site office? No. No, that's not proposed. >> Okay. Uh because it says that there is uh because it is a permanent supportive
housing that it does include services for the residents. >> Uh no, it's spe um it is special needs housing, not supportive. So special needs means they meet the qualifications of being disabled veterans, but it's
independent living. >> So they don't have like a staff or um correct physical therapy or anything like that. Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Ramps. >> Could you take >> Robert? Robert Gumac, 115 Prospect,
Somerville. Is there accommodation for ramps for special need uh accommodations >> ramp? >> A ramp to get from the parking lot into their building. >> Absolutely. >> There elevation to go to the top floor. I guess they're >> Yeah, the civil engineers bottom floor tenants.
>> They're depicted on the plans that there are there. >> Did you say there was a ramp? >> Yes, on both buildings. And is there a fire control system in the area like an alarm system to notify fire department? >> There is there is a full fire alarm system in the building.
>> Right. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Okay, that'll close the public portion for this witness. Are there any other questions or comments from the deis? >> I just want to say thank you for looking into that other option. I really appreciate it. You're welcome. I I don't
have a question of the witness. I just want clarification. Um so it was a reference to uh waiver for um landscaping that's being requested. Could could someone maybe Miss Armed just refresh my memory u if that is the
only waiver or what any waivers that are being requested by the applicant? There is one additional waiver um a design waiver for the driveway separation. Technically driveways are supposed to be 10 ft um set back 10 ft
from the property line. This the driveway to access is shared by the two properties. So it crosses over. Although there is a provision that allows the planning board to um basically you know wave that if it's deemed um for two adjacent sites that it can be within the
two. So it's it's it's a waiver but the board I guess can um you know disregard it if they if they choose based on the ordinance. >> Yeah. Thank you. And could you just clarify the requested waiver for landscaping? I I seem to remember something about trees last meeting, but
could you refresh my memory about that, please? >> There's a requirement for um in the township ordinance, the landscape requirements under section 126-191, which requires foundation plantings per linear foot of building. Um, which I I
don't have the site plan in front of me for what they actually are proposing. Um, and I seem to have not put it in my notes, but they um they do have I believe they did identify that they don't have enough foundational plantings. I don't know the deficiency number. >> Yeah, I can I can give that to you uh
Mr. Papus if you'd like uh based off of the testimony of Mr. Fiser. Uh so there's a waiver from section uh 126-191c2 requiring 39 replacement trees where 33 replacement trees will be provided and
then we'll be providing the payment in L for the deficient six trees. Um and then the waiver from 126-191C5 for the proposed lot 2.02 2 108 shrubs uh for foundation plantings are
required. Uh we're providing 49. Um >> Okay, thank you. >> With 66 total in the front of the building, uh but not within that 5-ft uh planting requirement. Uh and then lot 2.03 requires 131 shrubs within 5 ft of
the foundation. We're proposing 74. um uh within 5 ft but a total of 111. >> Thank you. And those that's it, Miss Armed. Those are the extent of the waiverss they're requesting. >> I believe
I believe that's all. Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Papus. Is that it for questions? Mr. Mystery, thank you very much for your testimony this evening. Mr. Heman, I believe that we do have some other business that we're going to have to explore at a later date. Correct. >> That's correct. And I think for I guess
housekeeping purposes, I know Mr. Pek provided a list of available dates. I think we would like to carry this to the May 19th date just as a placeholder. It might >> What about April 21st? >> I' I'd like to check with Miss Probes first.
>> Okay. >> April 21st is our next available date. I don't think by then we'll have an adequate response. >> Yeah, they're waiting to get find out from DOT and and such whether the alternate access is viable or not.
>> So May 19th >> I did and they he that was one of the dates. >> May 19th is the next available. >> That's what they requested. >> Mhm. >> That it be carried. So there's no other engineering testimony questions from the
engineer, Mr. Fischer, that could be addressed sooner than that. >> Um, if we brought >> DOT, the DOT, the DOT access is one question. There are a lot of other engineering questions that I think the board has for Mr. Fiser and why do we
have to wait? In fairness, if if I could say if if they are going to change the access, that could change other site plan issues and they'd have to kind of redesign the site. So, >> it would be a waste of of our time. >> Well, but there you're assuming that the
access or there not other engineering issues. There haven't really even been me members of the public that have been able to ask questions of the engineer, >> right? But board hasn't even finished asking questions of Mr. Fiser. So I don't understand why we have to wait until May
>> because the site is would change significantly in terms of the circulation building placement um and even additional waiverss with respect to landscaping. Uh so while he could come
back and answer questions with respect to this existing site plan that could change dramatically and then we would have to go over it again. >> Are you suggesting that if we had a meeting sooner that it could be a moot point?
>> Correct. >> Also uh if we go to 2026 there are lots of safety issues. >> Yeah. uh I think if we if DOT basically approve for access to 2026 there are
other safety concern for children's and all this thing has to be come up so there are lots of different issues will be come up on a 2026 access so I >> I just I understand all of that but you know um I'm going to request that this
be carried till the April meeting as Miss Sarmmed mentioned because you could get a response from the DOT between now and then and we will have not waited two months for a month and a half. So I I would make that suggestion and
make that request as one board member. Mr. Sarm has said that there's a time on the calendar available here and um that's my request. There's a lot of questions that people have. People have been coming to these meetings. They have
questions. board hasn't fully answered asked questions of Mr. Fischer. I had hoped he was going to be here tonight, frankly, and I'm disappointed he wasn't here tonight because there's some questions that I had relating to engineering that has nothing to do with the road. So, you're making an
assumption that those are only the questions that people have. And I think that's an incorrect assumption. That's my request. She said we have April 21st. I don't see why we you can't this can't be carried until then and if
there's few questions and then a shorter a shorter uh time that you have before the board but on the other hand if you have an answer from the DOT by then we can proceed that's my request >> why not carry it to that date and you
know if you determine you do need extra time you know make that request then >> okay that's fine >> because you may have an answer from DOT. They may say, >> right, that that makes sense. >> Could we make that effort? >> Sure. We'll we'll we'll have this listed
for the 21st and we'll uh we'll communicate with the board >> and Mr. Fischer will be here. >> Our progress. >> Mr. Fischer will be here, correct? Uh, I'd have to check with his availability, but again, I'm I'm not inclined to have him come
back for limited testimony and then bring him back again uh after the DOT makes the decision. And >> again, you're assuming limited questioning. You don't even know what the questions are that may have nothing to do, >> right? But but it's still a second
appearance that we would have to make when we believe we could get it done in one hearing. it would be more efficient. I >> I think you're mistaken. I think it's going to take more than one additional hearing to get through engineering. It's my assumption based upon what I've seen here. It's my opinion.
