It's >> too Frankie's here. I had so much to say about it. >> No, just you did the right thing. Just back down. >> Township medicine zoning board of adjustment special meeting of May 19th, 2026 is now in session. adequate notice
of this meeting as required by the open public meetings act of 1975 as provided by the annual notice published in the home news trabune on december 4th 2025 and has been posted in the main lobby and municipal complex on December 4th 2025. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to 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. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Mr. Aayat >> here. >> Mr. Magaletta
>> here. >> Mr. Chabra >> here. >> Mr. Cerrito >> here. >> Mr. Schneider >> here. >> Vice Chair Gorman >> here. >> And chairman Gumba >> here. >> Madam Secretary, minutes for consideration, please. >> We have minutes of May 12th, 2026 for approval.
>> What support's pleasure? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. Motion made by Vice Chairman Gorman. Second by Mr. Schneider. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chabra, >> yes to the motion. >> Mr. Crito, >> yes on the motion. >> Mr. Schneider, >> yes to the motion. >> Vice Chair Gorman. >> Yes on the motion. >> And Chairman Cumb. >> Yes on the motion. >> Thank you.
>> And Madam Secretary, resolution to be adopted. >> We have one resolution Z36 2025 PSEG for approval. >> What's the board's pleasure? Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion made by Vice Vice Chairman of Gorman. Second by Mr. Schneider. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chabra.
>> Yes to the motion. >> Mr. Mr. Certo, >> yes on the motion. >> Mr. Schneider, >> yes to the motion. >> Vice Chair Gorman, >> yes on the motion. >> And Chairman KMA, >> yes on the motion. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Secretary. We have two announcements for this evening. KZ31 2025, Tanuja Adani at 110 Calvert Avenue
East has been uh carried to June 23rd, 2026. If you're here for this case, Z31, 2025. It will not be heard this evening. will be heard on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 with a meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. here in council chamber.
Case uh Z9 2026 Shri Patel at 20 Deborah Drive will not be heard this evening. It will be carried to June 30th 2026. If you are here for this case, Z9 2026 Shriant Patel. Um it will not be heard this evening. It will be heard on
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 with a meeting begin at 700 p.m. here in council chambers for both of these cases, Z31 2025 and Z9 2026. If you received a notice, you will not receive another notice. This will serve as your notice.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a special meeting of the Township of Edison zoning board of adjustment. The board is composed of Edison Township residents appointed by the municipal council who volunteer their time and service to the board. The municipal land use law requires a member successfully complete a land use training course administered by the New Jersey
Department of Community Affairs. This board also holds in-house training conducted by our board professionals. The zoning board abides by the provision provisions of the miscellane use law in addition to our board's bylaws. The zoning board is a quasa judicial land use board which differs from the township planning board. Under
miscellaneous law, board members are required to be impartial and are not allowed to discuss any case prior to being considered at a hearing. All applicants will have the opportunity to present their case before the board along with the opportunity for board members and board professionals to question the applicant and their witnesses. At the conclusion of the
applicant's presentation of the case, the case will open to the public. Residents within 200 ft of subject property will be heard, followed by residents from outside of 200 ft. All residents will be sworn in. They'll provide their name and address and they will be given six minutes to comment on the application being considered without the opportunity for a rebuttal.
Residents may ask questions of the applicant, the applicants professionals and board professionals. The board requests that these questions are asked prior to any commentary being made on the application. Once commentary begins, the resident's timer will begin. The applicant would be allowed for the opportunity for cross cross-examination
of their witnesses. Under the law, the chair is allowed to stop any commentary which is repetitive or an attempt to filibuster the board. Further, the chair is allowed to stop any commentary that is irrelevant to the case or prohibited from the board's consideration. Once public portion is closed, all public
comments are ended unless new testimony is presented by the applicant. Following the closure of the public portion, the applicant will have the right of summation on their application. Following summation, the case will go to the board for a decision. This procedure has been followed by the board and is similar to the procedures followed by boards of adjustment statewide.
Miscellaneous law requires the board to engage in a balancing act and is not required to strictly apply township ordinances, zoning plan, or master plan. As a board of adjustment, variances are granted when appropriately necessary, following all legal considerations. As has been the case with prior boards, this board will see where we're at, if
we are still in session around 10:30 p.m., I ask that all applicants, professionals, and residents show respect to each other and be civil throughout all proceedings. I ask you you withhold applause, booing, or interrupting of anyone while they're speaking. The chair will not tolerate any outbursts by applicants,
professionals, or the public. Further, since most cases are being reported by a court reporter, I ask that speakers do not speak over one another. Madam Secretary, first case on the agenda, please. >> Case number Z6, 2026, Rajeskumar Patel at 96 over Burke A. Applicant is seeking
bulk and use variances for a second story addition to the existing single family dwelling. The following standards have not been met. Max F required is 44%. Proposed is 59.4%. Maximum lot coverage required is 40%, proposed is 46.9%.
Maximum building coverage required is 23%, proposed is 38.6%. Front yard setback required is 25 ft. Proposed is 7.2 ft and 2.3 ft. Affected property is located in the RB zone. It's designated as block number 375.21,
lot number 161 on the Edison Township tax map. All notice and paperwork is in order. >> Good evening, Mr. Little. How are you? >> Good evening. How are you this evening? >> Timothy Little, >> you just bring the podium closer to you. It just it'll be easier. >> Timothy Little uh representing the
applicant Rajesh Kumar Patel at 96 Overbrook Avenue in Edison. Um before we begin, I this is a use variance. I believe you have five voting members tonight. Um >> you took the words out of my mouth. So >> here's here's here's my thought on it.
you can proceed as as you'd like. My thought on it is this. So, your your professionals are here, you're here, your applicants here. Um, if you'd be willing to present your case. Um, and then if you feel that you want to carry it for a vote for another evening, um, you could do so. We'll have make sure
that we when we have a full board compliment, well, those board members will have reviewed, they'll sign, certify, and you'll be good to go. >> I believe that will be acceptable if I just have one minute with my >> Okay. Absolutely. Not a problem. upper 60, >> Mr. Chairman. Um,
your uh suggestion as to proposing uh we we'll provide the transcript for the people who are not here tonight so they can read and any vote uh on this I would request be carried to a a different meeting. >> Great. I'm going to bring you home with me. At least somebody does what I asked them to do.
>> You may proceed. >> I have a dog who is very >> Thank you so much. You can proceed. >> Um for my uh generally speaking, this is the family home. Uh my client has his extended family living there. I'd like
uh him him to be presented tonight. He's going to give us uh give you his reasons for what he wants to do. Uh after which we will follow with our professional planner um and engineer if need be. And we also have the architect here who
designed this. U so with that I'd like to call uh Mr. Patel if he would come forward and be sworn in please. Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you'll give this evening is truthful? Can please state your name and spell it
for the record? >> Rajesh Kumar. >> You speak to the microphone. >> Rajesh Kumar Patel. If >> I may commend, >> please do. >> Mr. Patel, uh, are you the owner of 96 Overbrook Avenue in Edison?
