I'm off Wednesday. >> I tried to get to him, but I was knocking off my >> call the glass roll zoning board of adjustments regular business meeting to order for November 20th, 2025. Tara, can you please read the opening statement? Pursuant to the Open Public's Meeting
Act, I hereby announce that adequate notice of this meeting as required by set act has been provided by adopting a schedule of regular monthly meetings for the year 2025. Which schedule was posted on the Burough Hall bulletin board, mailed to South Jersey Times, and filed with the Burough Clerk.
>> Everybody, please rise for salute to the flag. I pledge allegiance 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.
>> We have the roll call, please. >> Mr. Mun >> here. >> Mr. Alice >> here. >> Mr. Lopez >> here. >> Miss Laferty >> here. >> Mr. Perer >> here. >> Mr. Santor >> here. >> Mr. Smith >> here. >> Miss Wyman >> here. Mr. Mr. Fiola >> here. >> Mr. Began
>> here. >> Mr. Cowan >> here. >> Okay. Mr. Alice, would you like to swear in our professional? >> Indeed. So, gentlemen, I'm going to ask each of you raise your right hand. Each of you swear affirm testimony about to give tonight is true and correct the best your knowledge, information, and believe. >> I do. >> That's two yeses, Mr. Chair.
>> All right. Everybody has a copy of the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. So be it. All right, we have the bills. Do I have a motion to pay all bills?
>> Motion to pay all bills. >> Second. >> Have a first, second. All in favor? >> Opposed? >> So be it. Okay. Do we have any We don't have any incoming or outgoing correspondents.
Before we start, is there anybody from the public that has any non-aggenda items only? Nope. >> Okay, Mr. Alice, would you like to go over the
>> Well, yes, M. >> Well, yes, Mr. Chairman, members. Thank you. Um, the first matter that was indicated for tonight is ZB25-03 Nicholas Bronco. This is being postponed to 121825, the next Glboro ZBA meeting. Uh what had
happened was the applicant um had pushed out notice to everyone on the 200 foot list but had uh forgotten to put the public notice out there. That being the notice that is published in uh the newspaper of general circulation. Now as it happens I think the gentleman's here
Mr. Bronco he's here and he's here maybe he's going to see how it goes in the land of the ZBA. Um but we won't hear from him until next month. So, anyone who's here on that application, and I think there's no one, and I think you would agree with me, Mr. Chair, members,
um they would have to come back here 12:18 uh 2025 at 7:00 and then they could be heard on the uh the Bronco application. So, no further notice is going to be given, just that public notice is going to get pushed out in the uh the newspaper. So, thank you, Mr. Chair.
>> Sounds good. All right. ZB25-06 Ascenda 4A South Deli Drive block 33 block 26 the C3 zone looking for a use variance to permit an emergency homeless shelter in a commercial zone.
>> Thank you. Good evening uh board members. My name is Robert Hagerty. I'm an attorney with the law firm of Moscus Nelson and I'm representing Ascenda this evening. Um, I have two witnesses to present to the board. Uh, Gwen Holdsworth, who is a senior vice
president of Ascenda, and Larara Devichro, who is a uh, professional planner licensed in New Jersey. I don't know if the board prefers to swear them now and anticipate. >> We'll swear them in. No, absolutely. Sure. And I'd ask if you'd be so kind each of you to raise your right hand.
>> And do each of you swear affirm testimony about to give is true and correct to best your knowledge, information, and belief? >> I do. >> Well, thank you. Thank you. were of course well acquainted with Mr. Ditro, a neighbor and a professional planner, professional surveyor, professional engineer. He does a lot. And um and then
you said, I'm sorry, we don't >> Gwen Hollessworth, senior vice president. >> Senior vice president. Thank you. >> Okay. I assume that you like to witness. Yes, we can both have a seat at the table there. >> Okay. Um, Miss Holdsworth, can you tell the board what Ascenda does? Describe
the company generally to the board, please. >> Sure, absolutely. Um, Ascenda is an integrated healthcare agency. Um, our headquarters are located here in Glboro. Um, we provide,
um, a gamut of services. We have well over a 100 programs um that we provide um in the community ranging from outpatient um substance use um residential um maternal and child health
services, prevention services, and um child and family services. >> And that's throughout uh or multiple counties in the state of New Jersey. >> We are currently in uh 11 counties in southern New Jersey um including central and north Jersey. Okay. And now could
you tell the board what Ascend is planning to do with this facility? >> Sure, absolutely. So, we have um a current program. Um it's called A Place to Call Home. Um it has been in existence for many years. Um it is
currently located in Salem County. Um and we are hoping to relocate the program um to our headquarters campus. Um at 40A Deli Drive. Um the program
provides housing for up to 10 women plus their children at any given time. The average length of stay is 3 to six months um while they're there. Um of course we're providing the housing. It is 24-hour staffed. Um while they're
there, they are working on securing permanent housing. Um and then we are also working with them on self-sufficiency so that they can maintain the permanent housing once they find it. >> Okay. And um how many uh what is the
maximum number of clients that you would have at this facility at any one time? >> Um the maximum that we are allowed to have um at any given time is 10. We typically have closer to six to seven. Over like the past year or so, we've had
um six to seven clients. >> The clients uh typically have their own automobiles. >> They are allowed to have their own vehicles. They are allowed to bring their own vehicles um into the program with them. Um in 2024, two of our residents had vehicles. Um so
far in 2025, none of the residents have had their own vehicles. >> May I interrupt for one second? When you said we had 67 last year, was it or whatever? Is that over the course of the year or what did I hear? >> 6 to7 >> 67. That's what I was trying to get at. Yes. >> Well, that's that's two numbers there. 10 is the max.
