Zoning board of adjustment reorganization meeting will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided in the following ways. Notice published in the Courier News. Notice posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. Notice made available to the township clerk. Notice sent to the Courier News and the
Star Ledger. Will the ple clerk please call the role? >> Mr. Weissman here. >> Mr. Reio >> you Mr. Morando >> here >> Mr. Ali >> here >> and chairman Cahill >> here.
>> At this time please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God under God, indivisible, with
liberty, justice for all. >> At this time, I'll accept nominations for the position of chairman of the zoning board for the coming year 2026. >> Chief, I'd like to nominate uh Sean Hale.
Are there any other nominations? >> Do I have a second to that nomination? >> Second. >> You can't. >> I can't. >> No, we're nominating you. >> Oh, sorry. >> I second. >> Thank you, Mr. Adam. >> Thank you. >> All in favor?
>> I >> I opposed. >> Chairman Cahill, you have been appointed for 2026. >> Thank you, Mr. Canelian. Thank you, uh, zoning board. Um, I'd like to make a nomination for the election of vice chairperson. I'd like
it to be Steve Weissman. He's filled in many of times when I my schedule's conflicted and he's done a fantastic job. So, I'm very confident in his um abilities. Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> I. >> Okay. Now's the election of a secretary. Do I have >> I'd like to make a motion. Steve Weiss would like to make a motion for showing Kah Hill to be the secretary. >> Okay. Can you get a second?
>> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Next is the appointment of a board attorney. I've been with this gentleman now 23 years. He's been my zoning board secretary. I mean, zoning board
attorney. Um, I'd like to nominate Jim Connealy. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Good. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. Of a township planner. I would like to nominate John Chadwick. Does a great job for the
township and he represents. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Please. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> The appointment of a recording clerk. This is a tough one. very tough. >> No, this is this is the uh the backbone
of the zoning department is >> Laura Buckley. She she is the the straw that stirs our drink and she is well worth um a reappointment. So, I'd like to nominate uh Laura Buckley to be our our recording clerk. Can I get a second?
>> Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Uh I think uh we'll go with the same committee appointments we did last year. Is that the same uh individuals? Is that cool? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um I'd like to vote for an adjournment. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Okay. This meeting is adjourned. >> 703. Good job. >> Okay. >> Let's see you do it again. >> Uh honey, where's my black book? >> No. Give me one second if you would people.
The zoning board of adjustment meeting will please come to order. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided in the following ways. Notice published in the Courier News. Notice posted on the Bolton board in the municipal building. Notice made available to the township clerk. Notice sent to the Curry News and the Star Ledger. Will the clerk please call the role?
>> Mr. Weissman >> here. >> Not here. Mr. Battel's not here. Mr. Oreio >> here. >> Mr. Blunt >> here. >> Mr. Hucka, not yet. Mr. Morando >> here. >> Mr. Ali >> here. >> And Chairman Cahill
>> here. Will everyone please stand for a 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. >> Mr. Connealy, do we have any changes tonight's agenda? >> Yes, we have one change to the agenda tonight. Uh the application of France Canton, 245 Davis Avenue will be carried to January 29th with no further notice.
>> Um there is two more Number 11, 39 Mansfield Road. It's February 12th. They must notice. And number 13, Joseé Castro for 37 Orus Avenue. Same thing. February 12th, they must notice. Neither of them noticed.
>> Okay. Thank you so much. Let's move on to item number seven, 25-ZB-83B to Shia Daily Butler. Um, chairman, number six. >> We have a discussion item. >> Discuss item. I'm sorry. >> Number six. >> I got you, Jim.
>> Mr. Connealy, can you uh explain this to the board? >> Yeah, this is an applica. This was an application was heard a couple of years ago by the board. The board granted an uh an approval for the application. Uh the applicant is still trying to perfect that approval and get ready to start on their project. Uh since time has run out
on the project, they have asked for a one-year extension of time. Uh Mr. Mr. Stal I believe is with us. Um if the board has any questions um but as long as the board is convinced that the applicant is is diligently pursuing this project then there's no reason to deny
the extension of time. >> Mr. Connealy did a wonderful job as always uh in explaining it. It's it's a nonfor-profit organization and I sometimes have issues. Uh they're finishing their fundraising and getting
some other things in order uh in order to uh start construction. So, I'm looking for a one-year extension and we'll we should be fine with that. >> Okay. Well, any comments from anyone on the board? I'm I'm pretty good with this. Um I'd make a motion to grant the
one-year extension. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Miss Buckley, do we need a yay or a nay or do we? >> No, we need a roll call on that. >> We do. Okay. >> Mr. Weissman, >> yes. >> Mr. Reio, >> yes. >> Mr. Blount,
>> yes. >> Mr. Minando, >> yes. >> Mr. Elli, >> yes. >> And Chairman Cahill. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much and have a wonderful evening. >> You too, sir. >> You too. >> Now we'll go to item number 72-ZB-83V. Tisha Dailyaly Butler. Is Miss Dailyaly
Butler present? >> Hi. Good evening. >> Good evening. I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give shall be the truth? >> Yes. >> Your name and address, please? You can put your hand down. >> Tisha Dailyaly Butler, 436 Anthony Avenue in Scottway.