>> Uh, yes. >> And, uh, who resides there? >> Uh, currently, uh, actually since 2017, ever since I I bought this home. Uh, myself Rajesh Kumar Patel, my wife, Joti Patel, my son, two sons. I have a
15year-old Axar Patel who is in the freshman high school. Another son is Rushi Patel who is in the fourth grade in this Benjamin Elementary Franklin school. And my mother who is widowed, my father passed away in 2014. My mother
lives with me and my in-laws, my mother-in-law and my father-in-law is also living with us and we all live uh together since 2017. Also before that my mother was with me. After that my in-laws are also joined in 2017 but we
are all living together. Could you tell the board uh you're asking to build additional living space for your home? Can you tell the board why you want to do that? >> Uh yes. Uh so as I mentioned uh we've been living uh together uh for uh almost
10 years in this very same home. And in this uh home particularly very important to us is uh having uh family and uh social uh uh togetherness as a cultural importance of us as well and taking care
of each other. More importantly, I would say because of the size and composition of our family, it is really necessary at this time of our life is that we can provide uh everybody a safe functional uh practical and uh some respectful of
privacy uh facility within the home. And another more important factor came into our life in November 2025 where my father-in-law had a fall and a serious injuries uh multiple fractures as well as surgeries. So he's been through all
these mult uh prolonged hospitalizations and months of rehabs. He's still not fully uh recovered yet but his needs are now optimized as a special care in mobility limitations within the home and uh this uh everything all together now
will help us the way we designed and open kind of concept and stuff is to help him have a mobility have his uh daily activities supervisions safety all those things we are considering as well because he cannot now uh climb the
stairs and things. So minimum mobility uh in and out we are trying that. So we are providing him a bedroom, bathroom, all the facility on the ground floor uh here uh also uh as uh other family members within my home is my mother as
well and my uh my mother-in-law. So they are also uh now elderly and I'm also thinking of them as uh in the near future or in the down the track. Uh I want to make sure that they are also having some all the necessary privacy uh
facility safety wise and practical day-to-day activity they can do it well. So basically overall uh with this current home uh we are right now having a so much difficulties uh just to be very honest in the living room we have a
sofa which converts into the bed in the night uh and things like that for years now but now things are really changed with the kid in high school and other one uh elderly members need. So more importantly just to close uh are we
really looking for a single family home? We're not going to do rental. They are all my immediate family members. We are living together. We're going to leave it as a one household. There is no other purpose that we are actually considering anything. So more importantly it is only
a safe practical and medically necessitate accommodations that we are looking for as well. >> Are you have roots in the community as well? >> Yes. uh I belongs to the BAPS organization as my spiritual uh belief
and uh it is just 2 minutes walk from my home and uh I'm deeply attached to it. Uh that's kind of my second soul and as well as my all family members are also in a community service in a spiritual path. So this is a very dear home to us.
We really don't want to go anywhere. That's the reason as well cuz we want to uh basically live here forever and that is the opportunity I see because of all the needs as well as uh uh my uh our my kids and my family's uh spiritual and uh
connectivity with this organization as well. >> Have no other questions of Mr. Patel. >> Word of any questions Mr. Patel >> chairman >> Mr. Schneider, >> I just want to clarity on the documents.
It says it's lot 16 and 17. And then on the first page of the of the plans here, it says it's it's lot 16.01. Where's And then And then on this this map here, it's shows lot 17. So where's lot 17?
>> I'll have to uh defer to my engineer who's next on that. Yeah, I guess that's not for the homeowner, but I'm just curious because it it it shows that it's multiple lots, but it's it's just one lot, right? It >> is one lot. It's 16.01. I don't know where the 17 is from, but uh
>> we'll save that for the next expert. >> Thank you. I'm sorry. >> Thank you, Mr. Any other questions, Mr. Pel? >> Mr. Chair, I have a question for the applicant. >> So, I do see there's a family room upstairs in the second floor. What's the use for that?
>> Yes. So above more is uh because my kids and other family member wherever we want to do our spiritual assemblies and because we do every evening our get together as a as a family prayers and assembly stuff. So we want to utilize
some common area uh because in the ground floor now more is of uh dining, kitchen that kind of stuff as well as my father will stay outside but when I want to do some sort of my family matter with the kids particularly uh that is the
area we are considering to meet and uh discuss and things uh all together in a common area. >> Okay. And then is this going to be like a you're keeping the basement the same, you're going to be building up or what's you're keeping the first floor the same. What's happening the existing structure?
So with the existing structure uh we we want to keep uh the three side walls uh like what is right now on kind of see on the one side uh we like to extend. >> Okay. So it would be a new frame in addition to the existing foundation.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Mr. P seeing none. Thank you very much, sir. >> Thank you. I'll call Paul Fletcher, a professional planner and professional engineer. Please raise your right hand. Do you
swear or affirm the testimony you'll give this evening is the whole truth? >> Thank you. Please uh state your full name and spell it for the record. >> Yes. Paul J. Fletcher. F L E T C H E R. >> Mr. Fletcher, you've appeared before the
board prior. If you could please give us a brief summary of your background qualifications. >> Certainly. I'm a licensed professional engineer and professional planner in the state of New Jersey. I'm the principal of Fletcher Engineering and have been so for 34 years.
Uh I've been uh accepted as an expert witness in planning and engineering in front of this board on numerous occasions also numerous other boards within Mils County including uh Perth Amboy Woodbridge but Scottaway. Uh >> are you looking to be qualified as both a planner and engineer?
>> Yes, both my licenses are currently standing. >> Thank you very much. We will accept you. Please proceed. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Fletcher, uh, would you please give the board a more of a technical overview of what is going on with this application?
>> Certainly. If, however, if I could just answer the one question about lot numbers. Uh, this property previously prior to 2021 was known as lots 16 and 17 in block
375. EU uh the uh township uh had new tax maps uh developed and drawn in 2021 uh available now on the website. Uh at
that time all the uh tax lots that were sort of extraneous in this case there was two 16 and 17. So that this property was renamed lot 16.01 at that time. Uh it it essentially was a merger of
those two tax lots. Uh and that happened on numerous different properties. Uh they also digitized the uh block number from 375U to 375 uh.21. So that that's where those other lot
numbers come from. uh subject property I guess as as already mentioned is lot 1606001 in block uh 375.21 it's located at the intersection of
Overbrook uh and Brier Avenue. It's a 50x 100 ft lot. It's currently improved with a uh one and a half story single family dwelling and also a detached garage with
fronts on Brier Avenue. The applicant proposes to uh make an addition uh to the side of the property making the footprint larger uh going to the
west. uh also uh proposing a full second story on the whole structure. Um you'll end up with the three bedrooms on the second floor, a bedroom and kitchen, living
room, prayer room on the uh main level. Uh there are a number of variances associated with the application. Uh there is a front yard setback from Brier Avenue and Overbrook. The subject
property is in the RB zone. Uh required front setback is 25 ft. However, the existing house is at uh I think it's 2.3 and 7.3
uh from the Brier and Overbrook respectively. So those are existing conditions. Uh the other variances that the uh applicant is is proposing uh is due to the uh to the
addition in the size of the home. Uh firstly uh maximum uh allowed building coverage in the RB zone is 23%. The proposed building coverage is 38.6.
The maximum uh allowed total impervious coverage by building and uh pavement uh is 40%. Uh the proposed coverage is 46.9%.
The maximum allowed floor area ratio is 44%. The proposed floor area ratio is 59.4. Now, those numbers sound sound large. It sounds like we're bu building a massive house, but uh I I would hope the board
bears in mind that this is an undersized lot, 50 by 100. We're at a conforming lot 75 by 100. Uh this same house uh
would only have a F ratio of uh 39.8% 8% uh which would be conforming. It would only have a maximum lot coverage by impervious of 31.4 where 40% is allowed. Uh it would have a
slight variance required for lot building lot coverage uh 25.7 versus the 23% that's allowed. So, and I point this fact out is the applicant is not proposing some huge
house that would be out of character for this zone. uh were it a conforming lot uh he could with with the exception one small variance uh construct this home uh almost variance free
total area uh on the F calculations 2970 ft uh that's not a huge house by today's standards by any means uh it seems that it will fit the needs of this uh Edison family.
>> Are you also familiar with the standards of proof uh from a planning perspective that we need to present uh as to supporting this application particularly for the uh which is part of this? >> Yes. Yes, I am. uh the variance we need
for F it's called the D4 variance where the F flu ratio is exceeded and uh case law has um upheld the fact that this is not like a a true D1 or use
variance where we're trying to uh propose a a use that's not permitted. This is clearly a permitted use in this zone. It's a single family uh residential zone and that's what we're proposing. Uh the courts have held that uh
we need to show uh and the board should focus on whether the site will accommodate any problems associated with the proposed permitted use but with a larger floor area uh than permitted by the ordinance. And I would suggest to the to the board
because of the testimony I've already provided that this is not a large home. 2900 square feet in today's market for twotory uh home is not excessive. Uh and I think uh the fact that we're complying
with the side and rear setbacks uh although the existing condition of the front setback is is a violation. Uh I believe we're providing the required adequate uh space uh air open space and
uh light and air. Um I think we're also uh promoting uh the public welfare of providing uh accommodation for uh citizens of uh uh of Edison Township
and I don't see any uh negative impact to the to the zone plan or the master plan. As I mentioned that this home could be built were it a conforming lot. no imp adverse impact to the neighborhood. I think it will be a
benefit. uh a new aesthetically pleasing home uh I believe will uh lift values uh will not be uh a detriment for those reasons u that I believe that the board uh uh
they choose uh has the jurisdiction to approve this uh requested variance It's for those reasons that the I believe the board has the uh the authority uh to grant these records variances.
