Are we good? >> Thank you. Okay. Good evening everyone. Welcome. This is the Springfield Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting of October 21st, 2025. The time is 6:08. Adequate notice of this meeting has been
given in accordance with the Sunshine Law. notice was published on January 2nd in the local source, one of the official newspapers for the township of Springfield for the year 2024 and 2025 and posted in the annex building on January 2nd, 2025. So, we have adequate notice. If we could please rise, salute
the flag. Thanksgivisible andice for all. >> Okay. >> Thank you. We please have the roll call. >> Mr. Steven Hawkstein >> present. >> Mr. Steven >> present. >> Aarano.
>> Mr. Michael Wex >> here, >> here, >> Dodson, >> Mr. Randy Pearlman >> here, >> Vice Chair Mark Cunningham >> here, >> and Chairwoman >> here.
>> Thank you so much. Um, okay. First order of business is do we have to do them separately or can we do like consent wise for July, August, and September? >> Okay. >> Because you may have different people. >> I got it. You're right. Okay. Um, so
first we will um review and vote on adoption of the minutes from July 2025. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the minutes? Are there any questions or comments? If there are none, is there a motion? >> Move. >> Second.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Cunningham. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh, next up is the minutes of August 2025. Has everyone had an
opportunity to review? Are there any questions or comments? There are none. Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll move to approve. >> Second. >> Mr. Hawkstein? >> Yes. >> Mr. Wex? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fchenbound? >> Yes. >> Mr. Shewitz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Pearlman?
>> Yes. Vice Chairham. >> Yes. >> And chairwoman code. >> Yes. >> Um, next is the minutes from September 2025. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the minutes? Are there any questions or comments or concerns? If
none, is there a motion to approve? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Sheitz? >> Mr. Wex? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hawkstein? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fersenbound? >> Yes. >> Uh, Vice Chair Cunningham? Yes.
>> Uh, Mr. Pearlman, sorry. >> Yes. >> And Chair Cohen, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Next order of business is resolutions of memorialization for applications. First up is resolution for application 2025-20.
This is 27 Little Brook Road, block 3201, lot 8. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the resolution? Are there any questions? If there are none, is there a motion to approve? I'll move. >> I'll second.
>> Mr. Hogstein. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fenbound. >> Yes. >> Mr. Wex. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sheitz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pearlman. >> Yes. >> Cunningham. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The next resolution on for adoption is
for application 2025-2160 golf oval block 1703 lot 15. Has everyone had an opportunity to review? Are there any questions? Um, Madam Chair, Mr. Pearlman has pointed out that in the first paragraph there's a typographical error. Um, it says 60
Garden Oval. It should be 60 G O. The address is correct in the title, but it's wrong in the second. >> Okay. So, if there are no other comments or questions, is there a motion to adopt with the change? >> I'll make a motion. >> Thank you.
>> Second. >> Uh, Mr. Sheitz. Yes, >> Mr. Hawkstein. >> Yes, >> Mr. Freshenbound. >> Yes, >> Mr. Wex. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pearlman. >> Yes, >> Vice Chair Cunningham. And Chair Cohen. >> Yes.
>> Okay, let's move on to the applications this evening. So, the first application was a carry. Um, this was application 2025-15 for 147 New block 30001, lot 23. The applicant is requesting to carry to the
November meeting. >> Um, Madam Chair, you would need a motion carrying it without further notice. Any members of the public here for this matter? It will be carried to November 10th. The next meeting uh without
further notice. >> Will the November 10th meeting be held here? Yes. Okay. Perfect. >> Okay. Is there a motion to carry application 2025-15? Motion. I'll second. >> Uh, Vice Chair Cunningham, >> yes.
>> Mr. Hawkstein, >> yes. >> Mr. Penbound, >> yes. >> Mr. Wex, >> yes. >> She, >> yes. >> Mr. Pearlman, >> yes. >> And Cher, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Next application. Welcome back, Mr. Tiger. Application 2025-14,
an amendment for an application for lot coverage variance for a patio at 564 Ashwood Road. That's block 251, lot 18. How are you? >> Thanks for having me back. Back maybe December, January, we can do it again. Um, so if you guys uh remember, I was
before the board in July for approval to install a patio for a total of 272 feet. 77 feet was prior approval of lot coverage 2005 when the house was built. uh 195 additional square feet was approved uh through construction um and
building the retaining wall and seeing how the patio furniture would fit. Um we needed to increase the size of the patio by 96 square feet and then add in some stepping stones from 20 20 square feet 10 and 10 in order to make the patio work. Uh in doing so if if you you can
see the diagram on on exhibit one follow along. doing so we had to obviously I exceeded the exemption for drainage. So the town engineer came out we looked at a plan instead of putting in a dry well per se we put in perforated pipe of 3
and 1/2 ft deep by 3 ft wide by 48 ft around the entire around almost half the patio in order to collect the water any water that comes in in order to perforate the ground. Um you can go to slide picture three you can see pictures of the the beam installed pretty poles.