>> Thank you. Could you explain to the board what you'd like to do here? >> Yes. I am requesting a bulk variance in um to allow an existing six-foot fence on a corner lot to remain. Um, the fence has existed in its current location for
decades and has never generated any safety issues, complaints, or prior violations. It provides privacy and security for my home, especially my master bedroom, which is located along a heavily trafficked um area with daily pedestrian
activity. Across the street, is a uh elementary school. So, it's a lot of parents, uh, family members that park over by my house. Um, I am agreeable to the conditions recommended by the staff. So, that's including the, uh, installation of a landscape buffer along
the center street. >> Okay. Jonathan, you want to jump in here, sir? >> Sure. Thank you. Uh, just to clarify, you're you're agreeable to moving the fence in 12 feet along center? >> Yes. >> Okay. No comments. We'll uh we'll work
with you on the landscape buffer and uh if it's approved. >> Sounds great. Anybody any other members of the board have any questions or comments for this application? >> Hearing none, I'm going to open it to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions or comments about this application?
>> No one chairman. >> Okay, let's close the public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this uh this application. Can I get a second? >> Yeah, I'll second it. >> Good. Let's call the role. >> Mr. Weissman. >> Yes. Mr. Reio, >> yes. >> Mr. Blunt, >> yes. >> Mr. Morando,
>> yes. >> Mr. Riley, >> yes. >> And Chairman Cahill, >> yes. >> Miss Dailyy Butler, your application has been approved subject to the condition that you comply with Mr. Misrai's report. We'll do a memorialization of a resolution at our next meeting and send that to you. Good luck.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, so just for my understanding, um, the next steps would I would have to bring in the fence as well as put in the bushes and everything. Um, should I go to the office next? Cuz I I still didn't get
the um the permit. >> Yes, you once we will give you a resolution in two weeks. Once you get that resolution in two weeks, I mean, you can talk to Jonathan before that and that way have everything ready. >> You get that resolution, you'll apply for the permit. Gosh, I got >> That's when you have to start doing all
your fun stuff. >> Okay. All right. Thank you so much. >> Thanks, Tisha. >> All right. >> Let's move on to item number eight. 25-ZB-85V. Scott Olrich. >> Is Scott Olri present? >> I am here. >> Thank you. And good evening, Mr.
Chairman, members of the board. My name is Kevin Morris, attorney for the applicant. Uh the subject property is uh block uh 10901 lot 3706 River Road. Uh the property presently contains an existing single family dwelling and
detached garage. We're before you this evening seeking bulk variance approval basically for the reconstruction of the detached garage in the same location as it has existed for many many years. Same size, same dimension. Before we proceed, I would just like to confirm I did
submit our affidavit of publication and mailing uh to the board secretary. I wanted to make sure that they were received in order so that the board had jurisdiction to proceed. >> I reviewed the notices that you served and the publication. They are in order. The board has jurisdiction to proceed.
>> Thank you. So, I have one witness this evening, Mr. Scott Olrich. If he could be sworn. >> Mr. Olrich, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? Yes. >> Your name and address, please. >> Scott Olrich, 706 River Road in Piscato.
>> Thank you. >> All right. By way of some background, uh, ladies and gentlemen, uh, Scott has owned the subject property since 1995. It's his residence. Some of you may know of him or have heard of him. He is a, uh, retired Piscatoy Township police officer after many years of service to
the community. Uh when he bought the house, it contained the existing single family dwelling in a detached garage. I submitted with the application materials, a copy of the township's tax records the 1956 tax revaluation card, and that card notes that there's a
detached garage uh of some 20 years age uh as of 1956 at the property. So that would be 1936. If we roll that forward, the garage has been there as we sit here today for uh 90 years. So, so how do we get here? As you can imagine, a garage
of that vintage uh needed some refreshments and repairs. Uh Scott had hired a contractor, uh started working on the garage, apparently peeling it back layer by layer. There was rotted wood. Uh at some point during the intended renovation, uh the garage
collapsed. The contractor uh determined the footings were no good. Basically put in new footings and built it from the ground up. Now, this is going on. Scott's out of town on vacation. He comes back. He sees the same garage and we submitted photos of the old garage, new garage. You wouldn't know the
difference, and a debris pile, which he's not understanding, and the contractor explains all this to him. So, that's how the garage gets uh basically rebuilt. Uh, and Scott's going to confirm this. He asked the contractor, "Do we need permits? I wasn't around." Contractor said, "I don't think so. You
know, it was already there. He's just just rebuilding it." Well, never sat sat right with Scott. And after a while, he took it on his own initiative. He went down to the building department, showed up and said, "Look, I want to make sure that everything is good here, permits, inspections, and uh the
building folks told him there was no issue except you got to get a zoning permit." And that's where the issue comes up. This garage is 2 ft off the property line. It's supposed to be 15. It's been there obviously for 90 years. If it was refurbished, we wouldn't be here. But because it was built from the
ground up, we now need to ask for a bulk variance for uh that two foot sideyard as opposed to 15 ft. Now, uh Scott, uh you've listened to my introduction to the board correct? >> Yes. >> Is everything I've told the board true and accurate? >> Yes.