>> No other questions of Mr. Fletcher. >> Does the board have any questions for Mr. Fletcher? >> Mr. Chairman, vice chairman. >> Yeah. How does how does this proposal fit with the characteristics of the neighborhood with the other properties?
>> We're going to have our architect testify as to the other similar properties in the neighborhood if there are any. >> And Mr. Fletcher had not done a survey of of the similar properties. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions from the board?
>> Yes. I have a similar question. Um I'm assuming I mean I don't know if the architect wants to answer this, but what is the next door property? There's two adjacent next door properties. What's their front setback currently? Do you have an idea? Seems like this house sticks out the
furthest amongst the the rest of the properties on this tree. >> I I don't have that information. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Fletcher. In terms of um your lot coverage, your proposed lot coverage, um
have you done any type of storm water analysis to see because you're going to have a much bigger home as compared to what's on there now. Have you done any analysis as to where the storm water is going to go? >> Well, the uh
at this point we have not done a a site plan or grading plan. Uh but uh we would normally direct the uh imperous coverage runoff to uh the gutter lines uh where it would flow to the existing storm source system in the neighborhood.
>> Okay. So you're saying you did not do a site plan or that has not been in our scope of work yet. >> Okay. Does the board have any other questions for Mr. Fletcher? >> Okay. Thank you very much. Uh, just call our engineer, excuse me,
our architect. >> Thank you. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you give this evening is the whole truth? >> Okay. Please state your full name and give your business address for the record. Is it is the microphone, please? >> You could have a seat and speak into the microphone, please. >> Vinu V I N U M Patel P A T L. Uh I'm an
registered architect. Um located in Oldbridge, New Jersey. I'm in uh my own practice since 2001. I've been doing a lot of residential work. uh in in this area. >> If you could please give the board, this
is your first time appearing before this board. If you could please give us a summary of your background and qualifications. >> Sure. Uh I have a license since 1987. Uh I worked for uh a big firm in New York when I came here to this country.
Uh I have a commercial and residential experience. I do have a license in New York City al New York and Pennsylvania. Uh I have a degree in architecture from India but uh when I came here I got my license.
>> You're a licensed architect in the city. >> Okay. You may proceed. Thank you. >> Mr. Patel um you've gone to the site before? >> Yes. >> And um one of the questions from the board was what are the other what are other properties look like in that neighborhood?
>> Yeah. Most of the most of the houses around there are single family house. Uh matter of fact, we did couple uh ad levels in the same area. I would say they're like uh one and a half story to twotory uh houses. Mostly they're all
residential single family homes. >> Are they uh do you know if they are a similar size uh as what is proposed here? Are they smaller? Are they larger? >> I would say within a range. Yeah, I would say. the uh
this same size. I have seen many places. Yes. >> And I know on your architectural drawings you had part of the tax map on here. Um the shaded part of this is the subject property. >> Uh yes, it is. >> All right. And you have a 200 foot
radius drawing there. Correct. >> That is correct. Yes. >> And looking at it from your eye, um on this block, is this probably the smallest uh property on the block. >> Uh yes, but I have seen 50 by 100 lots
or many places in this area. >> All right. In this neighborhood, too. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Specifically across the street perhaps. >> Yes. Even uh this >> I'm sorry. >> He was saying say that again please.
>> Yeah, I have seen uh couple lots. They are 50 feet by 100 ft. size >> board have any other or have any architectural questions of Mr. Patel as to the plans that are proposed? >> Does the board have any questions for Mr. Patel?
>> Yes, Mr. Chair Jabra. Uh Mr. Patel, so the characteristics of the neighborhood. So this house obviously we're seeking a handful of variances given the fact it's undersized. So now since it has two corners um you're one side is 2.3 ft
away from the curb and the other one's 7.2 ft. The adjacent properties how close are they from their point of beginning? Do you have some kind of idea in adjacent to properties? >> I don't have a idea about it. So, the
reason why I'm saying this is because your building coverage is over, your lot coverage is over, your F is over, and you have a sideyard setback. So, we can consider that the fact that the lot is supposed to be 7500, but it's 5,000, you know, we can have some compromise there.
>> But in terms of since you're building on the existing lot, you were keeping the existing two sides of the house, the 7.2 and the 2.3 ft, that's where you're keeping it as a variance. What kind of improvement can your client do to the existing property for us to look into
the other variances and seek approval? >> Definitely. Uh if you look at the proposed elevation on this building, we are trying to make it more appealing for the neighborhood. Uh there's page number A2, we are showing proposed elevation.
uh owner intend to use uh uh a good material like some stone cladding as well as some hardy boards and all that. So the whole intention is to uh to bring the house to a to level with the neighborhood. >> Correct. I completely understand that
point. Um, I'm just saying to the point of, you know, having houses that are just the point, the whole point is conformity, having the street conform of all the houses in a row, right? We don't want a house to stick out a little too much. In this case, it seems like it's a lot, right? 7 ft away from the curb, you
know, you can't even park a car. A car is 18 ft. Um, so I understand the driveways in the back, but 7.2 ft is pretty small. and the fact that there's multiple variances. Um, we'd like to see some kind of improvement to the existing
house in terms of those conform. We know that there's a lot of more area left in the other side of the lot which is shown as lot 16 in your survey. Um, any possibility we could shift the house over more to the right? >> Uh, we're trying to keep some of the existing foundation walls to to save uh,
you know, basically today construction cost has gone up so much. used to be $135 a square feet. Lately, I have talked to a lot of general contractors and they're over 195 $200 a square feet for the houses. So,
>> most of the homes house owner, they try to save whatever they can save for the construction of it. >> Got it. So then do you is that so my question again is would it be like would the homeowner favor more towards the F having a larger footprint or again not having to ship the foundation cuz if we're keeping the same foundation then
we're going to say that you know lower your F um there has to be some kind of you know we can't just ask for all different all different scenarios here >> footprint and the the area basically came from the owner side because uh he
he already described his family size. You know, they're pretty, you know, I think it's a joint family. I heard that his uh in-laws are living with him. Also, his mother is living with them. So, plus uh he wanted to keep uh
uh if you see the plan, every room has attached bathroom. So, he wanted to give like a little bit comfort. >> Got it. And the basement, I see you guys are making a 1500. So basically basement is 1500 ft² first floor is 1500 f feet. Second floor is 6500 ft² the basement has a walk out access. Is the basement
going to be finished? >> Uh I the existing basement partially but I doubt very much because they don't have enough height in the basement. >> Okay. And are you planning on keeping that existing height to the next section that you're adding? >> Yeah. Yeah. We're not adding any uh
whatever the height of the basement is going to remain as is. >> Okay. I just hopefully the board takes into consideration um the fact that there's a lot of variances and um Thank you, >> Mr. Little. I'm going to give you an
opportunity to go back to the drawing board and get your team together and present some specifics cuz this isn't a candy shop. This is only board of adjustment. We're bound by the mal land use law. This case
has provided a zero to little specifics and you have a laundry list of variances that you're requesting including a floor area ratio that's almost 16% over what's required building coverage front yard setback and there are no specifics that
have been presented to this board. You wasted this case has wasted probably about a half hour of this board's time with zero specifics. And with respect to to the applicant, he does have a have have a have a compelling story, but the
professionals have to get together and figure out some specifics. There was no site plan done. There was no grading plan done. There was no neighborhood comparison, no comparison of looking at the neighborhood of of of similar similar setback issue, similar building
coverage issue, similar floor area ratio issue. So, this board could very easily hold you for a vote and deny you, but we're going to give you the respect to allow you to go back to the drawing board and set for another night and come back present your case again if you're willing to do so. >> I we'd be willing to do so.
>> Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Mr. Ayat, >> see you down there. >> Can we um look into the fact I just want to make sure there's going to be sufficient parking for the bedrooms. >> Yes. >> You're proposing four bedrooms. So, I just want to make sure that you have it on a plan showing where the offse off
streetet parking is going to be >> the RSIS standards. Correct. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. >> All right. Um, do you want to estimate how long you need and then we'll we'll have the secretary go to the drawing board and figure out what we could offer you. >> Give a just a few.
>> Sure. Absolutely. Thank you. Okay. All right, Mr. Little. All right. Um, Mr. Chairman, I was uh asking uh what is the board's calendar for the ensuing months in terms of when this could be relisted for continuence?