>> And then I was wondering if you were uh aggregating it. Okay. I apologize. >> No apology necessary, sir. Um is it fair to say that at any given time less than half of the residents have their own automobile? I mean, is it more typical
they do not have an automobile? That that would be accurate. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Where uh where do these uh expectant or new mothers come from? Generally speaking, >> um we can house women from Gloucester,
Cumberland, and Salem counties. >> And uh how much how many staff members will be present at the facility? >> Right. So, um it is 247 um staffed. Um at any given time, we would typically
have two staff on site. >> Okay. And the uh staff work in shifts. >> Yeah. >> And how long are they? 8 12 hour or does it vary? >> It varies. >> Okay. And you mentioned that uh the purpose of
the program is to help uh these homeless mothers kind of get their lives together and the ultimate goal is to transition them to their own permanent housing. >> Correct. Yes. >> Okay. Uh Gwen, was there was there
anything else you would uh want to add? I just I feel like I've exhausted my questions for you, but maybe there's something that you would want to tell the board. No. All right. >> This side. >> Great. All right. Uh Mr. Deitro, you uh have done this many times.
Correct. So, what I'd like to do if the board is all right with it, as I would just like to turn it over to Mr. Deitro to make his presentation and address the professionals letters. >> Mi Mr. Ditro knows exactly what to do. Yes, I I know.
>> So, so I I I'll just stand aside uh and uh watch Mr. De. >> Good evening everyone. Thanks to be here. Um I'll go through I have three exhibits and we might as well label them now. One is the um this is the actual
plot plan that was submitted with the application which is the overall property and all of the existing conditions. But part of the application included. Call that A1. >> Sure, that sounds good.
>> A2 is a Google Earth image with the plan superimposed on it showing the existing conditions. And really, this is a context map just to show the neighborhood um and the surrounding uses around the property in question.
And then finally is an enlargement of the varian plan that we submitted. And again, this is just a reflection of the survey of existing conditions. We highlighted and colorcoded of the
different segregation. And I'll call that H. >> What would Would you describe that as like a colorized plot plan or >> colorized plot plan? >> Right. Okay. >> Yeah. So in speaking about the neighborhood and the property itself, uh this is the
ascended complex. I'm sure you're familiar was formerly the Robins. It's been there for a long long time and operating. Um the site is lot 33, lot 26, 3.61 acres. The area in the back,
this is all vacant. delineation in the rear of the property. Uh this represents the developed portion of the property. There's 270 foot of frontage on Deli Drive and
308t of frontage along Alway Drive which is where the main entrance is into the site. There's an additional So the main entrance into the site off of here comes in into the parking lot. Uh the parking lots are connected and then there's a
one way drive exiting out to LC drive but that is the complex there's a mixture of buildings so we try and segregate for everyone uh this is the existing administration offices the
headquarters for ascendant and sign as >> Angela est child and family >> child and services >> yes >> and u that's not part of the application that will just continue as administrative offices as it exists
today. Uh the application as we're discussing is the building here which was the former group home now and then there's an existing building behind that again is not being part of any change on the application.
So I'll be discussing the existing home which is really what we do on the site plan. Uh, regarding the zoning, the property is in the I1 um office park industrial zone. The I1 zone starts at this point um and road
street and continues up to Route 322. Both sides of the streets is the industrial zone. There's a mix of homes. Most of them are rental homes from what we can identify. Uh there's a business, a transmission shop, an office,
somewhere in that area, but it is a business zone. Transitioning along drive going south is the I2 zone. Obviously, the industrial building right here used to be manufacturing area. Now, it's a multi-tenant industrial building that
goes there was occupied on Gro Street is the care for place for auto auction and then public much more heavy industrial not that
normal residential neighborhood has been there for a number of years that's coexisted with all that but it's not really integrated into a living neighborhood >> does your CEO know how long it's been there I'm just curious how long has it
been there more or less >> our CEO >> yes he just >> No no no no that's silly He said this son has been there for a long time. >> Um well the the Robins property has been there for a very long time. I think it's Oh gosh. Well, Robins was in existence since 1968.
>> I was going to say it goes way way back. Okay. Okay. No, you you >> I know it was there in 19 2000 1999 you were operating. >> Right. So um it kind of started in the beginning and then we added on and the the new complex which is now our administrative it was in 2001
2002. >> Okay. something like that. >> Okay. No, so it runs pretty deep. It 20 30 years I mean going on. Oh yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. So back to the zoning the overlay. I wanted to really the word get a feel
for the neighborhood the context. Uh the zoning is the office park industrial zone. Permitted uses in that zone are office research, manufacturing, emergency care, family care which is similar meeting. all social
organizations. Um but the proposal is what we're titling emergency shelter for homeless pregnant women and that is not listed as per A2 which is really actual sun. What
we've identified this is the twostory building uh which will be the place for the homeless shelter here which was formerly a group home. There are no proposed changes to the site utilities lighting
storm water everything in place would remain as it is. The only thing that change is the occupancy that occurs in this building when the operation takes place. The twotory building on this side
administrative offices is 22,000 square shaded that parking as building what I've shaded in gray here is a parking equivalent to what the parking ratio is. The parking ratio was suggested at one
space per 200 square ft for medical use. That would require for these two buildings 36 spaces. So we have adequate parking immediately adjacent to the site consistent with your parking ratio.