>> And would you adopt what I just said? Is your testimony regarding the facts of the application and how we get here this evening? >> Yes. >> All right. Now, we took a look at a memo generated by the township's division of engineering planning and development,
did we not? >> Yes. >> Okay. And I you agree to comply with the recommendations set forth in that memo. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> Although you're asking number four in that memo says that the board could impose fines. Um, you're not a guy that
got caught doing something wrong. You took the initiative in good faith to go down. So you're asking the board from what I understand to to to wave the issuance of any fines on this. You've come to the township yourself just to make sure everything was done according to oily. Correct. >> That's correct.
>> Right. So that's basically how we get here. Mr. Chairman, I don't have a professional planner available this evening and I am not a planner, but from a standpoint of a legal profer, uh we submitted photographs. you would know the difference between the two garages unless Scott came down to the
municipality and brought this up to make sure everything was good. Uh I think this is a classic or you the board could find I would respectfully submit with its own expertise that this is a classic classic uh C1 hardship case. Uh this is a lot that is substantially uh und sized
in terms of area, but also the zoning requirement is a 150 foot lot with and we're at 55. At a 150 foot lot width, there's a 15 foot sideyard requirement for the detached garage. We're at 55. Uh as you look at this, it would be a
hardship to move the garage 15 feet. It would end up more into the backyard of the existing dwelling and it would certainly hardship not to allow for 2 feet based upon the fact that this garage has been there in excess of about 90 years. And we submit respectfully
that based upon the dimensions of the property, the single family residence and this detached garage where it's located fits appropriately on the lot. It's where you would put a garage next to the house. Uh and it would be a hardship to to move it otherwise. Also, I think the board could uh respectfully
uh find under the C2 or flexible C, we have this unique narrow undersized lot on River Road. Uh it's a very unique property. The uh I mean the purposes of miscellaneous law AC and G promoting uh
proper uh open air, light, open space, uh general welfare, uh sufficient space. Those three items I think the board could find in their expertise. And again, respectfully, I submit the board can find that in this situation, uh, this variance or the variances can be
granted without substantial detriment to the public good or without substantial impairment to the intent and purpose of the township's zone plan and zoning ordinance. So, that is our case, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Olrich, of course, is available for questions. Uh, if there's any other information you would like
from us. >> Yeah, I just want to run it by uh Jonathan, Miss Rahi, real quick. Um, anything to add on that, John? >> Yeah, thank you. And, uh, Mr. Morse, we we agree with the, uh, the hardship case. It's point one of our report. I
just want to make sure that this, uh, this garage is above the flood elev base flood elevation. Do you have any uh, topographic information to support? I I can tell you that my client has engaged a surveyor. The surveyor the survey we submitted with this application did not
have that elevation surveyor came out already. He's working on that. Uh we uh wherever it ends up uh I can tell you Mr. Olri's been down to the building department uh showed him the FEMA approved flood vents. FEMA required fee
uh three to be installed uh for the size of the structure. He put an extra one in four. We're going to get the elevation certificate to confirm the electrical is appropriate or we will adjust it accordingly. But either way, we will comply with that requirement and he's already spent the money to do so even before we got this approval or or or
before we come before you seeking this approval, I should say. >> Okay, that's that's all acceptable to me. I think uh based on the testimony and the willingness to make these modifications for the flood condition, um we could we could wave item four on
the report in my opinion. Okay. Thank you, Jonathan. Any other members of the board have any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'm going to turn it over to the public. Anyone in the public portion have any questions or comments about this application? >> No one chairman. >> Hearing none, I'm going to close the
public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this application. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Weissman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Reio? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bloom? >> Yes. >> Mr. Morando? >> Yes. >> Mr. Elli? Yes.
>> And Chairman Cahill. >> Yes. >> Mr. Morris, we will memorialize this at our next meeting and send a copy to you. >> Right. Thank you. It's good to see everyone. First time I've appeared uh for the new year. Happy new year to all. Thank you. >> Same to you. >> Good night, gentlemen. >> Thank you everybody.