>> Madam Secretary, >> how long do you think you would need in order to get us plans? Well, yeah, the plans have to be in at least, you know, 10 days in advance. So, u we're at the end of May. I'm thinking, you know, early July. >> Yeah,
>> we could do July 28th or we have August 25th. >> Well, um it need to be July. You wouldn't have anything earlier in July. >> All right. >> We only we only meet once per month in the summer. >> Okay. >> These guys need a break, you know.
>> Understood. All right. That is what will happen. Hold on before now. Is there any any questions as far as time for the board to act? Are we within the uh deadline? >> Um let me double check. Hold on. >> No, we will need an extension. >> Okay. When would you like the extension?
Until the end of July or the end of uh August? Maybe. >> August. >> Yeah. Could you please Does the Does the applicant extend for the board to act to the extended the time for the board to act until the end of August 2026? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So, uh, July 28th.
>> July 28th. >> Okay. All right. So, for anyone here present, anyone listening at home, this case will be carried till Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 with a meeting beginning at 7 p.m. here in council chambers. If you received a notice, you will not receive another notice. This will serve as your notice. Um, do your homework, sharpen
your pencils, and we'll see you on the 28th of July. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much, >> Madam Secretary. Next case on the agenda, please. Case number Z8 2026 Har Karish Gauda at 52 Alexander Street. Applicant is
seeking a bulk variance to extend the existing deck and patio at the single family dwelling. The following standards have not been met. Rear yard setback required is 30 ft. Proposed is 20 ft. Affected property is located in the RB zone designated as block number 590.14
lot number 21001 on the Edison Township tax map. All noticing paperwork is in order. >> Good evening. >> You may have a seat, sir. Our attorney will swear you in. >> Yeah. Just please raise your right hand. Yeah. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you'll give this evening is
the whole truth? >> I do. >> Okay. Please. And speaking of microphone, just state your full name and spell it for the record, please. >> Sure. My name is Arish Maria Paga. >> Okay. Okay, sir. And if you could tell us what you'd like to do and why you'd like to do it. >> Yes, I have a current deck uh which is
uh 5x21 which is uh 13 years old now and it's getting rot and I wanted to extend my deck so I can build a new one and uh so that I can use that uh space uh which is not appropriate at this time for my family. Uh like it's too small for us to
use it. So and it's in u similar conditions like the other uh decks around my uh neighborhood. Okay. And the deck that is there currently, is it the same size? I'm sorry. The deck that you're
replacing, is it the same size as what's there currently? >> It'll be like extended like currently it's 5x 21 uh which is attached to the house. Uh I'm planning to extend like 10 ft further so I can use uh that space. So the the uh the 21 will remain seen.
This only the front the rear extension is 10 ft. >> Okay. Thank you. Does board have any any questions for Mr. GA? >> Mr. Chair, Mr. Chabra. >> So you're just adding just to be clarified, you're not adding 15 ft to
the existing 5T. The total new deck will be 15 by 21. >> Exactly. >> It's 110 square ft adding to the existing. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. And are you planning on having it covered on top? >> No. >> Completely open. >> Completely open. Yeah. >> Okay. And the height will stay the same.
>> Everything will be the same. >> All right. Thank you. >> Any other questions, Mr. Gada, from the board? >> Vice Chairman? >> Mr. Chairman, how far will you be back from the uh your neighbor from the deck to the neighbor? How far are you going to be? >> I still have 20 ft to the neighbor's uh
uh the fence actually open. So there's a open lot in the rear also. So they have a patio almost similar to the size of my deck. >> Is there anything similar in a neighborhood? >> Yes, I there are all my neighbors have a deck uh the one right behind my they
have a similar size as mine. Uh they also have a sun room on top of it and the adjacent neighbor they just newly built a new deck with a patio as well >> and they're within 10 ft of the property line. >> Uh within their 10 ft >> uh there's about 20 20 ft. Yeah.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Seeing none. Do you have anything else to add, sir? >> No. >> No. Okay. All right. So, we will now go out to the public. Anyone within 200 feet of subject site wanting to be heard. If you're within 200 feet, you received a notice via certified mail.
>> Any anyone outside 200 ft subject site want to be heard? Seeing none, can I motion to close the public portion? >> Motion to close the public portion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Chabra, second by Mr. Schneider. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Nay. The eyes have it. Portion
is now closed and I'll go to the board. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion. M. I'd like to make a motion to approve the following application at 52 Alexander Street. The applicant's requesting a 10-ft uh variance for the rear back yard setback to increase his current existing
deck 110 square ft. The applicant agrees that there will be no covering or any kind of sun room on top of it. It'll be open and this is a minimal request with no detrimental impact to the surrounding neighborhood and no neighbors are here
present to speak for it. >> Second motion made by Mr. Chabra. Second by Vice Chairman Ogorman. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Schneider, >> yes to the motion. >> Mr. Chabra, >> yes to the motion. >> Mr. Certo, >> yes on the motion. >> Vice Chair Gorman, >> yes to the motion.
>> And Chairman Gump, >> yes on the motion. Unan approval. Congratulations, sir. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Madam Secretary, next case on the agenda, please. >> Case number Z3, 2026, Sesh Mandena at 97 Garden Terrace. Applicant is seeking
bulk and use variances to construct a second story addition to the single family dwelling. The following standards have not been met. Max F required is 44% proposed is 64%. Maximum lot coverage by building required is 40%. Proposed is
43%. Minimum both sideyard required is 18 feet. Proposed is 9.54 ft. Minimum one sideyard required is 6 ft. Proposed is 4.77 ft. Minimum lot width required is 75 ft. Proposed 50 ft and minimum lot
area required is 7,500 square ft. Proposed is 5,000 ft. Affected property is located in the RB zone designated as block number 265.02, lot number nine on the Edison Township tax map. All noticing paperwork is in order.
>> Good evening, council. >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman. >> Bring Can you bring that podium way closer to you? I want to make sure we hear you. >> Thank you. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes, sir. All right. Good evening, chairman, members of the board. My name is Punkage Mcnor um from
the law firm of WY Lavender Macknor. Attorneys for the applicant Shereesh Makanda concerning the property located at 97 Garden Terrace Edison, block 265B, lot 9. Uh this is an application for bulk variance relief in connection with
a proposed uh first and second floor renovation and addition. Uh the h lot uh the house is located on a single it's a single family house located on a pre-existing undersized lot. The testimony will present today is from the
homeowner uh Shesh Mandanka, the architect Venu Patel, and our planner John Dupant. Uh, with that, I'd like to proceed. >> Please proceed. >> Like to call my first witness, uh, the homeowner.
Apologize, Mr. Chairman. With before proceeding, I'd like to mirror the with the first application on >> extending the vote. >> Yes, that's it. Okay. >> Uh, this this is up to you. So, if you're willing to just, you know, present your case and then you can carry the vote to another evening when we have
a full board compliment. We'll make sure that uh the board members are uh reviewed, prepared, signed, certified. >> Sounds good. Yeah. >> Great. Thank you very much. >> Please raise your hand. Okay. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you'll give this evening is the whole truth? Yes. Thank you. Please state your full
name. >> Sures Mandanka. S U R E S H M A N D A N K A. Thank you for that. Um just very quickly, you purchased 97 Garden Terrace. You're the current owner of that property. >> Yes, sir.
>> And when did you purchase that property? >> In year 2008, June. >> Prior to that, were you a resident of Edison? >> Yes, sir. I came in US 2000 and my first steps in Edison Township. From day one,
I'm in Edison Township. Previously, I live in a rental apartment with my friends. >> Uh when you purchased 97 uh Garden Terrace, can you uh describe the the type of house it is? >> It's a single family house and when I
buy the house at the time, me and my wife only two individuals. So we thought that that's enough but when we family grows I have two kids one is 16 years old daughter she's studying in Edison
high school and another daughter is 13 years she is studying in middle school so now in a very small tiny house in the first floor we have one's kitchen living area and one dining area and there is
one small bedroom which is 9x9 9 in the up store up second floor store second floor second floor has only one bedroom which is 15 by 11 and is slloppy area so there are some portion is cutting uh is
very hard to live in this uh existing floor plan we live in a one bedroomedroom all four people so I would like to request to complain people's uh confidentiality because kids are now growing so They need some separate room.
So that's why I request. >> Could you just describe again what are you using the first floor bedrooms for? >> The first floor bedroom we use like we I'm associate with the BAPS uh temple addition Woodbridge Avenue. So we do
prayer everyday morning like at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes. So we use one bedroom for this prayer or combine all the gather to prayer. So at the moment all of you are occupying the second floor bedroom.