I think they're a little bit deeper than three and a half feet. Um, but you can see it was crushed concrete stone and we wrapped the perforated pipe around the patio. You go to slide four, you would you can if you look really close, you can see somewhat of the part of the the right part of the perimeter was was uh
where it's where you can see where there was trenching. That was uh some electrical stuff that was going out there. Um, but you could see the uh right in the center of the patio there's like a yard inlet drain where any of the water would come in. If any of the water that comes off the patio, it's also collected in the yard inlet drain hooked
up to the perforated pipe to drainage. Uh, Mr. Disco, I know I contacted the town engineer. He came out and saw the drainage being installed, measured some of those measurements. Mr. Disco, I I believe per our conversations that the perforated pipe of 40 48t linear will
more than handle the Yes, it the drainage volume provided was >> full first application plus the increment that we're here for today. >> Independently inspected. >> This is our second time doing this. We
have not sworn you in. >> Please stand. Do I have to say the whole thing again? >> Swear or affirm to tell the truth? >> Yes. >> Please state your full name. Spell your last name. Give your home address. >> Jeff Tiger, 564 Ashford. Spell your last name.
>> T. >> And is everything that you just told the board >> true and correct? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> So basically the drainage covers all three parts. The first approval from 2025, the second approval that this board gave in July and the third
approval over covers it would more than cover what is correct. >> Okay, >> that's accurate. >> Thank you. >> That's it. So, you have no problems with the additional coverage? >> No. Um, it the increment um it should be
in your thing there. I think is about one 1% incremental lot coverage. So, he does need the relief for that. And again, the drainage is for both um applications and includes the balance
of of what was unused. It still incorporates that. Again, it's a a linear stone filled trench perforated pipe which is immediately around the patio. Um many ways to skin the cat on
on drainage as we've repeated many times. This was right at the site source and will also prevent any runoff to neighbors and will help Mr. Tiger's backyard for any other additional rainfall overove.
>> Thank you. Any questions from the board? >> Yeah, I have a couple. Um, what is the total lot coverage right now with this addition? >> Excuse me. >> I think it's 41 with the right as
I think it's 41. >> And what is allowed over there on that lot? You're the S75. >> Yeah, it went from 40.8% to 41.8. I believe the S75 is the
27% 36% 27% So we're significantly over lot coverage. >> Yes. >> In this case, my neighbor to the right is
so unless we have Noah tremendous rainfall to be able to have water that much especially with training more than And I think there's a typo on this
exhibit here. You have unless I'm mistaken 77 square feet remaining from prior approval 2005. >> Yes. When the house was constructed in 2005 when the patio in the back there two patios you see in the picture I needed I needed a variance for that. When we
installed the patio we installed it less. We asked for X in 2025 and when the patio was installed in 20, excuse me, the patio was installed in 20 2005 2006 time period was a little less. So that actual approval gave me 77 ft that
I could have put in without coming. That's where you see the 77. >> So do you have a flooding problem? Not say flooding problem, but do you have like a runoff problem right now? >> Not at all. I've never because under also underground, but you as Mr. just saw there's perforated pipe around the whole property.
>> I when we built the house, we put in perforated pipe that goes all around the property. So any water that comes bolt also graded their property up in the back to avoid off coming in my property. So I don't have any issues and I'm lower than my neighbors because
my house in order to make my house as tall as there had to be, we had to go lower. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any further questions? So just to summarize, there's no adverse impact on your neighbors. No, and the reason we could say it to a certain more certainty and Mr. when I looked at the
topographical survey is the bolt rolls about one and a half feet lower higher and then my neighbors at least two feet higher. >> Thank you. Since the since the home was constructed, the only lot coverage
additions are the two that applications before you 300 Any additional questions? Any members of the public have any questions for the applicant? Any members of the public have any statements that they'd like to make on
the record regarding the application? Um, okay. you want to add something? >> I was just going to say this uh is an amendment to the original application. Um so, uh if the board is
inclined, it should just be a motion to amend the prior approval to increase the uh allowable law coverage to 41.8% per the plans. >> I'll make a motion to approve what he just said.
Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Cunningham. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> No. >> Mr. Pearlman. >> Yes. >> And Chair. >> Yes.