>> Let's move on to item number 10. 25-ZB-74V. Shireen Wheeler Grant. >> Uh good evening, Richard Kaplan. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. Okay, good. Um, so, um, I'm
hearing this application. Just want to make sure I do see my client. I want to make sure that our architect, Mr. >> Is Mr. Mlet here, too? Mr. Mlet, >> he's here. >> Okay, good. Okay. So, um, we're here on this application. The, uh, the the
property is located at 1436 West 4th Street. It's in a seven uh, the zone R 7.5. Um, it's a single family house. Uh, the house was seriously damaged by fire.
This is an application basically to approve the reconstruction of the house. Um, the lot is somewhat unique. It is undersized. Um, it has an undersized
frontage. Um, it has an undersized lot width. It fronts on two streets, one in the front, one in the back. The front is on West Fourth Street and the back of the house um fronts on Iona Avenue. So,
we have a unique property and the existing house was a somewhat unique structure and we believe it may have been built that way to avoid variances. The existing second floor was sort of
has a tilt to it and it's basically a half a second floor. Um the upstairs bedrooms have had severely tilted ceilings. Um the fire damage occurred. Um the um applicants
who are the owners hired an architect and he's here tonight to testify. He recommended um modifying the structure to make it more aesthetically appealing. Built out the second floor, so it's a true second floor. It does expand somewhat the
nonconformity, but it turns a slanted roof into a regular second floor and uh no additional bedrooms, but the bedrooms are now normal size, normal shape. So, I mean, basically, we believe this is a
classic C1 variance. It's a hardship. The lot's unusual. It's an existing house, and we believe that the new plans and the new house will be beneficial to the neighborhood, beneficial to the property, and have absolutely no
detriments. Um, I have two witnesses. One is Derek Grant and he's the property owner with his wife Sheree Shireen Wheeler Grant and I also have Charles Mlet. He is the project architect and he will testify about the plans. He will
testify about the variances. Of course, he will be testifying um as an expert. Um my intention was first Mr. Grant to talk about the property and then Mr. Mlet will talk about the plans and the variances. Would you like them both sworn in now?
>> I can swear one at a time. >> Okay. So, Mr. Grant will be first. >> Mr. Grant, could you unmute? >> Mr. Grant, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? >> Yes. >> Your name and address, please? >> Uh, name is Derek Grant. Um, address is
1436 West 4th Street. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Mr. Mr. Grant, can you describe your connection with the house? Describe the house, when you bought it, um the occurrence that uh you know brings you
before the board at this time. >> Okay. Yes. Uh as you stated earlier, our house was destroyed by fire. Um the house itself had a a unique uh look to it. The roof was very very slanted. Um, so leveling
it leveling it off, leveling it off to uh the roof will, you know, make the roof better, but it will also be unique. Instead of being unique, it will fit with the um with the rest of the neighborhood.
U >> um when did you buy the house? >> We bought the house in 2000. So, >> and these were existing conditions when you bought it? >> Yes. everything um was existed when we bought it. >> Okay. And um can you describe some
aspects of the yard, the front yard, the rear yard, uh the driveway in the back, the shed that that's pre-existing? >> Well, the front yard has um the retaining wall, which is actually whole. There's a big tree there that So, when
we first bought the house, exact the retaining wall was there. It kind of got beat down a little bit. So we actually tore it down and was like, "All right, let's see what's going on." But as the big tree was there and as heavy heavy rain, we would get really bad mudslide. So the tree actually started
having um the roots and stuff started getting exposed and when the when the rain would hit, it would be a mudslide. So in front of the whole house would be very very muddy. People would have to walk around and go into the street. So, we decided to put the retaining wall back up in it in uniform with the
neighborhood. Like everybody on our block, the retaining wall is exactly the same out, you know, how far far it's out and everything. Um, the backyard with the shed, where the shed is, it
could it was an existing shed, too, that we tore down and eventually rebuilt. And the way it's set, we have a driveway back there. So, it's almost no other place we could put the shed without sitting it in the middle of the driveway. So, that's why we, you
know, because of the uniqueness of the yard. And IA a is where our driveway entrance are. So, we come through there, we wouldn't be able to get into our driveway if we was to try to put the shed to conform um, you know, to what'sever uh what they
need, what the township need. But um and then the sideyard again our house if we try to fix it to conform with the 8t sideyards first of all the house house would be uh become much more slimmer uh and then
financially or you know it would definitely be like a burden a financial burden to try to we would have to rip out the whole yard you know and start over the foundation and everything. >> Thank you. So, so the wall in the front serves the purpose of holding in the
dirt and also um is necessary for survival of the tree. Correct. >> Yes. >> And and the wall that's in front, virtually every house along the street has the same or similar wall. >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> Um and in terms of the shed in the rear, you've got a driveway going back from the house um to the street. And is there virtually nowhere else to put a shed that would, you know, conform with the zoning requirements and would make the
backyard usable? >> No. Not. And not according to like I didn't even realize that our driveway was, you know, our backyard was considered a front yard. I didn't know that until, you know, this process happened. So, even knowing that now, it
definitely wouldn't would not fit. Uh >> and uh is it is that shed something that could easily be moved in any event? Is it uh h how what's the foundation of it? Is it concrete? >> Yes, the the foundation is concrete. U so yes, it would be very uh difficult to
