That's another thing. Put it on the list. >> What's today? >> 23rd. >> Okay. Good evening everybody and welcome to this regular planning board meeting on October 23rd, 2025.
Uh will everybody please rise if you may, if you can, and join me for the pledge of allegiance. to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Madame Secretary, can you please uh take roles and read the Open Public Meetings Act? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Parker, Mr. Katzf, Mr. Lily. here. >> Mr. Heinman,
Mr. Kamudi, >> Deputy Mayor Makavoy >> here, >> Township Manager O Sullivan >> here. >> Mayor Tambbero >> here. >> Vice Chair Fresky >> here. >> Chair Pearson >> here. >> Uh, board attorney Misera
>> here. >> Um, and Miss Mish is here. Okay. The notice requirements of the open public meetings act have been satisfied with respect to this meeting of the township of Verona planning board which is being held in person in the ballroom
of the Verona Community Center located at 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona. The time and date of this meeting were included in the annual meeting notice posted in the community center and sent to the official newspaper of the township, the Verona Cedar Grove Times, at least 48 hours preceding the start
time of this meeting. The agenda and instructions on how to comment will be provided at the appropriate time. All meetings are recorded. Those wishing to speak during any public comment period should only provide their name and municipality. Street addresses are not required. Please be advised that should
a member of the public choose to state their street address, it will not be redacted from this recording. Thank you. Um that said, does anybody from the public have any public comments or questions that are not on this
evening's agenda? If so, please come to the mic. Seeing none, I'm going to close the public participation. Um, we can move on to approval of meeting minutes. Has everybody received
and had an opportunity to review? >> Does anybody want to move or >> I'll move to approve the minutes? >> Mr. Freski makes the motion. I'll second. All can all members that were at the
last meeting just raise your hand to vote yes. Mr. Tambbor, Mayor Tambbor, you are abstaining. >> And you and manager is going to also abstain. >> Everybody else votes I.
Um resolutions. Uh resolution 202511 is a memorialization of planning board application 20 255021
Wedgewood Drive Block 1712 lot 1 zone A1 approval to remove 16 trees with conditions of re revised replacement plan and required mitigation. Um has everybody had a chance to review
that? Are there any questions on that? Um, you were also given a revised tree replacement plan a few moments ago. Um, any questions on that?
All right. Then I am interested in a motion to approve this for anybody that was at the meeting. >> Make a motion to approve. >> Vice Chair Presky makes the motion. Can I get a second? >> Second. Um,
Mr. Lily seconds. I heard him first. Can you do a voice a roll call vote? I'm sorry. Um, let me see. Um, Mr. Lily, >> yes. >> Um, Deputy Mayor Makavoy,
>> yes. >> Vice Chair Presky, >> yes. >> Chair Pearson, >> yes. The motion passes. Um, the next thing on the agenda is a consistency determination.
Um, this is based off of a township council ordinance number 2025-17, ordinance adopting the redevelopment plan for 383 Bloomfield Avenue redevelopment area. And I believe it is our task tonight to decide whether there
are inconsistencies with our master plan or there are no inconsistencies with our master plan. So at this time we're going to turn the meeting over to San Chioon of H2M and she's going to walk us through.
