Call this meeting to order. This is the Burough Somerville zoning board for January 21st, 2026. Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the Open Public Meeting Act has been provided. A copy of this notice specifying the date, time, and location was posted on the bulletin board outside
Burough Hall, mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Courier News and given to the clerk administrator. This meeting is a judicial proceeding. Any questions or comments must be limited to the issues the board may legally consider in reaching a decision, and the decorium appropriate to a judicial hearing must be maintained at all times. Please rise
for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of America for it stands nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all >> counselor. Could you uh administer the
oath to uh John Flores, Eric Alvarez, and Brian Badinsky? Um, I don't have a copy of the oath available, but I think I remember it. >> I can make it up. >> Oh, thank you. >> All right. No, I appreciate it.
>> Uh, I generally do this individually, but if you would prefer or we can do it all at once. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm always I I have, you know, memory, you know, not everybody feels the same way, but All right. If you would all
three raise your right hand. I >> I >> state your name. >> John John Flores. >> Okay. >> Do solemnly swear >> Do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. >> The Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. and to the governments established in the United
States and in this state. >> and and to the governments established in the United States and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. And I will faithfully >> And I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform
>> and justly perform >> all the duties of zoning board member >> all the duties of zoning board member >> for the burrow of Somerville >> for the Burrow of Somerville >> according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
>> Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Copy the agenda. Roll call. >> Artidair is excused this evening. Ed Allat >> here. >> Robera Carpinets >> here. >> Morgan McLaclin >> here.
>> Rich O'Neal >> here. >> Brian Fedimky >> here. >> John Flores >> here. >> Eric Alvarez >> here. And Steuart Daniels >> here. >> Next on the agenda, the election of officers. Need a motion for the chairperson.
>> Second. Roll call, please. >> Ed Alllet, >> yes. >> Robera Carpinets, >> yes. >> Morgan McGlaughlin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian Vadimsky, >> yes. >> John Flores, >> yes. >> Eric Alvarez, >> yes. >> Stuart Daniels, >> yes.
>> Nomination for vice chair. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Robera Carpinets. >> Yes. >> Morgan McLaclin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian F, I'm sorry. Brian Fedimky, >> yes. >> John Flores, >> yes. >> Eric Alvarez, >> yes. >> Stuart Daniels, >> yes.
>> And Ed Allot, >> yes. >> All right. Resolutions establishing the 2026 meeting procedures and meeting dates and January meeting dates for 2027. It's resolution uh ZB26-0121-00001.
A motion to move it. >> Uh you uh uh chairman, you could take that all all of them together if you like. So um >> you want to read them all? >> Sure. It's uh ZB00001 establishing the 2026 meeting procedure and meeting dates
as as well as the January meeting dates for 27 002 designating the official newspapers. 003 the award of non-fair and open contractor Clifford Gibbons to perform legal services as a zoning board attorney. 004 authorizing the award of a
non-fair and open contract to Colon Associates to perform engineering and planning services as a zoning board uh engineer and planner and 005 authorizing the award of non-fair and open contract to Mike Lamardozi the court reporter.
>> I need a motion to move those. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? >> Yeah, I got to think about 004. You done thinking? You're done [laughter] thinking? >> Roll call, please. >> Ed Alllet, >> yes. >> Roberto Carponets, >> yes.
>> Morgan McLaclin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian Vadimsky, >> yes. >> John Flores, >> yes. >> Eric Alvarez, >> yes. >> Steuart Daniels, >> yes. >> Kevin, where was the minutes from? Was that from uh November? >> Uh you don't have a set of minutes to
vote. Correct. No, we're we're a little behind on minutes. We had a uh a gap in service with the board secretary and they're being caught up and hopefully by next meeting you'll have uh the updates. >> I have any other pending resolutions? >> Uh none that I'm aware of.