move and again >> along along the along the sideyard where the shed is, what's next to that? >> Next to that is a vacant lot. I believe it's a plane field, but it's a vacant lot that's not usable. So, it's been there for the 20 plus years we've been
there, that yard has been there. Uh, it's just trees and shrub and all of that uh stuff. >> And to your knowledge, it's unders unders sized and not builtable. >> Not buildable. Yes, it's undersized. >> Okay. And so, it's is that lot also wooded? >> Yes, >> it is. Okay.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Um, just just one other question. Um, you as part of the reconstruction, you put a you put a covered porch on the front of the house. Can can you describe what what that's for, why you need it, and I think you understand that that's
you know a barrier. So I'd like to get some information from you why that's important. >> Yes, that is important because our front step it's it's like a landing. So a lot of times when it rains um but mainly freezes like when it freezes sometime we
step our front door is right there. So when we stepped out the front door, you know, it would be icy sometimes. You could slip and fall. So the the overhang would be to help it be a safety reason for us, you know, help that step when we
first come out the house. >> That too. >> Um, that's all the testimony I have for Mr. Grant, unless there's questions. >> Any members of the board have any questions for Mr. Grant? >> No. You can swear in your next witness.
Who is the next witness? Mr. Kaplan. >> Mr. Mlet. >> Mr. Mlet, could you raise your right hand? Do you swear the testimony you're about to give should be the truth? >> Yes. >> Your name and address, please? >> Uh, Charles Mlette, uh, 44 Kettle Creek
Road in Freehold, New Jersey. >> Thank you. Mr. Melet, could you describe your connection with the project? >> Okay. I am a licensed architect in the state of New Jersey. Have been for about 35 years. Um, and I am the project
architect. Um, I've been working uh with Derek and Shireen in uh in reconstruction drawings of their house. Can you describe um your your your qualifications, education, licenses,
um number of appearances at boards just so the board has an indication. You are you are going to be testifying as an expert. So we want to have you qualified as such. >> Okay. I am licensed by the New Jersey um state board of architects. As I said before, I have continuously been
licensed for the last 35 years. I am also licensed in Pennsylvania. Um, I graduated with a degree in um, architecture from Catholic University in Washington DC and I have testified before um,
approximately 40 planning boards in the state. >> Mr. Your qualifications are fine. You can proceed. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, Mr. Mlette, could could you please describe the project, describe your role, um touch on some of the key
aspects of this, and of course, at some point, I'm going to ask you to discuss the variances and and why you believe the um design is appropriate and and thees uh satisfy the requirements. >> Okay. As Mr. Kaplan said, um, the home
sits in the R-7.5 zone, residential, single family. Um, it was an existing three-bedroom home um with two bedrooms on the top floor and one bedroom on the first floor. Um, and as was discussed before, the uh the top
two bedrooms uh on the upper level had serious headroom issues. Technically, there were there were bedrooms, but uh as far as codewise, the headroom wasn't there. Um so, what we're proposing is again three bedrooms. Um the existing
house um was approximately 1,500 square ft living and we are proposing an additional 300 um giving um more headroom to the two bedrooms upstairs. We only raised the roof uh approximately
four feet and it's well within the um maximum roof height. Roof height uh maximum is 35. We're proposing 28. It was existing was 24. Um as far as the variances
um so the bulk of them are um non-conforming existing non-conforming uh I'll go down the the list. There's eight there's eight alto together. I could if do you have the list there of the eight variances? Maybe you can you
can discuss each of them because in doing so you can also discuss the aspects of your of your plans um that apply to those variants. There's a few of them. >> Sure. Sure. So let's just go down the list. The first one is minimum lot area
7500 ft. The existing lot is 6712 square ft. Uh lot width 75 feet is required. Existing is 40. Um and as was discussed before it has two front yards. Um so the
required uh front yard setbacks 25 ft. We have on the two yards we have 21. Um this is in on West Fourth Street with 16 feet. The porch overhang um again
required is 25. The abonia side we are fine. It's it's uh I think it's like 100 ft something like that. So the so the required 25 is met. Sideyard is 8 ft. We have an
existing of four feet. Again these are all existing. Um the >> the next two pertain to the shed. Yeah. Existing shed. >> 60 foot front yard setback for an accessory structure. That is that shed
that's in the back there. Um and we're proposing 55 and a half which is existing. Um again off the sideyard on the accessory structure 8 feet is required. Currently it's just under
three feet. And again, that's existing. >> In your opinion, is there anywhere else to put a shed on this property? And can you describe why? >> Not to meet the the setback requirements? No. >> And do you believe the location is the most appropriate for the property for
the neighborhoods? Um >> I do. I do because that that lot that it it abuds is is the you know non-buildable lot. So yeah. Okay, there are two more. The um
municipal right of away shall you know not be encroached upon and that is that retaining wall that Mr. Grant was talking about. Um it's existing and if you look down on that street it's very common you know throughout on that
street on on on West 4th. Uh and then finally frontage lot frontage 75 ft is required existing is 40. The entire both sides Aonia and west forth are both 40t
wide. So they do not meet you know any kind of frontage >> and and for the most part um these variances are based on pre-existing conditions. Correct. >> Absolutely. Yes. and and therefore they
would really constitute an existing hardship because that's the property. It's undersized um terms of total area width and there's an existing structure that is is already
um encroaching on some of these second acts. Correct. >> Correct. And do you believe that this design is the best design for this property and for the neighborhood and provides absolutely no detriments to the neighborhood?