Greg, do you have a swearing in of some sort? >> Do you swear or firm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth? >> I do. Yes. for the record. Did you say your name and >> certainly my name is Syogita Chavan Sand for short. Um I work uh at H2M and I've
been appointed as the township planner. I've prepared your master plan in 2022. So I you know technical glitches uh but I believe everybody has a a hard copy of my presentation. So um uh let's go
through it. Um so the first slide what I was going to talk about is uh really the uh redevelopment process as per the local redevelopment and housing law A L A L A L A L A L A L A L A L A L A L RHL. Um the first step is the council
authorizes the planning board by resolution to conduct an area in need uh of redevelopment study for for specific properties which was this one. um by statute that role is given to the
planning board. Uh we conducted a study um I think it was uh early this year uh we held a duly noticed public hearing and uh you as the planning board found that it met the criteria for redevelopment and uh that was then
forwarded to the um municipal council. Now the municipal council uh would uh typically by statute either accepts your recommendation and designates uh the areas um in need of redevelopment uh
which in this case they did and um if you recall in 2024 the entirety of Bloomfield Avenue corridor was designated as area need of rehabilitation. So what this designation which was uh earlier this year through
2025049 that's a resolution that the governing body adopted um it authorized the preparation of the um uh uh of the redevelopment plan which they then um
authorized me to prepare and um although it's called redevelopment plan and you guys have um have done this in the past but I just want to refresh everybody's memory especially if the members uh who are attending or virtually um so the uh
it's always called a redevelopment plan it's actually introduced with an ordinance and the municipal council a few weeks ago introduced that uh at their um at their uh workshop session and uh the role of the planning board is
advisory as per the statute ES and you basically check for consistency with the master plan. But um you know I have a PowerPoint presentation just to give you an overview of um what this uh
constitutes and then um based on uh based on your recommendations then the municipal council will adopt the redevelopment plan or me amend or revise any portion. Um so basically this is how
we typically have ordinances right then the future steps would be that uh they select or designate a redeveloper negotiate a redevelopment agreement. Now your role would be once all of that is done and the project is ready to be
built they will come to you for a site plan review. So um so that's the red process. Um and uh as you know I don't need to go through the three-step process but basically the first one was
the preparation of the rewapment study which we did and we established that as an area need of redwapment which the governing body then designated on February 3rd 2025. Uh it's important to
note that this redwapment does not um there's no eminent domain. So there is no taking of the property. The uh property owner is willfully participating in the process. The step second step is where we are now which is
the preparation and adoption of the redevelopment plan. And then the third step typically um you know going forward with the redevelopment agreement implementing the plan etc etc. Um now
the statutes uh which are the LR48 uh col28-7 sets forth um planning uh what constitutes a redevelopment plan and if you look at this document which is like
40 40 45 pages it follows the statutes throughout. So basically you talk about the plan's relationship with the goals local goals and uh objectives regarding land uses density transportation etc. Um
it there's description and analysis of con uh con concept lands as in proposed land uses building requirements which are very typical to an ordinance. It also talks about the relationship to the development regulations of the municipality and uh relationships to
master plan of contiguous municipalities if it's relevant. Um and then uh it sets forth the procedures for amending the plan which is typically again under the purview of Yes ma'am. Um can you just
post on the record that Mr. Heinman is here? I just don't Oh, thank you so much. I'm sorry Sam. I I didn't want to interrupt. That's fine. Um so as I mentioned earlier, if you look at the Reedwapman and rehabilitation area, uh
this particular site which is located at the corner of uh park and uh Bloomfield has um was a part of the rehabilitation designation. the entirety of Bloomfield corridor was a rehab area
and then you know in January of this year I had done a presentation and um the planning board found that it met the statutory criteria for a area in need of redevelopment. Now any redevelopment
plan uh needs to I'm not going too fast am I? Okay. Any readwappen plan needs to have a vision. Um and uh this particular readwin plan is similar where it promotes investment and economic
vitality by encouraging mixed use commercial and residential development. And we had identified um uh in many places in the land use plan um our 22 uh master plan about revitalizing Bloomfield. um it's
required um another vision is enhancing and maintaining the character of the township. So it's basically um taking a site that is uh obsolete and incorporating contemporary planning and design principles. Um it's improving
because it's utilizing sustainable development principles um especially you know storm water management uh which currently does not exist and it you know so and and the plan will h sets forth
proactive steps in that direction and it also will uh importantly as everybody knows we have these affordable housing mandates on us. So, this plan will provide a range of market rate and affordable housing options that will