>> Great. Eight. Uh the next application and final application this evening is application 2025-9 80 Adams Terrace block 30001 lot 2. This is a request for lot coverage variance
for a patio. >> Before you sit, if you're both going to testify, raise your right hand. You swear or affirm to tell the truth. >> Uh, please state your full name, spell your last name. One of us give your home, one of you give your home address.
>> Uh, Michael Ferrer, last name F E R R E I R A Adams Terrace. >> Tina Ferrer. Same address. Adams Harris. >> Thank you. >> Uh, good evening. Um, why don't you walk us through your
application and your request for the overage on the lot coverage? >> Okay. Sorry, I didn't make enough copies. Do you want me to pass around what I have at the moment? >> Is this something that's going to be in addition to what is already submitted as part of the application? So, this is what you've already submitted.
>> Yeah, you are. Yes, that's like disco. >> Okay. >> All right. So, we'll mark that as A1. >> Sorry about that. Yeah, >> two pages. >> Sorry, I should have made more copies.
>> Uh, so of May uh 2025, I uh constructed a patio back my house. I've had a lot of water issues in the past 13 years. Can you speak a little louder, please? Sorry. So, in May 2025, uh I constructed
a patio to uh fix and improve the water issues that I've been having over the past 13 years. Um I did exceed uh I believe it's 14% of the allowed 36. So, I'm up to 50 50% 50.5.
Um I wasn't aware of allowed uh coverage and I was helped by Bob Herbert. uh on this matter and I wanted to do everything the right way. Um so I went through the procedures, I filed the permit, I got denied, going through the
variance, I'm here now. Um yeah, I'm just I just wanted to um you know fix the water pooling in the backyard that I had. Um I never fixed. I had uh also had damage done to my basement uh from the water previous uh
and ever since I constructed this, I haven't had any issues. and um not me. It's my first time doing this. I'm sorry. >> So, the pavers and the paver patio, the pavers
on the side of the house and the patio were all installed. >> That the the side was reined out the concrete that was existing there. >> Okay. >> Okay. And the highlighted you don't have that copy. So, the patio
basically is the not that's what's along the house, but what's in the back of the house. >> Um, that was what was actually um constructed. Um, and I just obviously ripped out the
concrete and put the pavers down in front of that, but the back was basically all grass and nothing there. And I saw in the application there's a there's a insufficient setback. Is is
that what is that a result of >> Mike? Maybe >> we have an existing nonconformity front yard, >> but that that's not changing at this time. That's by the garage going forward.
on the is every I don't know in your packets you would have the table the zoning schedule chart >> we have a survey from case >> so the front yard setback is 24.75 it's an existing non-conforming just
listed as existing >> what does it say >> oh walk in the sideyard I'm sorry the on the bottom of that >> yes >> walk in sideyard setbacks got to be It's three and a half. >> Okay. >> So, there's two variances here. The the
walkway in the sideyard just said he had an existing concrete. I mean, the survey shows the paper was >> And what about the plastic shed in the back? Does that on the survey I see a plastic shed all the way in the rear
corner? That is that on the property? Is there like a pad underneath? >> No, it's just on 2 in by 12 by 12 pieces of paper. There about nine of them. And when was
that? >> That was about a year ago, I say. Just for extra storage. really quick. >> Isn't that required to be more distance from the property line? >> I mean, I'm looking at an aerial from
April. It's there. So, it does violate. >> Is it movable? What have you done to obviously if you put this in the water's going somewhere. What have you done to mitigate it going onto your neighbors properties or hasn't gone anywhere. It
just goes right into the earth. There's no there's no more pooling. Ever since I've started this project, there's no more like sitting water or anything like that during the summer time. I haven't enjoyed it because I haven't finished the property. I understand. >> Sorry. Can you speak a little louder? >> Oh. Um,
forgot what I just said. Um, oh, the pooling. So, the pooling in the in the water in the back the back yard. Uh, ever since I did this project, there was no pooling of any type of water in the back and it's all just been going into the earth. That's it.
>> Are the paving stones you put in? Are the stones are they permeable? >> I believe so. It's just going right between them. It's not it's not it's not gliding onto a neighbor's property. It's >> just soaking into the ground. >> Correct. It's not negatively impacting anyone in my surrounding areas. I have
my neighbor Mary Joe that lives to the left of my uh 80s at She's at 86. If you need So, I have some pictures I took October 8th. Looks like in the backyard you have downspouts that go down into the ground.