>> Yeah, we all occupy people. We staying in one bedroom upstairs. >> Uh do you anticipate additional family members? >> Yeah. Uh in next year my in-laws uh see they are living in India. They coming in next year. So before they comes my
proposed plan is to build something space for them to build a onebedroom in downstairs so they can uh because they are uh very aged people so they can easily access to the all the facilities and with that you uh you decided
basically last year to essentially try to renovate your house correct? >> Yeah. Um now you said you're a member of the local temple correct? >> Yeah I am the associate with the BAPS temple. I volunteer work and I do the
accounting work for the BAPS temple. So usually I have to go Saturday and Sunday both uh for the assembly accounting work and also I'm do prayer for every day. >> Um now through the temple you were able to connect with some professionals to
help you with this project. >> Yes sir. uh the through connect this temple I got the uh contractor also as well as architecture also >> contractor building contractor and architecture
and uh can you just name the architect that you had retained >> architecture name is Vinu Patel >> okay and uh you had met with Mr. Patel prior to the start of the project and and kind of describe what you wanted. >> Uh we met in a temple and I I explained
this this is the current scenario because we living same house since 18 years with there is no any extension. So I recom suggestion. Now, you intend to continue residing in Edison, correct?
>> Yeah, I love to this township because from day one, I'm in Edison Township. This is my 26th year. >> And your children, you said, are in the public schools? >> Yeah, both are in Edison Township public school and they love this county. Uh
love this township and they love all the near community also. >> Okay. Uh I have no further questions for this witness. >> Does the board have any questions for Mr. Seeing none. Thank you very much, sir. >> Thank you,
>> Mr. Chairman. With the board, I'd like to call my next witness, uh, Mr. Venu Patel, architect. Raise your right hand, please. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you'll give this evening is the whole truth? >> Yes. Please state your full name for the
record. Speaking to the microphone, >> Venu. V I N U M Patel. P A T E L. >> Mr. Patel, you were previously certified this evening. Uh license is still current and good standing. >> Yes. >> Yes, you may proceed. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Patel. Um you had met uh the applicant through uh the temple is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. And uh the applicant had come to you. Can you describe uh what he was looking for with this project?
>> Yes. >> Uh can you describe that? >> Yes. Uh I have chairman I have >> I want to display this out. >> I have copies of it.
>> One copy I can pass it on to the members. >> Okay. You can hand it to the board secretary. >> Oh my my only question is this though that has color on it. Is the original So hold on please. Hold on. That's that has colors on it. Does the original application submission have is it
colorcoded as well? >> This was not submitted with the original application. >> Okay. Just mark that as A1 then. >> Okay. >> Okay. And again, that's just a reproduction of what's been already submitted. Correct. >> This is the existing uh floor plan.
>> Okay. Maybe the cop's broken. All right, Mr. Patel, we uh just circulated a plan that's been marked as A1 for identification purposes. Could you just go through describing what this document is? >> Yes. Correct.
>> And just that's sheet A4 of what's been submitted, correct? >> A4. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Uh if you look at the first floor plan of the existing conditions, basically the area shown in a brown, that's the area. It's like a living area
for the family. Uh if you walk on the second floor, there's a open loft. Uh first time when I went to take the measurement I saw uh uh Sures's daughters they were doing
homework in that open loft area. Basically there was no space for them to do any homework or any other activities. Uh there's one bedroom upstairs which has doesn't have a full height ceiling. Half of the bedroom has a low
ceiling because there's a dormer in the back but the front is it's just basically no no height in there. Uh area wise existing first floor including uh outside wall is 713 square ft.
Uh existing garage is 157 square ft which I don't think anybody can fit the car in that garage. uh that attic area 552 square ft uh has hardly uh half of the area is usable
because that doesn't have a full height. The area shown on the second floor blue which is basically a low height closet space they have. So based on that uh and based on the owner's requirement uh we prepared the plans for this uh project.
I know we are over certain uh especially the FA I discussed in the previous application here we are almost even more than uh that 59 but uh if you look at the floor plan basically that meets all
the requirement from the owner and they're like a decent size room they're not like very big big rooms so we try try to make this house uh livable for uh the family so they can enjoy the
area. >> Let's Mr. Patel. Now let's go through the uh the proposed plans. >> Yes. So proposed proposed plan uh
we have a good size garage which is a single car garage. They can park their car there. Uh the current kitchen is only like 8 1/2 by 13 some feet less than 110 square ft. So at least now they have a decent size kitchen. They do have
a breakfast area for family. Uh right now I don't even know how they fit the uh the breakfast table. You know it's it's it's a very tight space for them to use. Uh there's one bedroom now. It's a little better size bedroom they are
using for some time. just I heard the owner that they're using for prayer uh meetings and all that in that for the family and all that. Uh definitely we have a good size living room now and uh second floor we do have good size
bedrooms and also they he wanted me to give some space for their uh uh daughters to have some homework space or you know so this plan basically came based on their requirements. I uh I
did my best to comply with their uh requirements for this uh house outside is going to be uh same you know we're trying to uh blend with the neighborhood again you know he's going to use hardy hardy boards and uh definitely will
bring the this house will right now the current house if you look at on the photograph is it's very old and it definitely need uh work not only uh you know the extension of the work but there's a also need some
repair work and all that so >> uh and you had went into inside the house correct Mr. Patel. >> Yes. >> And can you just describe what you saw with the the family members in the living arrangements? >> Yes. I I just mentioned that, you know, the kitchen is very tight. Uh there's no
space for girls to even do their homework. Uh I just heard from the owner that hardly one bedroom is shared by a lot of people. So it's a very tight situation for this family. It's it's a very
uh I would say it's not a comfortable place that they can enjoy. You know this look like the house is less than the one-bedroom apartment. You know they're like 8 900 square ft. Today people are uh going into apartment. So this house is even less than the apartment size you
know. >> Yeah I'll try my best. Yes. >> And Mr. I could tell um you'd stated that you've done some other houses or projects in the neighborhood. >> Yes, I have done. >> And is this design fitting with the other houses in the neighborhood?
>> Yes, fortunately their lot size was a little bit bigger. So, and then we were adding only the second floor. So, uh it was fine. You know, the square footage wise within this, you know, we are in this ballpark number for them. Visually though from curb appeal, will this house
look like it would fit in? >> Yes, of course. >> I have no further questions. >> Does the board have any questions? >> Seeing none. Thank you very much, >> Mr. Chairman of the board. I'd like to call uh final witness, our planner, uh
Mr. John Deont. >> Okay. Do you swear our firm testimony this evening is the whole truth? >> I do. >> Okay. So, you hand up some documents. Could you please describe these documents and what they are? >> Absolutely. There's three exhibits that I would just hand it over. I have larger ones on the board. One's an overall map
of every lot within 200 and 300 ft to give you an idea of the lot sizes. Exhibit number two is a photograph of the house in question and two adjacent lots just to give you an idea of the neighborhood. And exhibit number three is an aerial shot again to show you the massing of the neighborhood. The houses
in the area so we know the sizes. >> Okay. And who prepared those documents? >> I did. Okay. All three were prepared by you. >> That is correct. >> Okay. All right. Uh so we'll do the first one that you marked one was A1. The second one is the photograph will be A2 and the area will be A3. >> Very good. Thank you.
>> Okay. We'll put it for today's date um on the um on the exhibit marking. It's 5 519. >> Mr. Dupont, you've appeared before the board prior. If you could please give us a summary of your background qualifications. >> Absolutely. So I am a professional engineer and planner of state New Jersey. I've been before this board
numerous times. I've served as the planning and engineering the planner and engineer for the bur of Carterette for the past 28 years on their boards. >> I've been throughout boards throughout the state, including numerous times here. >> Licensed, current, and good standing. >> Yes. >> And you're going to be accepted as a planner, correct? >> Yes.
>> Okay, we'll accept you. Please proceed. So, the subject property is located in the RB zone and is presently developed with an existing single family dwelling situated on a historically undersized lot. The current home is 1,400 ft approximately.