meet the township's current and future need. And again, a obsolete and underutilized area will get revitalized. And what's important is it will continue to create walkability and public transit
use and try to minimize um vehicular dependency. So the plan outline um you know it's we introduced the plan we uh examined the existing conditions uh for the new plan we set forth definitions so
it's more clear things that are not covered in chapter 150 gets covered here uh use and bulk regulations which are specific for that site as per the redevelopment uh statutory requirements
um we put in building and site design uh we examined the consistency with our master plan um and then how we could implement it and um as you know that particular site is in the etc zone it's
surrounded by uh multifamily single family and commercial uses and um so basically the next two slides just talk about that and then um I put forth a slide which talks about the use and bulk
standards. So what this particular property will be doing is providing mixed use. So the dwelling units will not be on the ground floor or the first floor. It will be above and uh we put set forth different kind of uses like
art gallery, studio, art, you know basically wider variety of uh permitted uses uh which will enable um that site to be developed. Uh we also set forth bulk. The site is uh 1.26 acre. So it's
over an acre. So we set forth lot area standards um you know uh setback requirements to activate Bloomfield um Avenue corridor and also set forth height standards which are pretty much
comparable to what's currently existing in the etc zone. But we kind of like specified exactly things like you know you don't want to have massing um or um so we re recommended stepping back uh to
create that softening the space with landscaping. Um and we've actually included examples of uh the concepts in the plan. Um and uh it's also important um so when you talk about design standards um under conventional zoning
design standards are not as enforcable as they are in terms in a redevelopment plan and we want to ensure that we get a quality development which is in accordance with what we had mentioned in the master plan of having uh uh
revitalizing our Bloomfield Avenue corridor. So to that end uh we put in building and unit design standards um uh also standards for providing affordable housing because this particular property
is a part of our um affordable housing plan and it's important um we set parking standards on-site pedestrian requirements and also uh you know currently the barn building is very attractive but if you walk the property
you know that um it leaves a lot to be desired. So any kind of redevelopment will have signage and awning standards. So we tried to put in everything to beautify the area. And then we also put in uh architecture and residential um
standards regarding you know the dwelling unit mix which has to be in compliance with uh the uniform housing affordability control act. So the uh hackres um you know we don't have a lighting ordinance. So we put in
lighting standards here, specified the building materials, specified the buffers, um and uh you know facade design standards, penetration which are windows uh etc etc. And then uh most
importantly we have compared to other municipalities Verona given um you know the impoverish surface coverage in the town has very stringent uh storm water management regulations that uh everybody on the planning board work really hard.
So um we have uh very clearly maintained that any kind of redevelopment uh should meet the storm uh the township storm water management requirements and we also set forth sustainability standards for landscaping water management uh
energy efficiency etc etc and then uh finally this plan is consistent uh to Verona's master plan it uh forwards its um goals and um forwards its many uh goals and objectives which I have
actually written um uh in in the plan uh and I if you'd like me to put that on record I I can but um for your reference is on page 15 um it forwards our land use goal about promoting growth in
appropriate area land use objective number 5C utilizing redevelopment designations where appropriate to provide greater commercial and housing options. Um objective 5 F um which is to
guide future development and or redevelopment of land within the township so as to incorporate new construction without undue dis uh disruption to the existing character. And number seven, um, to ensure zoning
districts regulations and land uses align with the township's development goals to incentivize improvements along the Bloomfield A Avenue corridor, which is the land use objective uh 7A. And then we also uh looked at a few economic
development uh goals and objectives where um as for goal number one, this development will continue to ensure Bloomfield Avenue is a vibrant and attractive downtown to utilize incentives for infill development and redevelopment and to maintain attractive
and thriving business and commercial districts. So um all in all it is in it's my professional opinion I I've authored this plan that it um is consistent with our master plan and um
uh this is it from me um and I'm ready to take questions from uh all of you and thank you so much for uh listening. Um, >> go ahead J. >> I'm I've got a lot of questions. I don't
know how you want to do it. You want to do it by section and we all speak or just my comments. >> You might cover ours. >> Okay. Um, so thank you, S. Um, as always, very comprehensive. Appreciate the uh work
you put into this. So, I just want to run through the report with some of my comments. First, uh just first page revisions to the um planning board membership. Um since that's changed since you probably started.