If we look at the overall campus then we are coming up short. explain that we have thoughts on that. There's 116 parking spaces in total including parking area back here. Um
again circulation this would be the building. This would be the 10 potentially 10 residents or occupants there and two administrative staff that would be going with them. Um
we have 13 parking spaces here. If the tenants would not be driving maybe one car or so, all of this parking would be available. Excess parking. We don't see a demand for
it for the question of the use. >> So because the use is not use obviously have to offer positive and negative criteria for the board's
consideration grant varants. Um the use would be for emergency shelter for homeless pregnant and postpartum woman and consequently for their consideration regarding the positive criteria Mr.
noted and listed in this currently beneficial use is defined as universally considered of value to the community because it fundamentally services the public goods
to general welfare. Similar uses are hospitals, schools, child care centers, group homes and the like. Um obviously what's being proposed and what I testified to this satisfies that is
beneficial to use. Um the proposal specific is under the oices of a of the state licensing which again further enhances or confirms the disposition. This is a needed type of facility that's
recognized as a community providing e shelter for homeless pregnant woman. So with that I believe inherently beneficial use satisfies what the criteria is positive criteria use
concerning the negative criteria it's relative proposal will not impact the neighborhood neighboring properties benefits we outlay any detriment use um as I had indicated in the neighborhood
the proposed use is not detract from the uses in the neighboring properties. It would remain as it is now. There was no changes with the facility. There's no change in appearance. There will be no change to
utility infrastructure, parking, drains, so the property is suitable for the intended use of properties previously operated as a group home managed by sent operators at the site.
The use will serve the best interest of burrow emergency housing license for the interest of homeless pregnant since there's no proposed change or modifications at the site. The proposal
will not have an adverse effect that the variance can be granted would be couldn't occur without a substantial detriment to the public. Just a couple of just quick follow-up questions. >> Um do you see uh foresee any adverse
impact on the public sewers and facilities uh such as water, sewer, police and fire protection? >> Uh I do not everything everything that is in place the building is serviced by public utilities. There is no proposed modification or change. It would not have a negative impact. Okay. So
likewise there won't be any impact on drainage facilities because there's no changes being offered and no uh impact on traffic flow that you say. No, the uh the access on to the state highway, the access to the site and the onsite
circulation will remain as it is relatively speaking. >> Okay. U did you have any further testimony, uh Mr. Okay, there was a >> go to the board. I hope that the professional reviews will be happy to go through those questions.
>> Great. So, that would conclude our initial presentation and obviously welcome questions on the board or professionals and anyone from the public who wishes to be heard. >> Anybody from the board have any questions yet? >> Yeah, just real quick, what's the stats on the house? How many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? That type of stuff,
square feet. >> Um Um there are seven bedrooms um three and a half bathrooms. Um and I will defer to Mr. Dvicho on square footage. >> Square footage. >> I mean that's fine. Seven and three that's fine.
>> Are the residents they going through obviously they have any other treatment like criminal records, drug abuse or they just or you have any restrictions on that? How's how's how's a person how's a person uh get on boarded there? Um, great question. So, this actually is
very specifically a sober home. So, the women um have to remain sober during their stay with us. Um, but they would have had a history of um some sort of substance use. >> I'm sorry. Can you repeat that? They had
to have a history. >> I'm sorry. >> Just repeat what you said. >> Oh. Um for the during their stay um the women will remain sober during their stay. It is a sober living environment. Um in terms of their history, they will
have had to have had a history with some sort of substance use. >> So this is for substance abuse for formerly at least substance abuse people. >> Correct. It is is it is recovery. >> How how do you know they're they're clean the time that they stay here?
>> Yeah. Are they tested? >> Are they tested or >> They're tested. >> They're tested. >> What? Weekly? What? >> Um it's random. >> Random. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> You say there's seven bedrooms, but there's possibly 10 and with children.
>> Yes. Um so >> that Well, um so we do not typically house or um double up women who have children. So if um it is a woman who is pregnant and or if it is a woman um who may not have her children in her care,
she's working towards getting her children back in her care. Um we would house up we would double up the single women >> and how many were in the group home? >> How many did that house? >> I am so sorry but I cannot answer that
question. The group home it's been vac um we haven't had the group home in in many years. >> Okay. The transportation, you have an agency vehicle. >> There is one agency vehicle. >> So there they Is that used to transport them to doctor's visits and that type of
thing? >> It absolutely can be. Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Are there any children there or just moms? >> They can have children. The women can have children. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is there a limit to how many children
could be uh housed with the mother at the time? Um there's typically I mean typically it's one or two I mean maybe up to three. Um and the children are usually they um the age limit for the children is eight and younger. Um in terms of our
experience the children are typically infants and toddlers. >> Okay. So like is there an age cut off for the like you said eight eight. So if they have any children over the age of eight then it kind of >> unfortunately they would not be eligible for our program. >> Now excuse me. What about visitation?
Are they allowed to have any visitation? >> No. >> Okay. >> We can assume there's visitation. >> We can assume there's visitation permitted. >> No. I'm so sorry. So um if they have um like other providers, right, like other um services or agencies that they are
involved with, they can come onto the the site for, you know, to implement services, but they cannot have visitors. They cannot have friends. They cannot have family members um come and visit with them. on site with us.