The applicant has lived in Edison since 2000 and purchased this home in 2008. Him and his wife started a family. They like the neighborhood and now their family is growing, a couple of children. So, looking to stay in the area, modify this home and make sure they fit the
characteristics of the neighborhood. The existing property is non-conforming in a couple of standards. Um, there's several pre-existing bulk deficiencies. Minimum lot area in the zone is 7,500 ft. Our existing lot is 5,000 ft². The minimum
lot width requirement is 75 ft. The existing lot is 50 ft wide. The minimum sideyard setback is 6 feet. The existing home is 4.77 feet. And the min minimum combined yard setback is 18 ft. We
currently have 9.54 ft. These conditions are long-standing in nature and were not created by the applicant. The lot has existed in this condition for many years and is part of an established residential neighborhood containing a similar pattern of
development. As a matter of fact, I'm going to go over to my first exhibit. With me, the first exhibit that we have, they were handed out. I think you was it was A1, I believe, for today. So this exhibit they have the first
exhibit here is two things. It's an aerial. It's a from Google maps an aerial of the neighborhood and then from your tax map we've identified every lot within 200 and 300 feet within 300 ft. There's only one lot that is conforming to lot area and lot width.
Every other lot has been zoned out of compliance. So the the 5000 natural pattern of neighborhood is what it is. This this neighborhood was initially developed with Cape Cod Homes and it's over the years is starting to change,
but I wanted to show you that. So, as the part of the proposed improvements, the applicant will require two additional variances. Everything so far is existing. There are two additional variances being requested. Maximum lock coverage permitted in this
zone is 40%. We're proposing 43. and maximum floor area is permitted 0.44. We are proposing 0.64. So from a planning standpoint, the applicant represents a reasonable and appropriate residential development of
an existing home on a very constrained lot. The addition won't be visible from the front yard in addition to the rear. The rear setback is being maintained and the only visible change will be that small change to the garage that you saw
up front where the garage is being proposed just to be even with the front of the home won't protrude forward. Uh importantly, the applicant does not intrude any new use or more intensive land use on the property. The property will continue to function as a single
family resident which is permitted. And after all said and done, the proposed home while four bedrooms at about 3200 ft², a very reasonable size home for a single family uh for for a single family. If we go to the next
exhibit, A2 is just a photograph of three homes. The home to the left, all the way to the left side of the sheet is the applicant's property. That's the home we're looking at. It's currently Cape Cod. The one in the center picture was
apparently at one point in Cape Cod that's been expanded and the one to the right, same thing. Cape Cod's been expanded. Very common in this neighborhood. We walked it today. Uh lots um house number 63 expanded. 91
expanded from a Cape. 64, 65, and 66 Garden Terrace have been expanded. This neighborhood has some old Cape Cods, no doubt about it. But a lot of them are putting taking the Cape Cods now, putting a second story up on top and making them a little bigger. Some look exactly like a Cape Cod. You could tell very easily. Some like the house in the
middle been a little more extensive changes. So with respect to the Oh, I want to show you one more thing. I'm sorry. The last exhibit. So that's that's the front three p houses from the street view. If you look at the third exhibit, just
falling off my board here. It's a Google Earth image from the top down. So, you can see the view, the massing again. The house in the middle is the one right next to us. The house to the left is our home with the red dot on it. And you can just see the size of
the other homes. The size of those two homes currently are going to extend farther back than we're proposing in ours. The the house in the middle is got to be a larger square foot. I did not measure square foot. It's going farther back than our deck and which we are not. and it's going it's closer to the street
than we are and we're not moving any closer forward. And the one next to it, same thing extends far to the back. Just to give you an idea of what's happening in the neighborhood with respect to lock coverage, the request to relief is relatively modest
in nature. The proposal has been designed in a manner that works with the physical limitations of the property while still maintaining the functionality and the yard areas and preserving the residential character of the site. In my opinion, the slight increase in coverage will not create any
sub substantial detriment or adverse impacts relating to drainage light air open space. With respect to floor air ratio, I recognize that this is a significant component of the application, one which the board appropriately evaluates
carefully. However, in this particular case, the FR relief is substantially influenced by the size of the lot. If this was a conforming size lots, 7500 ft², the proposed house will would be compliant. The property contains 5,000 ft where
7,000 ft² is required. F is directly tied for this case to lot area. Historically undersized lots such as the one like this one are dis disappropriately burdened by the ordinance requirement. In practical terms, conforming with the lot in the RB
zone is permitting substantially greater floor areas as a right, whereas the property here is limited simply because of its dimensions. Accordingly, the variance request is largely due to a mathematical uh calculation and does not necessarily
reflect the structure that is at a scale of the surrounding neighborhood. What we're proposing is going to meet the surrounding neighborhood perfectly. Importantly, when evaluating the actual visual and functional impact of the proposal, the home remains consistent with the residential character and development pattern of the surrounding
area. And it's important to know that this is a resident who's lived here since ' 08, wants to stay here. This is not a developer building, flipping, selling the home. This is a gentleman and family who's picked Edison to be their home and they want to stay in this neighborhood. Many homes within the
established neighborhoods throughout Edison have evolved over the years. additions, renovations, and modernization efforts. In my professional opinion, the proposed improvements are consistent with that pattern of residential reinvestment and remain compatible with the surrounding development. Furthermore, strict application of the F
ordinance to this undersized property would create undue limitation upon the applicant to reasonably improve and modernize the home in a manner compatible and similar to residential properties in the township. Request for variances can be supported in my opinion under both a C1 hardship and a flexible
C2. Under C1 criteria, the exceptional narrowness and undersized lot constitutes extraordinary physical conditions uniquely affecting the property. These conditions create practical difficulties in developing or improving the property and strict conforming with the zone. Importantly,
these conditions were not created by the applicant. The applicant can also support be supported under the C2 criteria because the proposal achieves several purposes of the MLU. Purpose A to promote public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
Purpose G to provide sufficient space and appropriate locations for residential development. Purpose I to promote a visual a desire visual environment through good civic design and arrangement. Purpose M to encro encourage appropriate and efficient land use patterns.
The benefits of permitting the reasonable modernization and improvement of existing home substantially outweigh any potential detriments. Importantly, the request of relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good without substantial impairment to the intent purpose of your
zone plan or zoning ordinance. The applicant maintains a permitted use. It preserves neighborhood character. does not create any significant negative impacts relating to light air, open space, drain, circulation or aesthetics. Based upon my review of the application materials, the existing conditions and
property and the character surrounding neighborhood is my professional opinion that the requested variances are reasonable and appropriate and the applicant represents good planning. Accordingly, I respectfully request that the board grant the approval of the applicant. And that concludes my testimony.
>> I have no further questions. Does the board have any questions? Mr. Dupont. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. >> Sure. Uh, Mr. Dupont, I have a question. Um, number 93 that you have shown in your exhibit, how big is that property for square footage? >> 50 by 100. >> Uh, the prop the physical dwelling.
>> The dwelling, I don't know the physical dwelling. I know the lot is 50 by 100. >> Okay. >> That's why I did the Google tops. You could kind of see the massing of it. >> Got it. Do you know if there's any variance on there? >> I do not >> cuz I looked it up right now. It's showing it's 2120 um square ft the dwelling.
>> I saw that on tax brackets as well. >> Yeah, >> that is not 2100 ft. >> That's what I'm looking at. Unless something's not updated because that's showing 43% F. I'm pretty shocked looking at it. >> I think that was probably the original F. >> But the building's understood. But that's why that's
exactly why I did that one exhibit just so we could see the top from top down. Correct. >> We're still going to be smaller than that. And you know we're going to be 3200 feet. I think that tax record is old. I think you guys may be creating new business for us here. >> Could we Could we find out if there's a
variance on that property that was recently issued or something? >> We did an Oprah request. >> If I may, we did submit an OPER request and all that came back was a 2014 permit. So, there was no >> It's not 2120 then, is it? >> Yeah. So, we submitted an open request
and we got minimal uh no FIR application or anything >> cuz I'm I mean I'm looking at it right now. The way that the garage is recessed currently the existing house that we're looking at the subject property which is number 87, right? >> 97
>> 97. So 97 right now is has a recess garage too. We're you guys are proposing to bump the garage outwards and the adjacent property still has a recessed garage. Correct. >> Okay. I would just like to find out how how
big 93 is and if there's any variance. That's what I'm going to go back to. >> I'd love to find that out, too. That's exactly what this exhibit was all about because we couldn't find the number. I knew that wasn't correct in our tax roles. So, I wanted to show that there. So, we know we're not going back farther
than our deck. We're still going to be smaller in that house. And honestly, there's a couple homes on that block a little farther down like 65 and 66 probably bigger and newer. Okay. I'm just concerned about 93 now. Um, and I feel like that's
something that the board should consider before Thank you. Does the board have any questions? Mr. Dupont? So, Mr. Dupont, and I may have to qualify you to put your engineering hat on here, but uh so lot coverage, you're
3% over. Um would you given say that this is a dimminimous increase in lot coverage in terms of storm water? >> I certainly would, especially because the addition out the back still maintains the reord setback. So, I think it's dimminimous. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Um
and then the uh with the number of bedrooms, you'd be RSIS compliant? >> Yes, we would. >> Okay. Um and then just to kind of add on to Mr. Chabra's question, so in terms of uh floor area ratio comparison within
the neighborhood, you I think we're very consistent. I think there's at least six homes that I walked myself and that's why I brought those exhibits that are very consistent with us. the neighborhood, no doubt about it, that neighborhood was originally developed with Cape Cods probably after
World War II. Very nice. And it's it's now getting updated >> and they look it looks terrific to block. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Board of any other questions, Mr. Dupont? >> See none. Okay. Thank you very much.