>> If I may, will he be able to uh discuss landscape questions? I >> mean, he could, but that could be a moot point after we hear back from DOT. So, we could have a discussion on what's currently proposed with the understanding that that might change.
>> Yes. One of the things that Yes. Dennis Galvin with Galvin Law Firm for Somerville. Um what we would like from Somerville would be access from 20220 206 and not to go through Cornell
Boulevard. If they're agreeable to that, no reason for us to be here. We go away. I don't know if the neighbors go away, but it it does make some sense to wait till they got the answer and they revise the engineering plan. Quite honestly, I
don't think they'll be ready in May because it'll take time once they get the notice from the DOT to reverse the uh the flow of the road, which should is practical and it should work and I think the D do D do D do D do D do D do D do D do D do D do DOT will approve this. But
that's I just wanted to offer that information that you're aware of because you're worried about the length of the hearing, but it might really be uh a more efficient way to handle it if if we all throw up the white flag and walk away. >> Thank you, Mr. Heman. Sounds like you
have some homework to do, some discussions need to be had. So, if we could keep that uh date for the 21st on, and perhaps we can go ahead and and figure out exactly what the nurs's going to be, if it's even possible to achieve that by that time. One last question, please. Go ahead.
>> Okay. Rob Simon from Herald Law. So, um I do appreciate what what Mr. Papis is getting at in terms of moving things along, of course. However, if in fact, from what I understand,
if there is going to be an alternate or a different access that that may change materially much of the design of this project and I will tell you while Mr. Papis is clairvoyant in terms of the number of
questions that I currently have for the engineer. Those questions, the number of them, the type of them will change significantly if there is a different design for this project. Also,
although the this board is not a party to um what I'm about to say, there is pending litigation going on right now in terms of the underlying ordinance that forms the basis for this application.
And I have spoken in fairness to Mr. Heyman about potentially taking a pause on that in consideration of his efforts. Thank you. um in interacting interfacing potentially with with the DOT regarding
an alternate access. So I'm not saying that that should have any bearing on it, but I felt constrained because I think it's part of the the mix to um raise that with you. Thank you. Thank you for
>> Miss Prop. Could you just uh refresh the board on the 21st of April what items we have that evening? >> We have nothing else scheduled at this time. >> Okay. >> Mr. Mr. Chairman. >> Yes. >> Just um in order to kind of move things
along, we do have other applications um that are pending completeness. What we might want to do is, you know, carry this to the 21st if the applicant is amendable to that, knowing that there may be some choices and things that or, you know, information that doesn't come around that may force it to be carried then to the 19th. We'll continue to keep
the 19th held of May so that it could be carried to that date. And we may schedule another short application on the 21st in order to move that along. And if this gets carried and isn't heard, we still we won't lose the meeting essentially because we do have a lot of stuff coming up besides this application. And so I wouldn't want to
lose the meeting if that's okay with the board and and the applicant. >> Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hun. Is that amendable to you? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I'd like to do a quick quorum check for those two dates if possible. >> April, Miss Pro, I'd like to take note starting from this side here. Uh both dates, right? So, April 21st and I
believe it was we said May 20. Uh >> May 19th. >> May 19th. >> I'm okay. >> Both dates. >> Yes, please. >> Miss Sakura. >> Yes, both dates. >> Okay. Mr. Peek. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm available both dates.
Okay. Mr. McGor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Wag. >> Okay. And Mr. Bjouro. >> Okay. >> Sounds like we have a quorum. >> Okay. Hey, Miss Propes, I believe uh we have our March orders.
>> Before we uh when we're finished with the hearing, we need to take a quum check for another date. >> Very good. >> Are we agreed? >> So, just so we're clear, this hearing is being carried till April 21st. Same
time, same place. No further notice will be given. >> Thank you, Mr. Pick. Any other comments, Mr. Hman? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. We look forward to seeing you at that date.
>> Moving along. We have no business for this evening. >> Just we have the consideration of a additional meeting uh special meeting on June 2nd which is not a normally scheduled date because of um we can't
use the room. >> Okay. So, we're contemplating an off-site meeting. We don't have a schedule for it yet, but if we could just check the uh quorum for that evening for June 2nd. >> Absolutely. For June 2nd, I'm going to
start this side here. Mr. uh Chowry. June 2nd. >> June second. I'm okay. >> Makora, >> you should be good. >> Okay, Mr. Beck. >> Yeah, >> I should be okay. Mr. >> Okay, Mr. Mcor.
Okay. Yes, >> Mr. Wing. Mr. Bjou, no. Miss Propes, we have our answer. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions? >> No. >> I'll take a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make the motion. >> Mr. Cororus, second, please. Yep.
>> Mr. McGor. All in favor? I. >> Have a good night, everyone. >> Good night.