>> So, is there a need for security there? >> Well, their current location >> ask is there security? I'm I'm kind of cutting you a break. >> Um, at their current location, there is no security and there has not been a need for security. However,
if they are able to be relocated to our um headquarters campus, we do have on-site security um in the evenings and the weekends. >> For you said the average day, I think you said was 3 to six months or something like that. So, to my
colleagues question, eight years old and they're there for six months, does that child enroll in school system here? Would they be expected to enroll in school here? And then, you know, would they come in and out? How's that? Would you be looking for the school district to bring your, you know, somebody came with a six-year-old, that's that's for
school. So, how would that work? >> Oh, absolutely. Right. So, um while they are while the the mom is residing with us, um and if the mom does have a school-aged child, um the the child would be
>> actually That's a great question. >> I asked a great question. How about >> McKinnon? >> Would they have to go to school in Glass Park? >> I was going to say I think with Mckin I don't know if they have to. They might be able to go to the school of origin.
>> I I don't know. Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I guess three months later they gone. >> Like do you offer transportation to the children to if if there's a child there that's six or seven enrolled in a school in PSboro? We would not provide that
>> they don't have that kind of money. >> Oh, right. This is a legitimate point. Sorry. >> But even if local like if they were enrolled in Glboro School's mom's there three to six months if they were enrolled in Glassboro school, say it's a local Glassboro resident that has become
unfortunately homeless and they have children, would there be some type of provision for the child or anything of that nature? Honestly, that's a great question. Um, we typically don't have schoolage children in the program and we have it
in the last couple of years. So, I'm not as intricately um knowledgeable about how how the schooling really works um with with the school age children >> and with all the services you provide your trauma care uh independent living
life skills. Now, is that provided uh like by employees in your main building or is that somebody that would come in from offsite? Is it like a lot of coming and going for uh these office services offered?
>> Um so the majority of that is provided by the staff who are on site. >> Okay. Um we do have um you know we do have case managers. We have a program director, program supervisor, case manager, um
an LPN, um and peer recovery. So throughout the course of the week, I mean, we only really typically have two people on at any given time, but they would be included in those two. So, we're we're constantly having um two people on and
they would be providing those services as part of um their duties and responsibilities. >> And with the shelter, is it like other shelters like the VA or Eleanor Corbett where the uh participants at the shelter
go, they stay in the morning and then they're requested to leave for the day and then come back at a later time like they're permitted to stay there 247. Yeah, absolutely. Um th this would be uh this would not be similar to your
traditional emergency homeless shelter. Um again, it is licensed as an emergency homeless shelter, but our funding in the program um again limits us to only being able to have up to 10 women at any given time. It
creates the eligibility. You know, it has to be moms who are currently pregnant and or parenting young children. Um, so they are able to stay on site throughout the day. >> So I think Mr. Perner might be spinning off of the Oxford House model where you
know recovering alcoholics. You want to be here fine, you got to work. So you get up in the morning, you go out and work and you come home and is that what you were thinking of that? similar that um I would professional experience working on social services we you know when we place uh people in Camden count
like from Camden because there's no shelter around here that they would go to the shelter for the overnight and then at like 7 8 in the morning they're requested to leave to whatever means and then come back by a certain curfew time. So that's what >> in terms of like the coming in and out
or if they're there, you know, 247. Uh since it says that >> this is neither fish nor something different, right? >> Okay. >> Going back to the security issue. So this isn't like an abused woman's shelter where they're anonymously there.
No one knows they're there. Is that the emergency or not? >> Correct. So this would this would not be um a safe house. However, um with any of our residentials, we would not add any signage. We would not advertise the fact
that, you know, this is a place to call home. Um and I'm trying to think. Um does that answer the question? >> Well, just because like that I was saying with the safe house, you would need to have security just in case
someone. So that's why I was asking is it that type of situation or no? >> The current facility is you want to leave is it smaller or bigger than this one does? >> It's larger. >> How many bedrooms and bathrooms there?
>> I believe there are around 18 bedrooms. Um >> there's one more. So you have people double up there. I mean just any situation two people that don't know each other doubled up. If it's smaller, smaller confine there. I mean, you obviously can't give me a number, but
there's conflicts. You want the conflict, right? Even like your roommate. So, you got your security. You never really have to make police calls or anything like that. >> We do not. No, we do not. >> So, with your old with your present facility,
uh you didn't you would not have an overcrowding problem even theoretically. >> Correct. >> Now, you mentioned 10 people. Is that a state mandated limit? >> That's what we are funded to provide um
housing in this program for up to 10 women. >> So 10 women could be more children should be more >> more persons >> more than 10 mothers. >> We can't hear that. >> Now is there um I know at this time you're saying that there's going to be
no changes the building. You're just requesting a change in use. Is there future planning for like expansion of this building at this time or anything aware of going up back? I mean there's there's a lot of space in this lot. >> Um that's just out of curiosity if that if you know say that back building
behind the gray one behind the yellow one you have on the the yeah if that were for any reason to you know come down and extend the yellow building. But at this time there is no >> there is none. And um we have had Ascenda has had this program. Robin's Nest um has had this program for many
many years. Um it has been down at its current location for the past three years or so. Um prior to being at the current location, it actually was here in Glboro. Um and it was in a smaller home here in Glboro. Um so we kind of do
have some experience with having to have the the moms double up. Um and then in the current location they have been able to to spread out a little bit more. Um but we do have experience with both kind of scenarios. Um and we we did there was
no major concerns around conflicts when we were um in the smaller home prior to their current location. >> I have a question please. >> Did I understand you? You said they stayed there for 10 weeks. Um three they can their typical length
of stay is three to six months. >> Oh, three to six months. Okay. And then where do they go from there? Do you have any idea? >> Um the goal is for them to become stably housed. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I I I have a question. Sorry, but um I
know you said that is 247. You have the staff there. Do you are there any curfew curfew for the residents that stay there? >> Yeah. Um they do have a curfew. Unfortunately, I don't remember what
time it is. It's between it's between 8 and 10 o'clock at night, but they do have a curfew. And now are the uh people or the women that will be housed there are they referred through another agency like a social service agency or can they come to the door directly uh requesting help
or are there other type of avenues that they have to go through to become eligible for this type of housing? >> Um they can be self-referred. So they can call us up directly um and say that that there is a need. um the hospital could
refer them right when they're going through um you know delivery or you know when the hospital becomes aware that they are pregnant um the hospital can deliver uh or deliver the hospital can refer um DCF can refer um so we have
linkages with quite a number of other you know social service agencies other nonprofits the hospitals um DCF so that they can kind of help with some referrals but yet women can self-referred to this program.