>> Um >> I I just dedicated to uh doc, >> but I'll I'll make that u y >> um looking at the bulk regulations. Mhm. >> Um >> what page please? >> Sorry.
>> It's okay. >> 21. >> Okay. >> Starting with that table. Um question on the height. I see um there's that asterisk is the intent that the four
stories is the max measured from I guess the lowest grade as it slopes down. Okay. >> Uh and it's not based on average grade. So it's >> from Bloom Bloomfield A. It's three stories. >> It'll look three stories. Whatever is
visible will be set back. Okay. >> And there's I also just to make it clearer uh included um an image too. So one of the things I want the um everybody on the board to understand that this process um has been um vetted
extensively with um the developer. I think our uh administrator and myself have worked uh very hard um to come up with the plan with them. So it was written by us >> and we just um and we worked on this
very very hard. >> Right. Right. So I guess that goes to the next question which will kind of inform >> my comments on more specific things. But you know how far along are they in terms of the concept and the engineering for
that concept because I did see some of you know the architectural elevations in the plan. Um is that pretty much fixed? It's going to be one building >> or Okay. >> One change. So, we're not changing
anything with respect to permitting more than one principal building. For example, if there was some sort of intent to preserve the Hillrest Farms, you know, retail, that's off the table. >> I think the only thing that would keep is the sign.
>> Okay. um >> keep us posted on page. >> Uh still on that same page, we go down to >> um affordable housing. Um that it just references the housing
element and fair share plan. Um >> any reason why we're not just putting those proposed standards into the plan? Um I think as you know um we are in discussion with pressure housing in
discussion with interveners in discussion with so many people. It just makes sense to go by whatever the I don't think this plan is going to change. >> Okay. >> And I just noticed I apologize I noticed a typo. Um it should be 1150.
Um I I have an added zero which I'm going to remove. I just realized it. So everything you know like I need to get my eyes checked but um so that's that was one of the reason but we are very clear that this will generate uh five uh
affordable units of which there'll be one three-bedroom which will be family the rest is special needs and we had the discussion um with uh with um with the debao as well as our um our planner, our
affordable housing planner to ensure that it's we'll get credits and it's everything is you know acceptable. >> Right. Right. So my question is if if it's going to be based off of whatever we're relying in the housing element,
does that mean the affordable housing set aside is going to be a fixed number or a percentage just in the you know I don't see the plan reducing the units from the max density permitted but what if something happens down the road and it gets scaled
down and now we're short units >> if if should they have to scale down? I don't believe that's the case in uh you know so it is 15% of the total number of units which gives that five now here's the thing somewhere down the line if
something changes you know this to do this um they have to amend the plan >> but as of now the intent >> and we ensure that they continue to do that so I am I answering you
>> yeah you're answering my question I I One of my recommendations would be to consider putting fixed number. If we're relying on >> if we're relying on getting five units, >> let's have a fixed number. So even if
they scale it down and then that you know the 15% set aside gets scaled down. No, you still have to get the five units. So just to that in addition to his statement is it five units or five credits?
>> Five credits. >> So how many units is it? Is it three? >> It's um I can there's one family unit. Okay. There's one two bedroomedroom which will give two credits. There's another twobedroom which will give two uh two. So
>> so it's actually three units with five credits. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Just so that you know, it's it's really only three units, but it's it's the credits. >> Credits. >> Okay. So, I >> because two are special needs. >> That is correct. >> And so, they give an extra full credit. >> Yep.