>> Resol No, we were all caught up. >> All right. The application 2025-01 0. Step forward. >> Council, would you enter your appearance, please? >> Yes. >> My name is John Duga, the law firm Savos
Shock. I'm here tonight on behalf of the applicant home of Somerset County. Uh this is like I said an application by the home of Somerset County. The property is located at 8890 West End
Avenue. Uh that's designated as block 136, lot 22 on the Burough of Somerville's tax maps. Um we're here tonight for a variance application as well as a change in use application. Um the owner of the
property is Immaculate Conception Church. My client is the contract purchaser of the property. Uh according to the tax assessment records, the site was developed in 1910. Uh it has a single structure uh which presents as a
two family dwelling. Uh but it's been most recently used by the church for meetings, functions, events, uh religious education, and social ministry programs. However, currently the site is not in use. Uh there is sufficient area on site for um four parking spaces while
still allowing for ingress and egress and traffic circulation. As I mentioned, my client home of Somerset is the contract purchaser of the site. Uh the site is located in the PO professional office residential district where quite
variety of uses are permitted and that includes uh many residential uses, a broad spectrum of professional office uses and uh most notably some social social services including child and youth services and also quote um other
social services. However, individually individual and family social services are not explicitly permitted in the zone and uh therefore to the extent that it may be necessary, we are requesting a D1 use variance uh to allow my client to
operate at this site. So, um the [clears throat] applicant proposes to use the property for office space for its charitable operations. The applicant operates a charitable social services organization partnering with a network of religious congregants, governments,
business, and community organizations to provide emergency shelter among among houses of worship in Somerset County. And it operates transitional homes for families that contribute uh toward their living expenses. And they provide comprehensive case management,
counseling services. They create a homelike environment for clients, staff, volunteers, and embrace the cultural diversity through strength, the strength of all individuals. So, just to clarify, my client does not propose to shelter any families or individuals at the
property. My client only proposes to use the property for offices uh in coordination with its charitable activities. U so the applicant has three full-time employees and you'll hear more of this from my witnesses who I identify in a moment. Uh the applicant's hour of
hours of operations are Monday through Friday Friday 9 to5 and the applicant currently operates in the very same zone just uh it's really only one door down. It kind of leaprogs a driveway. So uh they're just moving next door. This is a proposal to move from one location
essentially next door. No exterior alterations. uh are proposed um at least um no no major exterior alterations. If they're necessary to upkeep property maintenance, then obviously we'll do that. But uh we're not adding any
additions. We're not uh adding any improvements or curving or paving. Uh we are taking the property as is updating it uh for the purposes of code compliance and moving our operations from one building to the building next
door. So, um, the relief we're seeking, um, as identified in the, uh, report prepared by Cole and Associates LLC, which is dated January 15, 2026, uh, D1 use variance relief, D4 F variance
relief. Uh, we also require a number of bulk variances. These are pre-existing conditions. Uh, the F is a pre-existing condition. the minimum lot area, minimum lot width, minimum frontage, minimum sideyard setback for one side, and a
driveway location. They're all existing conditions, but we do require relief for those. Um, in addition, um, we may require a parking variance from this board as the parking requirement in the zone is determined by the board. So, uh,
if we are insufficient on parking, we're also requesting a variance uh, for that condition. And then finally, we'll be requesting design waiverss for no street trees, no shade trees, and no no curbing around the parking areas. Again, uh these are the existing conditions on
site. Uh so we are requesting relief for that. Um with that, uh I'd like to identify my three witnesses who I'll present their testimony tonight. That's Alyssa Martini. She's the executive director at the home of Somerset. Man, Senior Joe Chelano of Immaculate
Conception Church. As I mentioned, Immaculate Conception Church is the current owner of the site. They also, the church is also the current owner of the site uh that my client currently operates out of. So, my client operates under a lease with the church. They're going to be purchasing the property from the church that we're talking about
tonight. And then finally, my last witness is Craig Styers, um a licensed professional engineer. So, for the sake of the record, I'd just like to note that notice of this application has been um provided as required by municipal land use law and proofs of publications and certified mailings have been
submitted to uh the board. And unless there's any legal questions or housekeeping matters uh that you would like to ask me or for me to address, um then I would ask that my first witness be invited up and sworn in to testify. Councelor, I just want to confirm that I have reviewed your notice, your client's
notice pursuant to the MLU and find that it is legally sufficient as the form and content. >> The board can exercise jurisdiction over the application. >> Thank you very much, councel. >> Sorry for my voice. [clears throat]
>> Ma'am, would you stand and raise your right hand? You solemnly swear the testimony you're about to give in this matter will be the truth. So I'll help you God. Please state your name and spell your last name for the record. >> Melissa Martin A. >> Okay. Is that uh microphone working over
there? >> Why don't you say it again? >> Do it again. >> That's okay. I could I could barely hear you. So Okay. All right. Great. So Alyssa, what can you tell us about your organization and why we are here tonight?