>> Yes. That is that is pretty much the description. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Cap. I'm going to open up to one of our experts for some questions. Thank you, Jonathan.
>> Thank you. Uh, so we don't know of any uh planned projects for West Fourth Street concerning the road widening or any sort of rightaway improvements that would necessitate the removal of the block wall. Um, and of course, as we say in the report, if you're moving that
block wall, that tree needs to go as well, which would be a hardship. Um, I would just request that if this is approved, we don't include language that uh provides relief for the wall, allow it to remain. If there is uh a roadway
improvement down the line, they'll have to figure that out. But for the time being, we can we can allow that to remain. Uh we feel like there's a dimminimous impact with the seconds story roof um alteration, the 4 foot alteration
and well we we agree with the we agree with the testimony that was provided concerning the shed location. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Mr. Chairman, good evening. Yes, >> Chadwick. I'm sorry I arrived slightly. >> It's okay, sir.
>> After >> you're still on planet. Thank you very much. Uh Jonathan, did you consider an easement? A lot of times when we have these improvements in in the right of way,
have them put an easement to the uh >> allow an easement that is uh exempts the township from have to pay for the wall or rec the wall. I think Jonathan's suggestion is not to approve the wall, but just to allow it
to remain so that if a rightway improvement is required in that area, uh the homeowner would be required to remove it himself >> at that time if it if it occurs. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. >> Thank you, John. Any other members of the board have any questions or comments?
>> Mr. Kapin, are you done with your test? >> Yes, that's the that's that is our extent of our testimony. Thank you. >> Fantastic. Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm gonna open it to the public hearing. No questions from the board. Any members of the public have any questions or comments? >> No one. >> Okay.
>> Uh, close the public portion and I'd make a motion to approve this application with the language that was discussed by Johnson. >> I'll second it. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Wisman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Reio? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bloun? >> Yes. >> Mr. Haka?
>> Yeah. >> Mr. Mr. Mondo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Elli, >> yes. >> And Chairman Cahillo. >> Yes. >> We will memorialize this in a document in our next meeting and send it to you, Mr. Kaplan. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Good luck. >> Good night. >> Thank you. Good night.
>> Let's move on to item number 12. 25-ZB-89V. Bala Krishna Pata. >> Is the applicant present? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. I need to swear you in. Could you raise your right hand? Do you swear that the testimony you're about to give
should be the truth? >> Yes. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Uh could you give us your name and address and explain to the board why you're here? >> Yeah. My name is Galapusha, address 9 Masters Boulevard, New Jersey. I'm I'm
here uh uh for my property that I recently bought it uh and I'm working with the board uh on on getting a SEO certificate of occupancy on number of items and and for the two items which is where the garage size uh exceeding the
maximum limit and then the driveway needs to be paid are are the two things that I have been asked to come to the variance board and and ask for an exception because I I mean I bought as I and I didn't really know the actual things that were there since long. This
is uh and that's one of the reason I have been asking for these two exception as a plan for other things for the property. >> Okay. >> Um Jonathan, you want to go over your site impact? >> Thank you. Mr. Padata, did you see the
report dated December 15? >> Yeah. Yes, sir. I've been working on on the certificate of occupancy report, right? Yours? No, the the staff report memorandum from the the engineering planning and development departments. >> Is is it about the garage size?