>> So, this was used previously as a group home, someone said. How long is it? Do you not know how long it's been vacant? >> Um, well, it has not been a group home for at least 5 years. Um, we did have
some office space. Um, it was used as office space for a short period of time, but it has really not been used for at least three years. >> Under your ownership, >> correct?
>> So, looking at the front door, your neighbor to the left, there's a blue house. Is that a commercial space or is that somebody is that a resident? >> It's a residential. It's a residential structure. To the best of my knowledge, it's rented. contin
Your neighbors are private but Any other questions of the board? >> All right, Mr. Beacon, you're first up. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. We had our November 4th, 2025 letter.
Most of the items have been addressed to testimony already. One would be the I'm satisfied with the explanation that that's been given in terms of the amount of parking and the reasoning behind the parking parking. Uh one item that was
not thoroughly addressed was the outdoor space since there will possibly be toddlers also recreation area or anything like that for for the residents. Um there is outdoor space um
next to and behind. There we go. Um there is a little grass area next to and then there's a larger grass area behind and then on the other side. Um so we actually we are looking to um fence it in to make it a safe
environment for the children. >> And that's it. Mr. Chairman. >> Okay. questions, >> Mr. Common. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, first I'd like to say that I um appreciate the testimony from the
applicants planner with respect to the positive and negative criteria. I think that the testim I'm satisfied with the testimony regarding that. I did have just a few questions. Um hoping that maybe the applicant could speak to um
first uh whether there's sufficient lighting um on the around the site to make a safe environment or um if they could provide some testimony about the exter exterior lighting, please. >> Um yes, I mean we've done an inspection
of this property. Um as the property was developed, it was developed as professional offices. street lighting is in place and there's more than sufficient lighting. We didn't do like meter readings and so forth, but the entire perimeter of the building and
even on the building itself there was >> so where the um the clients would be parking uh near the emergency shelter that also is >> well enough lit. Okay.
How about signage? You may have mentioned signage, but um is there adequate or are there any changes to the signage, anything like that? >> They will be no changes to the signage. >> Okay. Um how about handling and hauling of
trash? Um >> any any changes? >> There will be no changes. Um the facility has a dumpster and dumpster dumpster service. >> Okay. Well, um, can you speak to the the I guess there's a food service that's
provided for meals during the is it all the meals are served to the clients inside the building? >> Um, that's a great question. Actually, the residents are responsible for their preparing their own fe um, food. So, they will be doing their own grocery
shopping. They do their own grocery shopping. I'm sorry. It's an existing program. They do their own grocery shopping. you know, we have um a kitchen which we have, you know, extended cabinets um so there is sufficient um storage, food storage. Um we will be adding additional refrigeration so that
well we'll be if this is approved we will be bringing the refrigeration over from the current location to ensure that there is adequate um food storage and refrigeration for um the women and they will be responsible for cooking their own food for themselves and their
children if they have them. >> Oh I see. Okay. And is there any I think this is my last question. any interior facilities for children to like a playroom or something like that? >> There's um there's multiple common areas within the building currently um in
addition to the bedrooms. >> Sorry, quick follow up to that though. So, it's has been vacant for a while. Um so, is it up to date with all I'm assuming people cooking their own food, they can have stuff in the room. How's the fire and sprinkler system? How's that? Yeah. >> Yeah, that's tested and everything's good.
>> Absolutely. Um even though the h the space has been vacant, we keep up with all of the monthly and quarterly inspections um as well as all of the um fire requirements. Um in anticipation of this relocation back in the spring, we
did a lot of improvements um to prepare it for the residents um plus their their children. Along those lines, if I may, and I don't know if it's touched on, this is a state funded. Uh, are there there are state standards and are there state inspections?
>> Correct. Yeah, thank you. I forgot about that part. Um, yeah. So, the facility is licensed by the Department of Community Affairs and we absolutely have to maintain compliance with all of those standards and those the DCA um there's a heavy emphasis on facility standards
that we have to be in compliance with. That's all the questions I have, Mr. Chairman. >> Any more questions from the board? >> All right. Can I have a motion to open this this to the public? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Is there anybody from the public that would like to speak? Come on up. My name is Jolene Ruer. >> I'm gonna ask you to raise your right hand and do you swear affirm testimony about to give us true and correct to best your knowledge information relief.
>> It's true. >> Yes. >> You say yes. Okay. >> Yes. Great. And where do you live visav this this project? >> Um we're the owner occupants of 43 Deli Drive. >> Okay. And where is that? Cross street. There you go. Thank you. >> Take it away.