>> Sure. So my name is again my name is Alyssa Martini. I'm the executive director of Home of Somerset County. We are a 5013C nonprofit. Um my history with home is very longstanding. Starting in 2007 of uh as a student of social work that turned into full-time
employment since 2010 where I've held several positions including being the director for the past 10 years. Needless to say, I have a strong vested interest in the past, present, and future of this agency. Home, formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Network of
Somerset County, empowers families to achieve and maintain independence by offering comprehensive housing, outreach, multifaith, and empowerment initiatives for the past 34 years. We do this through six intensive case management programs centered on meeting
the basic needs of families through housing stabilization guidance, strengthening family foundations, and connection to essential resources. Our services include providing emergency shelter through a network of interfaith congregations, transitional housing in
partnership with a with North Branch Reformed Church in Bridgewater, and community outreach initiatives that help stabilize vulnerable households through targeted resource resource support. We integrate food security, mental health services, and financial counseling to
support families on their path to long-term stability, making home a community-based model that is truly holistic to ensure the best outcomes for those that we serve. Our most recent annual numbers reflect 58 families
served, 1,348 nights of shelter provided through partner congregations, 10,300 plus meals, 4,500 plus case management hours, and over 37 faith-based and community partners uh
who deliver shelter and meals off-site. We are an agency of both big and little victories, celebrating a 90% success rate of households maintaining independence over a five-year period. Our partnerships are rooted in the county and specifically in Somerville
for over three decades. We have strong ties to the interfaith community including Church of the Immaculate Conception, Good Sheeperd Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, United Reform Church, and the Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Somerset Hills. We have long-standing partnerships with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which has provided bedding for our emergency shelter component since the program's inception. We're an active participant on the Robert Wood Johnson Healthier Somerset
Commu uh committee, which is dedicated to improving the community for the residents. We hold advisory roles for the healing homes program, also managed by Robert Wood Johnson, which offers transitional housing for homeless households with medical needs. We have
close collaboration with the Department of Human Services Community Development Office, including positions on the Continuum of Care Committee, which is dedicated to coordinated support for the county's homeless residents. Other local supporters include the Somerville Knights of Columbus, the
Ancient Order of Hiburnians, and a growing relationship with Unity Bank located right down the street from our office on Mountain Avenue. We're also an active uh member of the Somerset County Business Partnership in which we were received recognization in 2025 as
nonprofit of the year. So, since our inception, we have been blessed to operate our administrative office from 98 Weston Avenue in Somerville. um as a donated space with our landlord being the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Home has simply outgrown our donated
space. We are under contract to purchase 8890 Weston Avenue from our current landlord being the church. This move is, as John described, is literally just across the driveway about a door down. Um, and the significance of
this move is to keep home embedded in the same Somerville neighborhood, provide significantly more square footage, improve privacy, dignity, and confidentiality for our families. We need to expand staff capacity from three desks in a very small room to three
private offices. And we need to improve parking availability to four owned spots uh to accommodate our staff versus our current site in which we don't have that. Um, currently there's three full-time staff utilizing our current office office space on a daily basis
with business hours between um, Monday and th Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All client services are conducted by appointment which ensures predictable low volume traffic to the site. Volunteer activity consists of brief
staggered drop offs. uh these are minimal in duration and do not generate any measurable increase in traffic flow or congestion beyond the typical neighborhood patterns. We really envision and anticipate this to be a seamless move of continued use
with no expansion to our agency rather an enhanced continuation of our current operations. We'll continue to manage operations and all its components in the same manner as we do now, just with increased space and privacy that will increase productivity and greatly improve our service
delivery. So, with all that being said, I just want to say I'm I'm truly honored to be here on the behalf of home and my personal and professional growth continues to align with the evolution of this agency and the hopeful future. Um, it's a privilege to be part of the impactful work that we accomplish
together and we remain committed meeting the needs of our neighbors who live, work, and contribute so meaningfully to this county and Somerville in particular. So, I greatly appreciate your consideration tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you uh for that statement, Alyssa.
I just have a couple of questions and and most of them are are um geared towards addressing some of the the comments in uh the the planning report. So, um do you do you currently host or do you intend to host uh special events
uh on site? >> No. >> No. Um when when families uh come or when you know individuals come seeking your help and assistance uh do you um provide food or or meals or refreshments on site?
>> No. >> Okay. And um do you currently take out uh waste and recycling at your current location? >> Yes. >> And will you do that at your future location? >> Yes. >> Okay. And um do you do you know um how often it's picked up by any chance?
>> Once a week. >> Okay. >> Recycling is twice a week. >> Okay. And is it is that brought out to the curb? Is it picked up? >> Brought out to the curb. >> Okay. And you'll continue to do that next? >> Yes. >> All right. Um, I don't have any further questions for you. If the board has any further
questions for >> the boards have any questions of this witness? >> No. All right. Thank you. My next witness will be uh >> One sec, counselor. Anyone in the public have any >> Oh, my apologies. Don't forget the public. Anybody from the public have any questions of this witness? >> Sir, step up to the mic here. State your
names. And just keep in mind, sir, it's you have to ask questions about the testimony that she just gave. >> Yes. My name is Steve Mick and we're we own the property next door to you and we wish you the best of luck with what you're looking to do. >> But we like to maintain a seam of privacy between your property and ours.
Our concern is with cars and pedestrians walking or cars driving through and making it a loop because it's there's nothing there now. Whether it could just be wheel stops or curbing or something in conjunction with you know a privacy fence off the corner. That would be the only which there used to be a fence
there. All right. Um and uh the only other thing is I know you said nothing on the exterior, but there's considerable amount of building repairs. The gutters are off the building. The siding is blowing off. You have >> a big project at on the exterior. >> Yes. >> Believe me. >> Yes.