>> I have no further witnesses. Chairman. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Mcnor, do you want to go out to the public now and then just carry for a vote? >> Uh yes. >> Okay. All right. So, we'll now go out to the public. Anyone within 200 feet of subject site wanted to be heard. If you're within 200 feet of subject site, you receive a notice via certified mail.
Seeing none, we now go outside of 200 ft of subject property. Seeing none, can I get a motion to close public portion? >> Motion to close public portion. >> Second. Motion by M. Motion made by Mr. Schneider, second by Mr. Certo. All in
favor signify by saying I. >> I nay. The eyes have it. Public question is now closed. Mr. McNeer, would you like to do a summation now or would you like to hold that until prior to us voting at another date? >> I'll hold the summation. >> Okay. All right. So, let's check the
calendar. Madam Secretary, >> uh we can carry this to June 23rd for the vote only if that's acceptable. >> That's acceptable. >> Okay. All right. So, for anyone I say and again, we we don't have a restriction as far as time to act for
the board. Correct. We're fine. Let me double check. >> Yeah. >> No, we're fine for that one. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So, for anyone here present, for anyone listening at home, this case will be carried to uh Tuesday, June 23rd with a meeting beginning at 700 p.m. here in
council chambers. If you received a notice, you will not receive another notice. This will serve as your notice. Thank you very much, Minor, and have a good evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, board. >> Thank you. All right. So, the board will be taking a two-minute recess. Um, I will be recusing the next case and we will turn the proceedings over to the
trustworthy hands of Vice Chairman Gorman. Uh, two-minute recess. Thank you. All right, madam clerk. >> Back up. >> We're back up. >> Open back up. Okay. Uh, case number Z7 2026, Michelle Campbell at four
fielding. have applicant is seeking bulk variances for the construction of a new single family dwelling. The following standards have not been met. Front yard setback required is 35 ft. Proposed is 2850 ft and rear yard setback required is 60
ft. Proposed is 43.69 ft. Affected property is located in the RA zone designated as 557.04 lot number five on the Edison Township tax map. All noticing paperwork is in order. Thank you. Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you'll give this evening is the whole truth? >> I do. >> Okay. Please state your full name for I'm sorry. >> No, that's okay. It's Michelle Campbell. M I C H E L E C A M P B E L L. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Proceed. Welcome.
>> Okay. Thank you. So, I'm requesting a rear yard and front yard set setback bulk variances. sought to construct a new single family dwelling at four fielding place. This property is located at 557.04
lot number five in the RA zone where the minimum lot width is 100 ft and the minimum lot depth is 150 ft. My property is nonconforming. My width average is approximately 192
feet and my depth average is approximately 123 feet. I presented to the zoning board on May 13th of last year for a rear yard setback variance of 46.42 ft from the
principal building and I was granted the variance. I am here today requesting a rear yard setback variance to a raised uh terrace which is 10 ft wide and 10 ft deep.
The required as stated was 60 feet and proposed again is 43.69 ft just to the raised terrace. The rest of the building is not moving. I am also requesting a front yard setback variance to the portico
which is 10 ft 9 in wide by 6 and 1/2 ft deep. Um again required is 35 ft and proposed is 28.5 ft just to the port to go. >> Do you have any professionals?
>> Well, they're not here with me, but yes. I mean, I've had an architect and we're so far along in this process. I mean, we made changes to the plans because we weren't pleased with the front of our house. So, um, we're basically just waiting on this variance and everything
else is ready to go. We have our zoning permit, we have our engineering permit, we have our demo permit, and I'm just waiting for the construction once we go through all of this. >> All right. So, you were here last year on back on July 29th. You have the uh it's the amendment resolution and that
was in reference to and that also included a fence, the six foot fence in the front yard. >> Yes. But that nothing of that has nothing to do with the building. No, I understand that. I just wanted for the record. Exactly. >> So, what changed from July to now? >> The front of the house. So, we were not
pleased with the front of the house. And once we applied for the demo, I felt like my back was against the wall. We both did because we just did not, you know, we're spending quite a bit of money and we weren't pleased with it. So, we changed it. Um, initially
with the f so the front as far as the portico what's changed is it's now gone up to the second floor where initially the top of the house was set back I think three or four feet but now the whole the front of the house is flush the second floor and the first floor and
we now have um a raised so the the portico is attached to the uh the building now so it requires a variance Okay. So, reference you were not happy with the facade, but the so the the issue is the change from last year is
the the uh the front yard setback. That's >> well because as I stated initially the portico wasn't going up to the second floor. We basically had an overhang at the first floor and now and we didn't we because the roof wasn't I guess
attached to the building when we talked to uh Jim at in zoning which he was you know so at the time the first the first plans did not require I have I mean I have them with me I don't know if you guys have them from the first one. Can I
just ask? So, initially you have a front yard variance for the for the first floor. Correct. >> We never needed a front yard variance, >> but then Okay. So, >> the front yard variance is new. >> Well, the front setback. Okay. >> Right. For the front yard setback. Yes.
>> And the reason the change is is because we now have the portico is two stories. >> Can I stop you? Do Do you have the drawings? Can you show us the drawings on there? What you're talking about? >> Do you have Do you guys not have the drawings? Here we have them, but I want to stay. >> Sure, sure, sure. Sure. I have the old
ones and the new ones if you want to. >> Well, just let's stay with the new. Okay. Please. >> Yep. >> If you want, there's nothing you can bring that up closer. There's not that many of us here. So, no, no, bring bring the stand over. We make it a little easier for you, please. >> I don't have a hard backing for it, so hopefully it doesn't fall.
>> We'll see. We'll see what we can do. >> Thank you. Yeah, make it easy. >> Yeah. Want to come and hold it? Mind if you hold it? >> No, you can. Come up. >> Thank you. We're building the house together, so >> there you go.
>> So, if you see here, >> show her face the pretty face. Yeah. So now you know initially it was the overhang was here. The top was the second floor was set back. We now have everything flush. So this portion and
this portion are at 35 ft. This portion is at 36 ft setback. And the garage area which is 22 feet is at a 32 uh foot setback. >> You need variance for that? Well, no, because I initially had it on the um the
application and I was asked to remove it because that's what I thought, but I guess they're saying worst case is because it's the 28.5. So I initially did have on the three but they you know because this one is at 32 feet again 35 35 36 and this small
portion here which I believe this is like 5% of the front yard and it is uh I have my numbers down there. I think 15% of the house. C >> can you go to drawing A2 and on the side
view that that'll help further clarify, right? >> Okay. >> So again, we just really we couldn't >> So So what changed from July? >> Do you want me to grab the other? >> No, just real quick. So, what changed
was this. It wasn't even this. There was no columns. The overhang over the front door didn't have any columns in the front. It was just brackets holding it, you know, holding it up from the wall. And we didn't want any of that. We
didn't like it. And honestly, if I didn't have this nonconformity, I could have built this house a year ago, and I would still have 18 ft to spare because the house is only 33 ft
deep with a 35 ft front yard setback, a 60 ft rear yard setback. That leaves me at about 128 ft. If this was 150 foot deep like I'm supposed to be on, I wouldn't have even had to go through this twice.
And why wasn't this done back in July? >> We changed the plans recently. These plans were changed in they were completed in February of this year. >> So you didn't think about this in July last year? >> I wish we did. You know, it's we're
building a house for the first time. I mean, it's part of the evolution. We're trying to, you know, imagine something in one dimension on a piece of paper. It's very hard. So >> Jim, you have any any comment on this, Mr. A?