>> It says staff memorandum on top. It was mailed to you. >> Okay, >> that's that's all right. So, what what we're going to what we're going to ask for is the first 20 ft of the driveway starting at the curb needs to be paved. So, we'll let you decide if you want that to be concrete, asphalt, or pavers,
but the first 20 ft needs to be paved. >> Okay. And >> um yeah, >> sorry. Sorry to break you. Uh but uh I I I do have reason. I mean, I I do have big things planned for this property to build a new construction on that. Uh
I've been working with the builder. They are working with the planning board and zoning board as well, right? And we have been asked to get the D approvals because of the wetlands in the back of the property and the side of the property which is where taking time in the interim to cover my cost. I was
about to rent it out and which is where I was working to get a SEO. That's where I was asking for the exception for this driveway and the garage side. >> So my my professional recommendation would be to go with the pavers then. You can pick them up afterwards uh when it's time to reconfigure the lot for the new
project. >> Okay. And then that'll prevent the stone from getting into the street. >> Yeah. But but that that is there since long, sir. I mean, I I mean, >> I know, but it's you're coming in front of the board now and we we need to address it. >> Yeah. When I bought this property, I
didn't really know all of the things and I've been getting by my realtor and I'm a first-time single home buyer as well. That's one of the reason that I've been >> Didn't you have the house? Didn't you have the house inspected before you purchased it? >> Yeah, I did. Uh this is not They didn't
make you aware of it? >> No, I I have the home in instruction report as well. I shared with the board. I I I mean I I have not been recommended about this. >> Okay. So, the first the first 20 ft with pavers at um
uh 8 foot or 10 foot width is probably like two pallets of pavers. So, that's it's something very easy to acquire from a hardcape supply store. um laid down very quickly, pick it up very quickly. So that's what we'd ask for for the first 20 ft of the driveway.
>> Yeah, I mean I got it. But as I saying right, I have plans to get a new construction over there and all the things that I put it now. I will already spending a lot of things for the 50 plus items that has been provided in SEO uh for the interim and in one year I'm
going to u you know kind of demolish this and get a new one built over there. That is one of the reason I've been asking for an exception for that. >> But if something comes up between now and then you don't improve the house, this is our opportunity as a township to correct issues that you have with
current property. So, I I I honestly think that Jonathan's right. We got to do Could you Could we do 10 feet maybe, Jonathan, just to get the stones off the driveway? 15. >> Um, >> just to save him a little money.
>> It It's negligible. I mean, uh, if if you if you're okay with that, yeah, I think 20 feet is more than more than accommodating. >> I'm just trying to expedite the process with the gentleman. just try and save him a few bucks here. What if we did 15
ft of paving? >> Yeah, I I really don't know about that, sir. So, I I need to work with a contractor how much it cost and and at this point because I'm already spending so much money construction, which is where I want to save some buds, right? So I I really
don't know how much it cost if it's not the whole >> You do realize that if you don't give into either one of these um uh suggestions that the town is making very strong suggestions we we'll deny the application and you'll be back to square
one. >> Okay. I mean I I don't want to um you know strike off anything that you're saying but all I'm asking is uh you know an exception until I work through the bigger plan as I've already you know provided I can provide all the tools as
well with the builder that I've been working with and the and the stage that I'm I'm working and we have submitted the D and then some I think I think flood jone things that has been going through it takes around 12 plus months which is where I thought like you know
we Got it. >> You can find used pavers. You can find used pavers. You can get them from a construction site. >> Very very affordable options for for making this happen. >> Let me ask a question. Are there stones in the street now? >> On the street?
>> Yes. >> Not on the street, sir. >> How long's that driveway been there? >> I I think for many years, more than 20 years. I see the Google Maps image. >> Not Yeah. 30 years, I would say. Mr. Jim, may maybe the solution here is to
allow him make him put papers between the the 10 ft. That's the right way >> and postpone the remainder >> uh based on his construction. Give him a
year to do it. And if he hasn't done it, then he has to do it after that. So you wind up with either 10 feet to start with and another 10 feet later on. >> Well, John, are there no stones in the street because there's it's not occupied at the moment?
>> I don't I don't know. >> I I think the the the pavement over there is like uh the there is no stones on the top. It's like kind of covered with grass. >> Uh but so so I mean I can provide more pictures as well. There are there is
nothing like the stones coming out and then it's going into the road or are causing any any in inconvenience to the neighbors or anybody else. >> It's been like that for years and I'm I just bought that property. It's been six months which is where I'm working with the board on number of things to
complete the SEO for for my infant things. >> Uh Mr. Chairman, the applicant is here before the board and has not offered any competent evidence uh to be granted an exception. I think the board is well within its rights to impose the conditions that Mr. Ms. Rahi is
requesting. >> I agree. >> For what it's worth, if I'm on Google Street View, you can you can see the stones in the street on Google Street View. So, >> I mean, what are the next steps for me then? >> As I said, right, I'm a first-time buyer. I I don't know many things, which
is where I'm trying to understand and work whatever the board is saying. And but these two items that have been come up are like I think it involves substantial cost which is where I was thinking about getting an exception for my bigger plans over there. >> Okay. Your option is to pave the first
20 ft uh in a manner in which you prefer whether it's pavers concrete macadam um that is the option that's being offered to you. >> Okay. Okay. I'll I'll work on that. What do you want to get outside?