>> Been here a long time. >> Okay. So that's that's it for me. >> Before you leave, state your address. >> Uh 8486 West End Avenue next door. >> Thank you. >> So um I just want to uh respond to the comments. I I other than to say we
consent and we agree with all the uh concerns uh raised by um our future neighbor uh or current neighbor really because we're already right in this location. Um we would consent to some type of a screening um along within the
parking area so that it doesn't become a loop through the two properties. uh as you'll hear from our engineer, we are actually intending to designate that area for parking. So, it would make sense to block it off and not invite uh a circular traffic throw flow across the property boundary line. And in terms of
the exterior uh work that's to be done, um I would characterize that as maintenance as opposed to some um improvement proposal that we would typically seek um a board approval for. Those are maintenance issues that I'm sure uh you'd want to upkeep your
property um just just to have a nice presentation for people coming. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else from the audience have any more questions? >> Was that council? >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, my next witness uh will
be manior Joe Chelano. >> Good evening. Would you raise your right hand? You solemnly swear the testimony you're about to give in this matter will be the truth. So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Thank you very much. Would you please state your name? State your name and spell your last name for the record.
>> Sure. Manior Joe Joseph Solano. Cel. >> Thank you very much. >> Correctly though with the Italian Chelan. >> Your witness counselor. >> All right. >> Thank you uh for being here. Manior. uh what can you tell us about your uh
relationship and history uh with the applicant? >> So my my own relationship with the home of Somerset County actually goes back almost 25 years uh when they were originally IHN the interfaith hospitality network. Uh at the time I
was pastor of St. Bernard's in Bridgewater and we were one of the host congregations. So, our congregation opened its facilities to homeless families um u and they would spend a week with us and then move on. Um I know the work of Home of
Somerset County, I'm a huge supporter of what they do. Um, so when I became pastor of Immaculate Conception in Somerville, I um was well aware that home was sitting in our parking lot, you know, and um I became aware of the fact
that they were growing beyond their current facilities. We had a larger facility to offer them literally right across the parking lot. Um this house, which we have come to call Nazareth House, had served um the parish uh over
the years. Um however um it was no longer providing um the necessary resources that the parish needed. Um it was simply too small for us. Um so I had offered the sale to home. Um and uh they
needed a larger facility. I had a larger facility and it literally is a move right across the parking lot. >> Thank you. >> I have no further questions. Any member of the boards have any questions of this witness? >> No. >> Thanks, Richie.
Let's put in the purgatory here. >> Anybody from the audience have any questions of this witness? Is that counselor? >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> My next and final witness will be Mr. Craig Styers, our professional engineer.
>> Mr. Stars, please raise your right hand. You saw we sort the testimony you're about to give in this matter will be the truth. So I help you God. >> Yes, I do. >> Thank you very much. Please state your name and spell your last name for the record. >> Craig Styers. St I r >> I believe the board can I believe, Mr.
Chairman, that the board can stipulate to credentials. >> We we don't see him very much, but I you know >> that'll be up. >> Uh is the board able to see what I'm presenting or No. >> No. Sure. We can make that
accommodation. Give us one second. >> Uh technology >> just move the mics. This >> I'll move over. >> All right. So, Mr. Styers, what can you tell us about our map of survey exhibit
and uh what's being proposed here? >> Uh it's interesting that we do call it a map of survey because that's kind of where we started. Um Mr. Savo called me up and asked for a favor to um try and help out with this application. So it you know it started with a survey and we
gave the survey over and you know suddenly a year later John calls me up and says hey we got a letter review letter from Mike Cole saying we needed to add this and that. So it is while it is a map of survey it is somewhat of a site plan. Um but it is uh indicative of
what uh what has been testified to tonight is that there's the intent was not to change anything on on the exterior. Um so that's why we really weren't proposing anything. They were if you were looking at that survey on the screen there uh as I've been saying um
throughout the night again is they're currently located at the top of the plan and that strip between the lines for lack of a better term is the driveway going into Immaculata school. >> I don't want to interrupt you but actually there is another exhibit that was um submitted with the application
that yeah >> perfectly depicts uh what we're looking at. So both of the exhibits that we've shown were submitted uh with the application. >> Yeah. So I can continue with that is you now you can see it much more clearly is on the left hand side you have where
they're currently located. Um it's interesting you know just the history of Somerville is the old Fenheim house um prior to them moving out and probably when they uh leased the the property itself because it was about the same time. And then you have the driveway
going into the uh Immaculate Conception School. And then on the right hand side is uh where they would be relocating to. So it's basically picking up moving across the driveway and into the new facility.