>> I don't. Yeah. No. Um, we had spoken on the phone several time. We've spoken on the phone several times, but um the setbacks are what they are. They're there. So I don't have an issue with it. No questions really to be honest. >> What was that?
>> I don't have an issue with it. >> Oh, you don't have an issue with the setback? >> Okay. >> No. >> Any anybody have any questions? Any any members? So, you mentioned what you are doing in the front yard in the rear yard. Could you also point where you're doing changing in the year your rear yard? >> Well, that's going to be just the uh
patio. And interestingly, back in July of last year when we actually we were here in May, but by the time it was finally adopted, it was July because there was another error with that one. Um, we had a deck on those plans on the survey which was a 12 by 12 raised
terrace, but because we were so involved with the fence at the time, I guess it was overlooked and I'm going to take responsibility for that. Um, and I was, you know, so we figured, okay, we'll omit it. But since I was coming back and we did want the deck, we we went from a
12x 12 to a 10x10. And you know, if I was honestly if I wasn't coming back for this, I would have just omitted it. But since I'm here, I we would love to have it. And honestly, the person behind me has a raised deck to the second floor almost
spanning the whole house. So, this is actually very minor. >> Okay. Just question for the board. Do we need an updated site plan? >> Well, I mean, you should have a That's a fair question. You should have a site plan. Yeah, >> absolutely.
>> Yeah. >> So, my site plan cuz I do have that. I have it with me. Isn't that How long is that valid for? I >> mean, you're changing it, right? >> But I can't do anything until we do the variance. If this variance isn't approved, now I have to go through the whole process again. >> No, I mean a site plan is just your
survey, right? Survey and your >> Oh, yeah. I have that >> survey with with with the with the changes. >> Absolutely. >> Did you have that with you? >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm sorry. I thought we were think with the site plan was the engineering. No, no, no, no. >> Oh, absolutely. Yeah, >> engineering, but we're >> But I meant our your engineering
department. I thought it was with the engineering department. Oh, absolutely. We definitely have a site plan. >> I brought both again. >> Is it the date is still Okay. No, she probably did revision. >> Yeah, this is my new one. >> And this is Andrew Flesher.
>> And again, you guys should have this. >> Okay, I think maybe there's Hold on a second. >> Yeah, you want >> Yeah, you guys should have this, too. Okay, then we're fine. >> Mhm. >> Mr. Sh, that's it. >> Yeah, this this is correct. Okay. I read the wrong date. I read the date from
201. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, I didn't see the revision. >> I didn't I could call this the survey. >> Okay. >> But yeah, no, that was done. >> Absolutely. >> And it shows the deck and house we're dying to build. >> 28.5
right here, the front column. Mhm. 28.5. And for the rear subdown 43 >> 69 here to the terrace, >> we sit
>> because the house is 50.20. >> Mhm. >> So, so technically the house is 50 ft from the se from the reer property line. So it's 10 ft that's being sought for the property and an additional
and a total of 17 ft for the terrace. >> No. No. So the house location has not changed. So that for the initial setback that was granted uh last year is still the same. >> Okay. 40
>> 46 42 >> 42 correct. Absolutely. >> So that hasn't changed which you know if you see again if you look at my property it's oblique it's not straight. So this is 138.35.
This is 107 which is absurd in 150T lot that is supposed to be. So it's you know what we're just requesting for the 10T and actually that's at the shortest point because believe it or not at the right side of the deck it's less
>> the right side of the deck >> right the right side of the terrace would be less because it's you know this is a shorter point from here to here is longer. >> What about the wood deck to the left >> we're not do that's going that's old that's existing.
>> Okay. So that's all coming down. >> That's That's not That's all coming down. >> Yeah. And I did have a I did have a permit. >> It's not going back. >> No, no, no, no. Everything that's faded in that faded color is just depicting that it's existing.
>> And since it's being mentioned as a terrace, um your basement is walk out. >> No. And we're we're name he's calling it a terrace because it's not going to be a wood deck and it's going to be part of the superior wall foundation. >> Okay. So that's why we're calling it a
terrace. I'm not putting in a wood deck, you know. We're going to basically have a foundation. It'll become >> a raised patio essentially. >> Exactly. >> They were calling a terrace. I call it a raised paid. >> It will be Well, like I said, it's >> masonary. >> What? >> Masonary.
>> Well, the foundation portion will be superior wall, which is what we're making. And then the rest Yes. will be masonry. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So, it's a raised patio. >> Correct. And it was above the two feet, right? Because anything under two feet did not require >> two feet. It has to follow the principal
structure. >> Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Since this will be above two feet, that's why we're getting the variance. >> How tall is it? The terrace. >> Um there's here the one it's basically the height from the sliders out.
And I mean just on average the steps we have here is like one, two, three, four, five, six. So it's above two feet. Yeah, it's it's above the two feet. That's why I'm here. >> All right. So, >> I mean, correct. >> Okay. >> All I know is it's above for sure it's
above 2 ft, but it'll be at the level of the sliders coming out. >> Okay. So, that's that's a variance. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's what I'm That's the rear yard one I'm looking for cuz the other one is done and it hasn't changed. >> And there's no intentions to cover and make it a sun room. Be open. Yep.
>> Okay. >> Yep. just railings, you know. Other than that, that's it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> We We could sit. >> No, no, we're not. >> All right. So So if this got approved,
right, you you would agree to the uh on a conditional of approval on your submitted plot and grading plan that this wood deck would would not be included. >> Absolutely. Okay. >> Oh, definitely. The actually it's already mostly gone. we gave because it was uh like the what do you call it?
>> That's okay. We don't need to know it's gone except the frame is there. That's it. >> All right. So, in reference Jim, Mr. You have any any other concerns or questions? >> That was the main question. I want to make sure the deck will not be there because that is in violation. >> And and and in your opinion, this will fit the characteristics of the
neighborhood. >> Absolutely. It's transitioning the neighborhood. So, yes. >> Oh, part of this also is is where's the sidewalk? Is it doesn't the ordinance include a sidewalk? Yeah, he has it on the uh site plan.
>> I don't Yeah, he has it on the site plan. It's going to towards the driveway. >> Okay. So, again, if this got approved, that would be condition of approval to include the sidewalk. >> Absolutely. It'll have a sidewalk. Well, when you say a sidewalk, a walkway? >> No. >> Sidewalk. I have a waiver. I got a
waiver already. >> You have a public sidewalk waiver? >> Yes, I do. You have that? >> Paid a lot of money for it, too. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Everything is done. Literally, it's just once this is once we complete this today, I'm ready to go. Everything else is in order.
>> All right. We're here to work with you. All right. Any other any questions? Any members have any questions? >> I have no further questions. All right. Let's go out for anything else. >> That's it. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you.
I'm going to go out for public comment. Any Anyone within 200 feet? Anyone within 200 feet? Not seeing anyone. All right. Anyone outside of 200 feet? Anyone outside of 200 feet? Not seeing anyone. >> Motion to close public comment.
>> Second. >> Second. And then uh everyone anyone um motion to agree. I mean uh if you agree, say yes. If not, say no. Eyes have it. I >> Okay. What's your pleasure?
>> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion. >> Okay. >> I I'd like to make a motion to approve this application. It's a nominal request. There are no individuals from the public to speak up regarding this case. Uh the this proposal today that's
forth is requesting a rear back setback for proposed 43.69 ft and a front yard setback variance for 28.5 ft. The individual has revised their existing variance
to improve the frontage and facade of the structure. And I'd like to make a motion to approve this >> second. >> Okay. And I just like to add also in reference to the uh for also that as per
discussed the submitted plot and grading plan, you remove the deck and also you have a sidewalk waiver and there is nobody opposed. No, no one from the public opposed this. Get a vote. >> Can I also add one more thing that the rear yard as mentioned for the terrace
will not be covered and this will not be a sun room and it will be opened. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can I just could you just confirm the uh from the raised deck what the numbers were you gave? >> 43.69 ft. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Mr. Schneider, >> yes to the motion. >> Mr. Chabra. >> Yes. To the motion. >> Mr. Cerrito, >> yes on the motion. >> And Vice Chair Gorman, >> yes to the motion. >> It's approved. >> Okay. Congratulations. Good luck. >> We appreciate it. >> Happy digging.
>> Okay. Motion to close meeting. Close. Second. >> Second. >> Meeting closed.