I have one that goes underneath the side path that goes to the backyard. It just runs right underneath straight out the back long line with the parallel with the edge of the neighbors. So it discharges
>> just it just goes right there down. So even if even if I didn't do that, it would still come out and go down. But without the pavers obviously >> and the other side of the house in the rear doesn't have a down goes to >> it just goes Yeah, I have an extension
that just runs out to the grass. So, is the drywall installed or is that something you're planning on doing? >> I'm planning on doing that if need be, obviously, to compensate for the water mitigation, which there hasn't been any flooding or any type of issues, but if I
have to do that, I will. What is your recommendation as the in >> Well, for for that size patio, mitigation is triggered design provides It is constructed in the front. Looks like they're tying the
trains in. So balance they're going to provide what's created. Although it looks like it quite frankly take away what's going to the street forward. That's why I asked >> but but the volume's there.
>> So the question what I'm confused about so if they're putting it you said drywall is going in the front >> and is that taking the water that's in the front or is it taking the water from the >> like the front half of the roof but that's already going to the front. So, the fact that other stuff is going
to the back, is there better solution towards the rear to take the >> There was a down spout on the um on the face of house on the left rear. I would just tie that pipe in, but I'm asking the only one is on the right side.
I suppose the driveway's on the right and the um there's no opportunity the dry well on the right side front property driveway.
Would you say putting in the right rear would be a better option? >> We could switch it to the rear. Yeah, >> because then it would actually take the water from where the >> That makes a lot of sense. If that's where the right rear uh downspout is already going, that
would provide the opportunity to get it into the ground before it overland flows. Anybody else and also help with the patio that's now over in the back there as well, right?
>> What is the size of this patio >> on the chart? Size of is 31 foot by 25 foot. Mr. Disco, if they put that dry well in in the right rear, would that mitigate any problems to the neighbors? In your professional opinion,
>> that would be an improvement. That would help. Again, you're giving it the opportunity to get into ground into the ground water, not be an overland runoff presumably drain to the back fence area
may or may not go into the rear neighbor behind. So, if it's feasible to construct it there, that would be best. >> General House Is there a maximum
or is it just if it's mediated? Lock coverage is two things. It's the visual which you have to judge and then the negative impact of lock coverage is fairly easy to mitate
various techniques. You have to be okay with visual as well. There is no maximum. >> That's a maximum. >> I don't think we've ever seen a lot coverage in >> Well, that's what I'm saying. It's 90%
but it's mediated properly so there's no any other questions at this time. Any members of the public here have any questions for the applicant? Hold on one second. We're going to get there. Any members of the public want to
speak on the application? If so, please come up to the microphone. >> Raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth? >> Yes. >> Please state your full name. Spell your last name. Provide your home address.
>> Uh, Mary Joseph Laza, 86 Adams Terrorists. >> Thank you. >> Springfield. >> You want me to spell my name? >> Oh, S P E R L A ZZA. >> I just wanted to say I I live next door. There is no water and we've had
downpours coming, you know, with those rains and I haven't had a drop of water from his property. I just want you to know that important to to know that what he's doing is not affecting my property or
the back people because nobody's come to debate it this, you know. So, I think it's fair that he can successfully do this project. >> How did this come to light with the town if you put it in already?
>> I just when I started the project, I um I wasn't were on uh I overlooked the allowed coverage. Um and as I was doing the project, um Bob Herbert came around and he stopped the job and we spoke and
he helped me out through this process and I just wanted to do everything the right way so I can get everything completed in a certain way if I can. That was it. >> So it's not completed at this point in time. It just needs the So, if you're looking at the the survey, the top edge, it just
needs the trim. It just needs that extra um border. It's the border brick. And then there's a looks like a bite taken out on the right back right taken out. That corner needs to be fixed.
and the the side um the side walkway going leading to the gate to the driveway that has to be trimmed off as well with the border. I have eight photos there from earlier in October. So you can see the um
what what remains I guess two pages there. What's the distance for the shed? How far? >> Five. The placement of the shed is in a not permitted setback. >> Okay.
>> So, it has to be 5t off the property line, which it is not currently. >> It just wasn't. >> So, it has to be moved or >> Well, it could either be moved or you could be requesting a variant for the
position of it right now. And then that removes also the square footage, correct? The the uh allowed uh coverage because that's included in I believe the allowed um coverage. >> Yeah, it would reduce it. I mean, I said
moved, but removed moved it. I >> mean, I could remove it. It's not a problem. It's just it was just there. I put it, you know, last year just to move some stuff out of the garage while I cleaned it out. That's all. I mean what would 50% instead of 50.5 >> is a 6x6 8 by 8 by 7 by7
>> 49 square feet out I don't have my sheet anymore what's the lot area says 75 foot required 62 existing >> no Um, where are you? I don't have anything in front of me. Where's the >> If you're referring to the lot here,
>> so 6,200 is a lot area. So we're talking 62 would be 1%. You're at 49, you're about get under 50%. >> That's I was actually just thinking that. I mean, I like it under 50%.