>> All right. I just have a a written statement I just wanted to read. I thank you for the information uh regarding this. Um and I wanted to thank you for the notice of Ascenda's application for the use. >> Well, that's the law. They got to do that.
>> Well, I thank you for it irrespectively. Um we're the nearby homeowners at 43 Del Drive. My husband is a service disabled combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. Um, and I wanted to just share several points for
the board's consideration. We care greatly about the location. Um, from the residential standpoint, although that's been downplayed in the, uh, discussion here. Um, this is an investment that we made in this community. Uh, when we arrived a couple years ago,
we improved our house. Shortly after that, our neighbors made improvements um, in terms of upgrading the exterior of the homes. you know, just making the area a nicer place to live. Um, Ascenda, we're familiar with Ascenda from our
standpoint. Um, the property has been wellmaintained. Their existing programs are not created any observable disruption in the neighborhood. Um, however, the request to establish an emergency homeless shelter represents a potential expansion or change in the
scope and intensity of the activity at the site. For that reason, we believe it's essential for the board to fully understand the proposed operations before any variance is approved. Uh based on what we've reviewed, um and I think, you know, gaining some additional
information here tonight that um you know, um in terms of that kind of program being successful, um you know, the level of staffing and supervision is very important. connections to permanent housing rapid transition out of there so it doesn't
become a permanent status um and integration with other support systems. I mean we've gotten some information about that. I don't know the details. I'm not an expert on it. Uh what we're most concerned about is um the security
uh around the area. Um so in recent times um there have been um the addition of two cannabis facilities down the street. Um this is in walking distance to this location. Um which is mentioned
that they're their prior they have prior uh issues with um with drugs. Uh so this is you know a concern for us as to what uh kind of security will be in the area. what type of as was mentioned what type
of lighting um you know in order to make sure that it remains as a residential location um if there was any change in the traffic uh if there was a curfew um you know how much staff was going to be in the area to monitor that um any
boundaries around it any future expansion uh increased occupancy I noticed that it was originally 18 rooms going down to 10 I don't know why there was no explanation for that. Um, and I don't know if they plan on trying to
expand it as a result because it I don't know why they're getting smaller. Um, and given the mixeduse nature of this portion of Deli, uh, we just want to be sure that there aren't any adverse impacts uh, particularly during the late night hours when the area does become
quiet and more residential in character. Uh we also wanted to note as I mentioned the two cannabis dispensaries that are in re in close proximity on the same corridor. They naturally increase vehicle traffic pedestrian nighttime movement. These are vulnerable
individuals. Um and that's what we wanted to underscore the importance of strong on-site supervision, predictable operations and clear boundaries. Um what is the impact on local law enforcement? Um, you know, because, you know, we have
our, you know, our property there. Um, and also we have we do have neighbors. I mean, I do have to say that I don't know who's here from the neighborhood, but when we did some improvements, our neighbors made improvements. It was actually very nice what occurred in that location. Um, and it's not just rentals.
Um, not that there's anything wrong with rentals, but there are people who are living in that location. In addition, I just want to point out there is a public trail that abuts that property. It is a beautiful, beautiful trail. Um, I run on
that trail and I, you know, I I am concerned, um, and I think it's a right concern about security and that's pretty much the most important component that that trail and that area remains safe
for all users and enjoyment. um you know for the public and that this change um you know doesn't have an a negative impact on that. So we just ask that the board you know carefully consider it ensure there are stringent
measurable conditions to ensure the continued safety uh minimal impact to the surrounding homes. Um and as a military veteran family we invested in this neighborhood. So, I want to thank you for your time and consideration and and we're happy to be in Glboro, New
Jersey. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else from the public? >> With that being said, do I have a motion to close the public portion? >> Motion close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> So be it. >> Any other questions?
>> Followup question on on security. I don't know if I missed something, Rob, but uh you have two two people on staff, not necessarily security. Uh what are the qualifications regarding uh intoxication or drug recognition?
>> That's a great question. >> They the the tenants have to be correct. >> Yes. >> How do you enforce it and how do you recognize? Um so we do random um urine
drug screens and then the there would be consequences um if one of the residents um tests positive. So, just, you know, to to look at a a bad scenario, if somebody popped over to the dispensary and and and bought some
weave and came back, uh, they may get away with it that night, but it would show up. Are you saying is are are the tests frequent enough? I don't know how how long. >> I think it's what the weed would be in the system. >> Weed would stay in your system for like 90 days >> and then you would bounce them, I guess.
>> It's usually in there for 90 days. >> I'm sorry. The weeds usually in your system for 60 to 90 days. >> It's legal now. >> This is more of an opioid. >> No, but you're you're talking Aren't you talking about all substances? Is that the idea? >> Correct. You need to remain um sober,
completely sober from all substances, including alcohol, >> right? >> Because it wasn't working. The plan A wasn't working. So, your plan B, >> you're going to fix everything, right? I mean, that's the I mean, that's the idea. >> We do our best every day. >> Well, you're going to do a great job. I'm just shy.
>> Just to that lady's concern, I wish she would have stayed. I guess knowing that property actually my mom worked at the was a nurse. She was a she used to go there and call at Robins. That's years ago. So that front porch that lady's concern though obviously they're not in jail. So I'm not a big stickler. You can't do this. But it is a nice front
porch. Can they gather at night, make noise, disrupt this lady and her husband? Is there rules? I mean it is a nice frontage. I know the property >> they would follow the normal noise ordinance. >> Yeah. I mean >> with any house that's on that street. >> Yeah. I mean >> same thing. Yeah.