Um the site does have two parking spaces in the back. Um, based on review of the previous approval and plan, it looks like there should have been two parking spaces with a ADA space, which is the
basically the paved area immediately behind the uh structure itself. Yes, right there. So, um I would say as far as the changes or additions to the plans would be to add that ADA space, the
blanks obviously. So it' be 8 foot parking space, 8 foot blank. Um based on the agreement with the neighbor, we probably put a fence up right in front of those parking spaces. And then obviously like uh the neighbor
also mentioned the uh the gutters, some of the siding, some of the sophets, those need to be repaired because the gutters have fallen off. So those are going to be the exterior improvements that we're going to make. Um, also based on a site visit today and review of the
previous approved plan, there are three lights. Uh, one faces the back which would be for the parking lot and then are two on the side of the house side of the building that would illuminate the driveway coming in. So, it looks like those were put up as part of the
approval process in the uh previous application. Um everything else is uh like John said, it's we were asking for waiverss for you know all the other things other than just obviously the con cosmetic improvements to the uh the exterior of
the building. >> I have no further questions for Mr. Styers. Is there a ramp in the back of that building into the building? Is that accessible? >> No, there's a door that's flush with the ground. >> Are there steps on the inside to get in or >> pro? I possibly. Yeah. I think the one
last thing is um you know I know we filed for a use variance as far as the you know the use of the um the use I guess you could say but I did look into the um the uses for and the P and the ordinance itself and if
you were to look under other social services which has an SIC number of 839 and then you look up the SIC number itself um the uses under that code are very
consistent with what what was outlined in the testimony in the beginning. It's very much, you know, it's you can't pinpoint it because of all the good things and all the things that they do, but it's basically social services that relate to charitable things um
um disability services um you know like was introduced. So I'm not sure that It's even a use variance in itself based on what's in the ordinance and associating that with the SIC code, >> but we did
>> we noticed and we did apply for it. So, >> you have any questions? >> Just one quick one and you may or may not know the answer. I should tell. Which side of this street are the utility lights? Do you have telephone? I can't picture. I should know.
They think they may be on the same side as the house. >> I'm thinking that this the street trees kind of get in the way. Yeah, >> I'm a fan of putting trees up for utility lines. >> Yeah, I did take pictures, but I did not get back far enough to see that.
>> I think you're right. >> Yeah, the overhead does come in the southeast corner of the of the house itself >> because you're looking for a waiver on street trees. You don't want to put them underneath the utility. Yeah, I mean the the trees on that side also
are set back off the street and there is a tree already in the front yard so it's somewhat consistent with the rest of the properties. >> Anybody else in the board have any more questions? >> Got a question of our attorney. Do we need to be here?
>> I Well, of course under the MLU we do need to be here and under our own ordinance. I had one question and I know that uh Mr. Cole and I have discussed it. The property in question is subject to previous approvals and Mr. Cole's uh
report recites instances where apparently conditions of approval or previous approvals on this property have not been complied with. I mean, what is the applicant prepared to do or the the predecessor in title who's about to turn
the property over? What is the applicant prepared to do in terms of compliance with those conditions of approval? Will they be complied with or >> because frankly the the conditions of approval are like a contract. I mean
they are they are obligations which are which are applicable to the seller to the recipient the buyer who is the applicant and um I mean I'm I'm aware of
this. This has been I've been the board attorney for a few years now and I know as a substitute attorney for my predecessor. You know, things like this came up previously and I'm just wondering what you know what has been done or what is intended to be done to
comply with those conditions. >> Well, I think the things that were brought up in Mike's report are not this property. U most of those are outlined is 240 [clears throat] Mountain Avenue, which is the high school. >> All right. So, it's related to the owner but not the applicant. And I don't think
it would be fair to penalize the applicant for something completely unrelated to what they're doing. >> And in terms of any of the uh conditions for prior approvals on this property, I the ones that stick out in my mind are the ADA space. We're willing to comply with that. We'll paint the space and
designate it and sign it properly and lighting. And we will >> and the lighting's there. >> And yeah, the lighting is there. and any external property maintenance will be will be addressed. >> All right. Very well. Now, I mean, because we do have a continuing what what appears to be a continuing issue
with I guess not just this property, but other properties owned by the the church. So, uh, I don't want to be I don't I don't want to be the Scrooge here, the bad guy, but it is something that the conditions of approval are
essentially obligations that inure to the applicant, the successful applicants. So, this is something that you have to do. And I mean, I guess the only thing I would say is parenthetically, uh, please keep that in mind and not
only with respect to this property, but your other properties. Yeah, I mean I'm speaking from my other applications not related to Immaculata but the the properties and applications we have u Mike is very thorough in finishing his applications.