Put it on the table. >> Yes. So, it's it it takes Union County traditionally up to about 8.7 in that's what our traditional
thinkrene think not Sandy but unnamed >> anyway we've had about three of those in the last 30 plus years. I I excuse me that was actually the
September of four years ago which wasn't quite 8.7 in. Um the design incorporates what is mandated through governor's executive order that we have to use rainfall for the year to 2100 model suggest
35% higher. We're taking 8.7 in and adding a third of that up about 11 in. So that dry well like everyone else we make would take the net runoff. This was
grass and every storm that's less than that is obviously going to take runoff from areas the whole front roof area for instance that could potential. When you have 11 inches of rain,
obviously streets are flooded, backyards are flooded. providing a volume that's going to help never going to hurt in the worst case rain. All the other rainfalls less than 11. >> Okay. What are our thoughts? Um I I would you be adverse to putting it in
the right rear of the property where the overage is >> wherever it's allowed be that'd be fine with me. That's fine. >> Seems more logical there where you have >> I I thought the same but it's it's okay front back. I mean the water's just going to go wherever it wants to go
anyway. But if you need to do that that's fine. Absolutely. >> Based upon the testimony from the applicant the right rear down is going to that area. So rearrange what they would be most adversely affect
by putting a patio in the back. Okay. What are we thinking? I think the removal of the shed and bringing it under the 50% helps. Um, I mean, you're going to make adequate or
satisfactory mitigation efforts. Um, is anyone in favor would like to make a motion to approve? >> Yeah, it'll be it will be well, one would be I guess if you're agreeing that you'll remove the shed. So it would the
motion would be for removing the shed a grant of the coverage the lot coverage variance now at 49 and change. Um and then the um
this the walkway set back. >> Which which walkway is that? Which walkway? The front or the side? on the right side. >> Has to be five feet back and you're at 3.5. >> So the grant it would be to grant it. It
would be to allow you to be where you are. >> Yeah. Because otherwise we don't you have to have your baby's fence line. >> Fence line. Okay. >> Five or you could stop the you know. >> Okay. Perfect. This would allow you. >> Thank you.
>> With the mitigation efforts, >> correct? >> Yeah. >> Placed in the rear. >> Is there a motion? Is there a motion to deny the application? I'll make that motion to
>> also get rid of >> the shed over >> and away from the back. >> Away from the back just >> five feet just back or from both on each side of the corner. both sides. >> Yeah, >> I could remove it completely.
>> I can remove it, remove it however. I mean, I'll I'll remove it. If it's the issue, I will remove it. It's not It's not >> You look survey the neighbor immediately to the left. >> There's a shed shown. >> I know. >> Well, the only problem >> whether they got an approval or not, I don't know. The only problem is
firefighting. Okay, we have a motion to deny that was made by member Fersbam and seconded. So we need >> Okay. So I need to
>> correct. >> So an affirmative vote is to deny. >> Okay, Mr. uh to deny. Yes. >> She >> no >> Mr. Flex.
>> No. >> Mr. Crowman. >> No. >> Vice Chair Cunningham. >> No. >> And >> no. That fails. Okay.
Is there a motion to approve? >> Make a motion to approve >> without the conditions. >> Moving the shed. >> Removing the shed, right? Or moving. >> No. Didn't we just discuss moving in a second? >> Moving it.
>> Moving it. 5T 5T >> and with the water mitigation in the rear of the yard. >> Right rear in that grass under the grass area. >> Yep. >> Not a problem. Perfect. Thank you. >> Second. >> Just just to be clear, the motion I
think is to deny the variance as to the shed and to grant the other two variances. >> That's correct. >> And the condition concerning the the uh flood mitigation >> because we're denying the the the grant
of the setback variance for the shed and he's going to have to move it. >> Okay. >> Move it or remove it. >> Yeah. >> Today with the change that we >> Yes. Vice Chair Cunningham.
>> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pearlman. >> Yes. >> And >> yes.
>> Just for clarification. >> Did Steve the motion? Did you say Thank you. >> Oh, okay. Got it. Okay, good. Okay, approved. >> Thank you, Jody. Thank you, ma'am. >> Congratulations.
>> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Um, okay. So, just to put on the record um because of the crazy schedule in November, we are meeting on November 10th next month
um here. Um and with that, is there a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Excellent. Thank you very much everyone. >> Have a good night. Thank you.