>> And do we get anything for being along a bus line? >> Oh, absolutely. >> So, how many credits do we get on this? >> You can't double up the credit once you >> No, no, you can't double, but uh there is a 0.5, right? Um so and that is I don't know on the top on the top of my
head but I do know remember reading our housing plan element and fair share plan where our planner has considered the uh read weapon credits. >> Yeah. >> Does that answer your question entirely? >> Okay. >> Nope.
>> Okay. Oh go ahead. Um, this isn't really in the plan, but I'm kind of referring to uh page 23 when we talk about the pedestrian
requirements. You know, I would like to see um cycling micromobility requirements, >> okay? >> For example, um publicly accessible bike racks, >> okay? and some provisions for
um bike storage and ebike storage so that if there is something in there, >> okay, >> it's in a location that is um I guess as sa practical but as safe as possible from a fire prevention standpoint. You know, we want it
accessible. We don't want it, you know, tucked away in the building so that if there is a charging fire or something like that. >> Would it be from your perspective acceptable? Sorry. Would it be acceptable if because I know that they have parking outside?
>> Would it be acceptable if it was somehow included but shielded in under the building parking area? >> Yeah, that's fine. you know, if there is internal parking or something or that's >> I'm just I'm just looking for an easy
answer. >> Yeah, I would just I don't want it to be completely omitted and then we get to site planets. Oh, well, we didn't think about >> I think it's a good suggestion. I I can I can suggest, but what I would also say that um >> you know, I typically do write about
storage and all that. Uh in this case I I did not write. Um and um the reason why I did not write is that uh you know it say Princeton or Morristown towns
that are very heavy to bike right >> uh some I've noticed in a few of my development plans when I wrote this >> um it's there >> but at the site plan they always ask for waiverss so that's what that's why I did
not write I I'm a biker myself as you know. So >> that that's fine. I I'd like to see it in the plan and if they need a waiver they can ask for a waiver but I would like the presumption that we are providing for that. >> Okay no problem. >> Um
>> what page >> still I guess still on that same in terms of on-site pedestrian requirements. Um, I couldn't tell from the renderings cuz there were a lot of storefronts, but I would like there to be some sort of uh
recommendation that the residential main entrance would be fronting Bloomfield A. So, we have that downtown connection. >> I think it does. >> It does. Okay. >> Yeah. Um, and I can I don't uh I can
show you the rendering. So if you look on page 28 um and you go from left to right, the third door is the residential door. >> Mhm. >> So there is there is entrance from that.
>> Okay. Yeah, I just I couldn't tell if those were just storefront entrances or >> Yeah, that was the main Okay. >> Cuz I know I I've uh I had a feeling that they would their professionals
would just get mad at me the last time. >> Right. Right. Um the so looking at 5.4 facades >> um you know we have a lot of um renderings. We have the architectural
um uh elevations. I mean, I would just recommend putting some captions on there and then tying okay, >> you know, when you have the descriptions, tying it into like, oh, you know, per five point uh figure one or figure two.
>> Okay. >> Um just so when we're reviewing it, if anything changes uh in the site plan, you know, we have something to refer back to and say, well, you know, this is kind of >> the concept. >> Yeah. Labels.
>> Exactly. to show what elements are being required as part of this plan. >> Okay. Sure. And you're talking the facade >> with the facade. Yeah. >> Right. Metal. >> I >> Well, and and and also just the the archeticulation, the the different architectural elements that, you know,
we're articulating >> the site plan. This is >> I know, but the site plan can change. >> You know, they could have a different >> architectural vision and then all of a sudden we're comparing it to this plan. Oh, well those are just pictures. >> Yeah. Okay. That's not But I can promise
you the way we discussed Mr. Salivan and myself, I I would have had it very difficult if they I would be shocked if they changed it. >> Right. I just I I I want to make it clear that >> what we're approving in the plan, this is generally what we're going to expect.