>> So and holding whatever it may be escros or whatever getting the ass built so I think ultimately this is more of an enforcement on the on the burrow than anything else. I mean, like you said, the scrutiny that we get at the end, right, and that's standing up for Mike is that, you know, we don't get to cos
until we get it done. So, >> and I would expect that to be the case here. If there's if there's conditions in any resolution of approval following this matter, we will comply with those conditions and we wouldn't expect to be able to move forward uh until those conditions are complied with. >> Very good. Mr. Cole, is that
satisfactory to you? >> Yeah, just one thing, Craig. There's an existing license agreement for parking on the adjoining parking lot. I based on the orientation, it makes sense to me to have the employees park on site and any
clients. So, it's a one-way drive to park on the adjoining parking lot. Is that's your what's your thoughts on that? Having is there a need for a parking license agreement with the adjoining parking? >> Well, I think that is going to continue if it's my understanding. That's what
I'm saying based on the language in there. It can't it has to be restated. >> It will be amended. >> So I'm saying there was in the agreement it was eight spaces which makes perfect sense to me for having because it's a much bigger lot and you don't have people coming in and out of that
>> Yeah. small. So the position is to reinstate the existing license with the new uh entities. Is that what we're saying here? >> That is correct. We will we will be amending and updating that agreement. It will be recorded. I think that addresses that license
agreement issue and it puts the parking for the clients and guests on the adjoining property which I think is appropriate. >> One other question. I know this has been going on like I said for probably better part of a year and I know that they've
been trying to get themselves going. Would it be >> acceptable because you know a lot of times is we have to wait to the resolution. I have to make the changes to the plans. We go back and forth. Would it be acceptable to at least have them allow them to submit for permits?
Even if the permits are done, you know, release them when we're all finished instead of like you and I finishing and then submitting for permits to kind of let it do a take a parallel course and then when we're done, we're done. >> I Craig, I don't have a problem with
that except for the ADA spot. The DCA says that you got to have the accessibility in. So yes, >> if we can do some accommodation where you show stripe it. >> Yep. >> 2% the normal thing. I don't the boards are >> well I think Craig's talking about
getting the application the building permits in >> not released but in so they can do the thing and >> right the building department is saying that they don't want to do that until compliance is done because they're under a clock a 21day >> I don't >> I can't speak for them. What I'm
suggesting is in the next three weeks, >> if they have 21 days, they issue the permits and just don't release them as a condition of satisfying the site plan. >> So, you're in compliance, I would think. >> I'm not arguing with you, Craig. I understand what you're saying. You're saying, why can't we do this in parallel, >> right?
>> And I don't disagree. I'm just saying I have it's dealing with others being >> Yep. >> they typically don't accept the plans until we're through compliance. Now, >> that's why I'm asking, >> right? So, I can certainly ask the CO whether he'll review these in the
interim is what we're saying and get the ball rolling. >> Yes. >> Because you can't really strike snow and ice. >> I agree. >> Agree. Especially this coming weekend. >> Yes. >> From from a from a compliance point of view, if Craig shows a plan that it complies, the installation is a
different story. It's getting the plans done so that, as Craig knows, the signage is on the plan. Yeah. It's 2% all directions and the stuff that we do all the time. If he gets a revised plan in, I agree, Rich, that if this can't be done for a number of months, we can deal
with that. There's mechanisms in place. But I I I agree with Craig that it makes sense to keep it's been keep things moving. >> I don't I don't think we have a problem if you ask if you can do that from the construction official. >> Yes, >> I can ask, Craig. Okay. >> But don't kill the messenger. I'm just I
can ask. Any other questions of the board? >> Any member of the public have any questions of this witness? >> You mentioned 240 with the church. >> Step back to the mic, sir. >> I'm sorry. >> Will you be checking? >> State your name again, sir. >> Sorry. State your name again.
>> I'm sorry. Steve Mick neighbor next door. Will you be doing a survey of the property? [cough] >> We have done the survey. >> There is there's markers markers. >> I'm concerned where my concern is for both properties is where the dumpster is, the church's dumpster right now.
that's conforming or not. Uh we think it's on our property. I don't want to bring up the issue now. I know you're aware of it. Um Brian Blute was out there. >> Okay. And I got >> I think the dumpster is on the adjoining property. I don't think it's on this subject site. I think it's on the
>> I believe that it is. >> Okay. >> That's what I'm saying. If he surveys, is it going to be in conflict for them? >> Where would it be? >> It would be on the northern side. Craig would be on >> when you were showing this. You see this bump out? This bump out actually can't
deliver us onto our property. It was agreed to a long time ago that it was acceptable right here. That's the dumpster. >> So that's back here which is behind our property. >> Yes. It's behind both my propert.