>> That's a legitimate concern. >> And I know I don't know her but >> houses across the street they didn't do a great job that you know they're they have a she had a legitimate question. She should have stayed but they're here to answer. >> She has obligations. >> Yeah.
>> So how how do you guys control that? I mean obviously you're not kids but >> Right. Well we do have a curfew. Um and then of course we would have to follow the no noise ordinances of the town. Um and our goal I mean we've been in the community and we've been at this
location for a very long time and our goal is to be a good neighbor. We've I think we've you know proven that we've been a good neighbor and our goal is to continue to be a good neighbor. um for everyone's awareness in addition to the current residential um you know facility
that we're proposing and again we it used to be a group home under our um under our oversight. Um so we do have experience having residential there at that site. Um in addition >> how what was the age? >> It was youth. >> It was youth. >> Yeah, it was a youth group home.
>> That was years ago. >> Yeah, it was youth. Yeah. Um in addition the space which is not on these plans but um behind our facility we have residentials that is under our area of oversight. Lifelink homes is under
Ascend's purview as well. Um and that um those residences are for aging out youth. So youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Um and we lease those um apartment spaces to the aging
out youth and we provide um the services to them. Um and again I mean I don't >> well that that one sits alone like right that's so far that's that's not affecting that lady. >> You know if she lives in that blue house and then they're doing a white one right next to the transmission. Obviously I'm understanding town I take it extra
serious. So I take what she says seriously. If she's right across, that's a whole lot different than that bigger house way down the the bike path. Like, >> but she runs down that bike path. >> And her point is well made that she's got two different cannabis stores right there within walking distance. So, she does
>> point. She does have a bail point. >> Well, where the cannabis stores are located, that's not under my area of perview. >> Yeah, you're right. She should have stayed. >> But your security, your onsite security covers the whole property. Yes, our
on-site security is actually um housed in the building right behind where we are proposing to put the um a place to call. >> What are their hours? >> Uh they work evenings and weekends. And then of course we have on-site staff. I mean I'm there, you know, 9 to5 um
Monday through Friday. Um so we have additional supports right there on site as well. >> I I think the concern is probably more off hours than than on. >> Yeah. Night. >> Valid. Yep. 501 on soon as you're gone.
>> I have a question. I have a question. What is the proposed curfew time right now for the facility if get approved? >> You said you didn't. >> You don't know. I'm sorry. >> There is there is a current curfew. I just unfortunately I don't know what it is, but it is between 8 and 10 o'clock
at night. Um, of course I mean you know some of these some of the moms have children so of course they're they're not going to be out late at night. Now, if they, you know, say they do come back after curfew, happen, things happen, right? They go out shopping, car break down, whatever it may be. Um, are they
allowed into the facility to gather their things and turned away? Are they able to come in? Are they turned away for the evening? Like, what is their >> Yeah. So, so I think, yeah, let's kind of differentiate that. We are a licensed homeless shelter, >> but we are a program. A place to call
home is a program. we are funded by the state to provide a service to the the moms that live um in the program. Um and so our goal is to work with women who are in recovery um and to help set them
up for success. So, when a woman is referred in, we go over the program rules with them. Um, what all the expectations, what, you know, their their 3 to six month is going to look like, what we're going to do, right? What we're bringing to the
table, what they're expected to bring to the table. Um, and it goes over the the expectations, the rules. They sign off on it, and it also includes all the consequences, right? So if they don't follow the rule, this is what's going to
happen. So everything is laid out from the door when they first come into the program. Um and then what we do is, you know, as things come up um we start going through the consequences that were laid out um upon when they um came into
the program. >> Yeah. Because I was thinking more along the lines like somebody comes back late and that's what they're worried about the disruption. Like I've referred people to homeless shelters for the county um and they say they're willing to go, they give us yes yes yes yes and then they either they don't show up,
they don't show up for curfew and then it's you know it becomes an issue. We've had clients turn back around to us. We have had clients say they're going to go and then they show up with another person that wasn't supposed to be there. They like things do happen. Some show up with children that weren't even told to
the agency when we referred them there. It you know people are at their dire straits. they're willing to do whatever they can to get, you know, a roof over their head. So, I mean, I'm assuming that's part of the concern for the woman that had here. Um, that's just part of speculation on my part is that, you know, if anything were to happen, somebody should play, somebody's missed
curfew or there's an issue. So, what type of atmosphere can they expect, you know, showing up at that shelter at 2 3:00 in the morning, like even with, you know, uh, opioid addiction with any person, male or female, you know, life
throws them a curveball. are kind of moving around to them and the current serve for the community is if somebody's going to, you know, raise a problem, try to bring somebody there that's not supposed to be there at different times and whatever they can may or get away with. So, >> I have a question, please. If they're
caught drinking or using drugs, what's the penalty? What happens? Are they evicted right away? >> Not necessarily. So they can break the rules and still >> there be there'd be consequences. >> Um I mean we're these are
we serve women who are in recovery. Um so we're going to support them through their recovery. Um but depending upon the situation again I don't have the rules right in front of me right now to know exactly what the consequence would be. >> Um but there absolutely would be a
consequence and it would be enforced. Would it mean immediate termination from the program? It may not. >> Okay. Thank you. >> But you also said that in your your place in Salem that you aren't calling the police every night >> and you don't have constant problems
with these women. They're looking for a second chance and you're trying to give it to them. >> And again, I mean, our track record has been really positive with this program. We've had this program for a number of years. Um, again, prior to it being in um in its current location down in Pitts
Grove, it was here in Glboro and there were no issues or concerns when it was here in Glasboro. Um, I mean, I could count it less than one hand how many times the police have had to been called over the course of a year. >> I know. I've been on this immaculate but
you know the use for emergency wholesome point of view this is a place that services someone that's in need you always have problems >> absolutely >> really well established managing this
type of thing you know that's how you grow and take care of these situations Any other questions? >> No. >> Good. >> Questions. >> You think? >> No, it's pretty No, it's pretty spirited, right? A lot of questions. That's good.