>> And I know what what it is. Um I I could do that uh perspective at the corner of whatever uh park and uh Bloomfield I could say um west elevation or side elevation as seen from park. So that
that way when they do bring the site plan it will be easy for you to >> or if they have a more engineered concept that we want to attach to the plan and have a reference to say you know it's going to be material materially consistent with this plan
>> um >> subject to the language of the redevelopment plan. >> I think >> I'd be fine with that. I think the you know because our internet is not working but I there was there was a a floor plan where that that was very conceptual so
I'm not sure if I want to include it right now I really wanted and typically when I have written other redevelopment plans um I don't include floor plans as much as I include elevations right >> because the internal changes could happen. Well, no, no. I'm not talking
about the floor. I'm talking about the site >> site plan and then architectural concepts to say, hey, this is this is what we are approving. You know, if there's a difference between what's here in the concept and the language of the
plan with respect to the specific bulk regulations, the text of the plan controls, but I I want it to come into the site plan phase. >> Yeah. being very very sure that it's
consistent with what we've already seen and approved so that >> we're not in a spectrum 360 situation where this is dragging out. So, we're not in a spectrum 360 situation where it's dragging out for >> a long time. But let me uh Well, if I
can Yeah, go ahead. Can I >> make a suggestion or a couple of suggestions? So, I mean to definitely accommodate the board and to accommodate all of our hopes that basically the picture that we see here
is what we end up getting because it's stunning, you know, and it would fit right in. Um, I will suggest that we have a site plan review committee meeting to basically sus out some of the work
that will be proposed and promoted to the planning board at some point or the council at some point in order to basically do the check do the leg work on this before the plans come forth before they
move forward. So that all of that is kind of worked through before the hearings begin. I don't Is that something that can be done? >> We've never used our site plan review committee and I've been on this board
since 2018 and I have never been to a meeting, but would you be receptive to that? >> Yeah, that that would be fine. Um, I I do like the idea of having as much detail in the redevelopment plan as possible because it's it's not a zoning
overlay. It's not just a general zoning ordinance. We can be very specific here. So, I'd like it to be >> I agree, but I don't know as possible >> to I don't think we're going to get that this evening. >> Well, the the pictures >> doesn't have to be this evening, but I don't know how far along the developer
is. >> I don't believe they have this plan ready. Um I think you know typically in my opinion respectfully um we when I write plans or I've seen plans written by others um the emphasis is
more upon how the building is going to look >> right internally those uh engineered plans will I don't think it'll change drastically but they I no one prepares it so soon in the game like when even when we write dry uh draw our side plans
for the private development. Uh until everything is approved, we don't prepare it. So I I didn't receive any and the concepts I received I have basically gone through numerous iterations. I so what I know this is
final is presented now. >> Okay. >> And then um my last point is on the storm water. I saw it just kind of generally refers to >> page >> um
>> uh 37. >> Yeah. >> Of the whole thing about page 30. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, and again, this goes to how far along the developer is with their engineering. >> Um,
to the extent that there are specific um, mechanisms that they plan on using that have kind of already been vetted and we are fine with. I'd like to see it in the plan. So that again we don't have a spectrum 360 where they say hey we're
going to we're going to comply with your storm water management um regulation no problem and then they get here and they can't and they're asking for waiverss because when they did when they did the when they did the uh borings they realized oh water can't percolate here.