>> We believe it's on our property though. >> So if you did a survey then you would have picked up on that being on the property or not. >> Yeah. If it's not a phys a fixed feature, >> it is a fixed feature. >> Okay. >> It's a dumpster enclosure. Craig, if I I
>> there was an approval for that dumpster from about 10 years ago. And >> your brother did that and we can get the plans and make sure >> your brother was out there did the light study and the dumpster was done with an architect named Steve Powki. I think we can get those plans to Craig so that we
can dumpster be to our property or the property line by code. There is none. It was approved by this board of uh a number of years ago. >> So, it was all right for them to push the fence over, our fence over to get it in. >> That I don't know. I just I understand. >> We could go out there.
>> We have a I understand what you're saying. There's a masonary enclosure. So, the board remembers. >> Um >> well, >> it's in the report. The board came ICS came in front of the board for parking enhancements, ADA, site lighting, the
dumpster enclosure, and to get a ramp into the gymnasium into the building. So, that was all done. It was uh David Styer's firm and Steve Kowski was the architect. >> Excuse me. The excuse me, the the stream is going to pick both of you up. So, >> okay.
>> I I just can't >> We can certainly I can get Craig the information. The burrow has that information so we can sort that out. >> It is on the plan. >> I just noticed that the concrete pad is is outlined >> and it's on >> the joining property. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Any other questions from the audience of this witness? >> Okay. Council summation. >> Um I I have a very brief summation. It's a hopefully this is the um one of the more simple applications that this board
sees this year >> so far. [laughter] >> That's fair enough. Um we're we're seeking all the relief necessary for uh home of Somerset to move its operations from 98 to 8890 West End Avenue uh to
continue the wonderful work they do. So that's it. Thank you. uh make to move this in the public session. >> Just one question I have. Uh will the applicant agree to having Mr. Cole's
report uh compliance with it with its comments and recommendations as a condition of approval? >> I customarily do that. just the >> Yeah, I I I think uh we can't consent to the comments as to off off offsite
um improvements as to other properties, but as to the ADA, to the lighting, um we we certainly certainly can consent, but anything that's off property, my my client can't consent to. >> All right. I guess the best way to say this is that, you know, one would hope that the applicant's on notice that
>> those other properties need to be attended to as well. >> I mean, you know, >> I think the owner is certainly on the owner is certainly on notice, but the applicant is does not own those propert. >> No, no, I understand, but the owner should be on notice that this is a continuing problem and it does need to
be attended to. >> That is appreciated. Thank you. >> So, as noted, not other properties. We got that right. Motion to close the public session. >> Second. All in favor? >> I
comments. >> Yeah, I'll repeat my original comment because I usually make don't make sense, but I'm not even sure why we're here. But since we are here, I think it's a decent application. It's preserving the building as is. It'll look like a house,
you know, blend in with the neighborhood. Waivers on trees. You don't put trees there. I mean, it just >> I can't say anymore. In fact, it I think it should be approved. >> Anybody else? >> I think the hardest part for the
applicant is new business cards, but >> beyond that, it seems pretty easy. >> Great use, great application. >> So, I'd like to make a motion. >> I'll move it. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Edlet.
>> Yes. Robera Carpinets, >> yes. >> Morgan McGlaughlin, >> yes. >> Rich O'Neal, >> yes. >> Brian Vidimsky, >> yes. >> John Flores, >> yes. >> And Eric Alvarez, and Stuart does not get a vote because >> I was just going to say subject to our standard conditions of approval and the
other things that were put on the record. >> St. All good. >> John, can you stay for a moment and talk about the other ones? All right. Congratulations. Mike, do we have anything else?
>> Um, we have an opportunity. Uh, we have a couple of applications. PSNG was supposed to be on for the first Wednesday, the 4th of September of February. And then we have a a warehouse application. As of correspondence today,
PSCG cannot make the fourth. So, we have an opportunity. I asked John to stay uh because we have an application 69 West End that's unfinished business and you have an email corresponds I sent to a
co- um attorney from same firm as John Michael Grodney. uh we have if we're going to make this window we have to move quick and if you look at my email I'm just looking for a complete set of plans so that the board can see one set of drawings I can review one set and if
I have that I can do the review and make this happen uh I'm just asking for the board to give some direction I asked John to stay so John can communicate this because we don't have the time is really tight uh and I don't want to lose the date so that we don't have an application in front of this board on
the first Wednesday being February 4th. So, um you the email just went out to Michael Gradnik, the attorney, uh 3:30 today. There's a bunch of submissions. I I'm looking for a complete package for the board to review and for me to
review. I'm just trying to get some feedback from the board if that's the direction the board wants to go. In terms of one package, >> I don't see how we can do it any other way. I >> agree. Got to be a complete package. We're not cutting and pasting applications, put them together. >> I I agree. Thank you. That's the
direction I'm looking for the board. And John, that's why I wanted you to stay here, that you hear it so that we uh get some and we get action on this next week so that it comes in, I can review it, get to the applicant within 10, usually 10 days out, they can provide notice and
we don't just very tight time frame. So, uh, I talked to John before the meeting and I thought I'd bring up to the board and these emails is there'll be touch with the board. I'm just looking for some direction. John's here, uh, to get this complete set of plans in and I I'll
rock and roll on it. This is to refresh the board. This is the 69 West End. It was the old Edwards engineering where there was proposed eight apartments, two in the basement. They was revised >> to take it back. They asked for a continuence. The board said fine,
continuence. Have you? Uh, and they they revised the plans, took the basement apartments out, expanded the first floor into the porch, and did the ADA ramps, everything we discussed. So, that's
going to be uh if I get a complete set, we can uh finish that hearing. We've had two hearings on it. So, I know the board wants to see closure. I would like to see closure and uh I'm just looking for some help here. Um and John volunteered
to take the message. So I got I'm sitting here like saying what am I how what did Cole do to me? >> It's not even my application. I'm stuck here. Listen to this. >> February 4th. >> February. This February. >> Yes. Is that Do I have the date right? It's the first Wednesday. >> I think it's the 11th, isn't it?