>> U well, we'll give you I mean with the with the winter and whatnot, we can give you a couple of couple of months if you want to pave the 20 ft in sometime in the spring, you know. >> Yeah. >> Is that cool, John? >> Give them uh we could do 60 days, we
could do 90 days, and Mr. Paddata can come in and we can discuss further. >> Okay. Yeah, we'll give you 90 days to get the 20 ft of madam or or favors down. Um And uh I think we we could be comfortable in in voting on that tonight.
>> And then the other point on the report, >> if the garage needs to be repaired in a significant way or replaced, it needs to be moved. >> Okay. >> But we'll let it stay for right now, but if it needs to be replaced, you need to
relocate on the property. >> And Mr. Mrai, one other thing though. It's it's too big. It's 26. Would it have the size also have to be conforming, not just the location? >> Size. Size and location. Thank you. >> Thank you. I just want to get that off the record. Thank you.
>> Okay. Madata, is are you in agreement to paving the first 20 ft for the >> within 90 days? >> And if you ever have to replace that shed or something, it becomes dilapidated, you have to move it to a
conforming spot and you have to reduce the size of it. >> Got it. Yeah, I I'll agree. And and I have one more question. Um I've been blocked with the SEO because of this. Um can I I mean I'm not sure how the board uh take it forward. Can I take forward
the CEO agreeing that you know in 90 days in spring or summer I'll take care of that payment. >> I'll let code enforcement know in the morning but it's between you and them if they what their extension is but I'll let them know that you got approved and what you got approved for.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Awesome. Any other questions from me members of the board? Any comments? No. Let's open it to the public. Anyone in the public have any questions or comments? >> No. One, chairman. >> Okay. Let's close the public portion and
I will approve this. I I would make a motion to approve this uh based on the language we spoke about 20 ft of paving to be done within the next 90 days and the uh specifications on the shed usage and relocating if and when it needs to be replaced. Can I get a second?
>> A second. >> Thank you. Can I get a roll call? >> Mr. Weissman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Oreio? >> Yes. >> Mr. Blunt? >> Yes. >> Mr. Haka? >> Yes. >> Mr. Metando? >> Yes. >> Mr. Elli? >> Yes. >> And Chairman Cjo?
>> Yes. >> You're up, Jim. >> Uh, the resolutions that we have. Oh, I'm sorry. Your application's been approved. We'll memorialize it at our next meeting and send a copy to you. Good luck. >> Thank you. >> Good night, sir. >> Let's move on to item number 14, the
adoption of resolutions from the regular meeting of December 11th, 2025. >> First resolution is Guyatri Na, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weissman, >> yes. >> Mr. Oreio, >> yes. >> Mr. Hooka, >> yes. >> Mr. Midando,
>> yes. >> Mr. Blunt, >> yes. >> Mr. Charlie, >> yes. >> Second, Rebecca McCarthy, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weissman, >> yes. >> Mr. Oreio, >> yes. >> Mr. Heduka, >> yes. >> Mr. Midando, >> yes. >> Mr. Blunt,
>> yes. >> Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Third is Fairway Commercials North, which you voted to approve. Mr. Weissman, >> yes. >> Mr. Origio, >> yes. >> Mr. Heduka, >> yes. >> Mr. Midando, >> yes. >> Mr. Blunt, >> yes.
>> Mr. Ali, >> yes. Next is Venture Net Properties which you voted to approve. Mr. Weissman, >> yes. >> Mr. Origio, >> yes. >> Mr. Hooka, >> yes. >> Mr. Midando, >> yes. >> Mr. Blunt, >> yes. >> Mr. Ali,
>> yes. >> Finally is Edgar Lopez. This is a resolution of withdrawal. I will need a motion, a second, and a roll call on that. >> Make a motion to withdraw. >> Second. >> Okay. Need a vote?
>> Yes. Roll call or yay and ne roll call. >> Mr. Wisman, >> yes. >> Mr. Reio, >> yes. >> Mr. Blount, >> yes. >> Mr. Haka, >> yes. >> Mr. Metando, >> yes. >> Mr. Elli, >> yes. >> And Chairman Cahillo, >> yes. >> Those are all the resolutions this
evening. >> Item number 15, adoption of the minutes from the regular meeting of December 11th, 2025. All in favor? >> I I >> Okay. And before we adjourn, it's a sad uh last meeting for us. Um our good
friend Arty Haiduka is um moving to Florida. He's leaving the township that he loves and it's been an honor to have you on this board for the years that I had. It's been an honor to call you friend. >> Thank you very much. It's been an honor. Thank you.
>> Good luck. >> Good luck. >> Congratulations, Chief. >> All right. donate all your snow shovels for us cuz >> Thank you. >> Uh let's make a motion to adjourn. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Good night guys. See you in a couple weeks.
>> Good night. Take care. Good night everyone. >> Thanks.