>> What's the pleasure of the board? >> Motion to grant Ascend's request for use variance to allow an emergency homeless shelter um to be permitted in the zone L1. >> Second. Roll call vote, please. >> Can I Can I just have a point of order?
Number one, are we Does it matter, Mr. Solicer, if it's we're doing it based on an inherently beneficial use or granting of a use? Number two, I think I'm >> Well, number one, yes, it's a question. So it really doesn't matter because it's the grant of the use variance. But
obviously um foundationally or supporting that or butressing that is the fact that it's an inherently beneficial use which you can just tell by the the denotation in and of itself. >> Next I think I'm number eight. So I do not vote on this.
>> Well no you're you're I don't think you're necessary. We got a good turnout. >> So I'm sorry >> we got a good turnout. So >> yeah vote on this. We have a motion and a second. Roll call. >> Roll call. >> Miss Laferty. >> Miss Laferty.
>> Yes. I I vote yes. >> Mr. Perer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Santor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Smith. >> Yes. >> Miss Wayman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lopez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Moon. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your time.
>> Good luck with it. >> Good luck. >> Thank you. All right. So, we don't have any reports, so let's go. All right. There's been some workshop activity. So, it looks like 312 North Main Street.
They're looking to demolish the existing house and construct a new ninebedroom house on it. >> Have a good day. >> You too. Thank you. >> We got a company that's looking to go into the old Ricky Rolls building
>> and I guess they're going to put some equipment in there for fabrication or something. >> Yeah. Yeah, that that's >> Good night. >> They've got some more work to do on that one. >> Okay. definitely would be in front of this board and uh
the fabrication is is like a oneman kind of thing. They just thought it wasn't very intense >> just like the bread was. >> Yeah. So we we asked a lot of questions. So it's where where the bakery used to be in the back building on that property. But they would still keep the one rental building on site. Uh you know
so mixed use also besides having a use that's not not contemplated in the zone. All right. And then we have Express Food Mart needs a solar canopy. >> Yeah. Uh that one would be in front of planning board. >> That would come to us.
>> And the reason being is that that the the electric that would be generated from it would just really be for that site. It's not going to go to the grid and they get make money off of it or anything like that. So if that was the case, then it would have two uses on the property and that's that's
>> all right. I guess we're getting the 51 Williamsburg Court residential home. They're going to add a sixth bedroom. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Are they allowed to >> on that one? Sorry. >> They're add I guess they're adding a bedroom.
>> That's why that's why they use >> because right now it's just five bedrooms. Correct. In certain areas you can't go beyond five. >> Correct. And then uh over here on Liberty Street and Reading Street, they're going to tear down the existing duplex homes and
detach garage and built two duplex residences >> that would be in front of this board one way or the other. They would be forages for the for the religious use and uh they're looking at different ways of
reshaping that pro probably you're not going to see that for a little bit. They got some work to do also. And my my new favorite one is the back nine golf. >> Yes. >> Oh, prep bush. >> And that will be here, >> I guess, next month. >> And that one is for a
in inside golf have four golf simulators and it's more of a membership kind of deal or you do it online. People won't >> but it's still a mixed use to boot. It's a mixed use and and that property actually had received planning board
approval not long ago for decent own construction. >> Uh and the use that was approved there was for office use at at the time. So that the leftover 5,000 square feet they have uh they're going to have this use which is not a use that's contemplated in that zone either. So that that'll
come in front of us here. >> That's going to be I heard it was going to be 247 access. >> That's what they propose. Yes. Is it like the 247 anytime playtime gym that used to be around and then >> that went >> they have they have if you do any
research they have one I believe Wilmington Princeton and the one they'll be pointing to is in Pmpton Compton Plains or Pmpton something like that >> should be fun >> but they've got a website you can check out what they do on their website
>> looks like we're going to be busy in the next few months. >> All right, Mr. Alice's report. >> Oh. Uh, well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, members, and and and let's, uh, let's be busy next couple months. We've had a little bit of a >> We got a vacation >> hiatus. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Um, so,
Mr. Chair, members, for your consideration. We do have, um, single resolution R25-10. This is a um, granted an extension for preliminary and final site plan. had some bulk variance uh relief and waiverss for Vision 214 High QZB
Inc. Block 33 L uh 214 East High Street. Do I have a motion? >> Motion to grant the extension. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. >> Miss Laperty. >> Yes. >> Mr. Perer. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Sanport. >> Yes. >> Mr. Smith. Yes, >> Miss Wyman. >> Yes, >> Mr. Lopez. >> Yes, >> Mr. Mooney. >> Yes. >> Since we have no old business or new business and nobody here from the public, we'll have a motion to adjourn to the
next meeting for December 18th. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. So, >> happy Thanksgiving everybody. >> Happy Thanksgiving.
I think that guy's going to be afraid to come back. >> He's doing it. >> He's doing it on his own. He's not having an attorney.