>> No. >> The next >> No, we got a list >> on the agenda here. It says February 18th. >> The zoning board meeting. We have a February 4th and a February 18th >> meeting twice a month meetings twice a month until we get the backlog done >> again. >> So the first is on this
>> two our dates >> because our main meetings are on the the third. >> Well they're workshop meetings. I I don't have an answer. Morgan, it's a very good question. Uh it's a worksheet workshop meeting. We've been using the two meetings to get rid of the backlog.
We have three or four applications. And so the the hopes were we can go back to one meeting starting in April. But every time I say that it's it's you know the opposite happens. >> If it's not published as a meeting, can we leave? >> The the meetings uh sorry Rich uh the meetings for two meetings a month was
published. >> Okay. >> Yes. Thank you. >> So our next meeting is February 4. >> Yeah. It's the first Wednesday. The first and the third Wednesday of the month. >> So it's the fourth. PSCG says they can't make it. I would like to make that a
productive meeting because the applicant also wants to get on the agenda. So, >> make it happen. >> Well, it's really up to them to get the plans and >> just I I said in the email that I to Mr. O'Rnik that I would get the board's temperature on this and I asked John to
stay. So, I'm hopeful that we can >> I know you were John. That's >> lean on your planner and engineer. I know I've been in that position. >> When do we run off the clock? The extension for the time for the board to act is through the end of fe February. What started this email is I
sent an email to Michael Grodnik last week or week and a half ago saying we have PSCG in the interim. We had applications. I was asking for an extension and that's what started the dialogue. >> So what else do you have for inventory
that we have coming up? We have some homeowner applications if they ever get deemed complete. And we have um PSENG and we have two self- storage applications coming in. One for 79 Route Route 206, the old diner site that's
demolished and one across from Burough Hall. So, we have those two and we have PSEG and we have 69 West End that we just discussed. um does and then we have some residential applications. Uh >> so it looks like probably February,
March and April will meet twice a month. >> I would I would hope that the backlog would be down that we could meet once a once a month after right Morgan after I would think April. >> Okay. I would just ask a question. If we start running off the clock, running out of time, I'm not really a fan of
extending these without neighbors being no side and all that kind of stuff. I'd rather dismiss them. Well, the applicant that's why John's sitting here has to I think the board left it that they have to provide notice when we're going back. So that was why >> I mean just as a general policy.
>> I I got it. >> Rich, I I understand completely. >> I'm I'm just I'm a little nervous because we're so tight here. I don't want to see a problem with noticing or getting the reports together. So, >> right, we >> we don't want to see default. >> We've seen this application twice. I'm
trying to get third time to be that we have all the information and the noticing is done and the applicant gets heard in February as opposed to March sometime. >> We should be we just don't want as the attorney says we don't want any defaults.
>> Right. That's I I and I and I understand. Let me make sure. So we'll be meeting February 4, March 4, and April 1. April Fool's Day. >> It's appropriate. >> Okay. Very good. In addition to our the other the other meetings that are set
forth on resolution ZB26 0121-1, >> the the one of the uh PSCG wants to be heard in March. They requested it, so they're down for one. The March meetings, we have the self storage on the 18th. This the third Wednesday of
February. And the other self storage has not been deemed complete, but they're really close. >> And then we have 69. And there's a bunch of residentials, but I don't want to talk about residentials because sometimes they disappear for a year. Literally a year. >> John, thanks. Thanks for standing.
>> Thank you very much, sir. >> Thanks, John. >> Anything else there, Michael? >> I have no comments. Any motion for German? I move second. >> All in favor? I I