So to the extent that the developer has an idea of the direction they want to go, I'd like to have it specified in the plan so that it's not a surprise. So that it's not, oh well, you know, we thought we could comply and now we can't. you know, if if we have an
opportunity to supersede those general regulations, let's do it here instead of having to go through the >> It's not the >> general regulations, it's Verona's zoning code regulations which supersede the which are
>> much more strict than the states. >> So, I can tell you this that again at this stage they I don't believe they have it, okay? But we had very clearly said to them that you need to comply
with Veronas and the fact that Veronas is more stringent than >> Exactly. And and I get that. But >> right >> when the rubber hits the road and then they realize, oh, we can't comply with Verona Strip Code. I'd like to know sooner rather than
>> I I second hearing. were told um that they will be in compliance. That's the intent. And I I typically I'm always wary when people say this, but this particular um uh group has been so uh
very very uh forthcoming, conscientious and uh really, you know, dedicated in making this a landmark building. And in fact um you know your uh town manager and myself have used that as a template
to others like you want to do this follow this so I so you know what's the next >> that's it >> that's it >> okay thank you >> any questions
>> nothing yet >> okay >> uh manager Sen, >> I don't have any questions. >> Deputy Mayor Mack. >> Uh, just a quick question. In these renderings, we're seeing uh seeing some
trees and some greenery on the roof. Uh, is it looks to me like it's just in the Park Avenue, Bloomfield Avenue corner. It's not the entire roof. No, actually if you look on page 26,
um they they are proposing uh density um this uh these trees along every terrace. So if you go all the way to uh the left on there's a terrace on the third floor. Um they're proposing landscaping there.
If you look at that um it's along above the stores uh as you go towards park and then as you go along uh Park Avenue there's on that um second floor terrace
as well as the third floor terrace. >> But the rooftop terrace that people can utilize is just on the front corner there. Correct. It's not the entire roof behind. I don't believe so. But again, I would have uh taken a look at
it, but this is uh it's not working. I'm sorry. But uh I don't believe we received. Um let me ask you this, Deputy Mayor. Would you do you have any specific standard that you
would like us to put that? Um >> from the looks of this, it looks like it's on the Bloomfield Park corner. Uh, and the there's if you go all the way to the beginning of your presentation. >> Mhm.
>> On that building, go back. >> It doesn't look like it's on the east side because it looks like that that floor the apartments are raised above there. So my reason for asking that is because we have residential apartments on that side and obviously if someone's
up there a little bit later and a radio on it won't wouldn't disturb the other people on I see. I think I would you let me think about this then maybe like have have some standard written about you
know basically stipulating that uh the use of the terrace shall you know shall not be like shall be until 900 p.m. or something. Uh, I think we have to do I think if the terrace is
just isolated on the Bloomfield Avenue Park side, Park Street, I think it would be okay. >> Okay. >> Uh, because again, looking at the rendering, it doesn't look like it goes over because it's it's on that third floor. So, it's a lot of that third
floor are the apartments. I just want to make sure, but it's page on 29. You have the picture. Sorry. But it's something to determine because you're looking upward. I just want to make sure there's no uh it's not basically the roof terrace is not the
entire >> No, no, it's not. Uh on page 28 it shows it's not >> Mayor. >> No questions. The council's had an opportunity to review, so I'm satisfied.
>> I just have one question regarding um parking spots created on Bloomfield Avenue. Can you explain that? >> Sure. So um as you know um there's uh there are
there's one large ingress igress point right when you come in to the left is the uh pergola to the right is the barn and then there's another ingress and igress point as you uh on the um easterly side of the pergola. Now the
way they're proposing this is there's just going to be one ingress and eress which will be closer to the apartment building uh on the uh on the eastern uh side easterly side and closing that
um extra um which then uh gives them the ability to create three new on street parking. three new on street parking and based on the conversation with the developer. Um they
uh spoke to the engineer at Essex County to basically say can they get this um parking you know to create this new uh parking and they got that approval and
um so it's closing of that entrance and the creating three new parking spaces which will be only dedicated for the commercial users. none of the residential uh residential parking is within the site.
>> So there would be no overnight parking there because it's Bloomfield Avenue. >> Okay. Um, and just one other clarification and again I know what our master plan said about parking to reduce to share and it
seems like this very much meets what we drafted into the master plan but I do have a couple of I just want to ensure that um we're going to be covered here because it said whether it's like it
seems like whether it's a onebedroom or a threebedroom it's 1.8 8 per unit. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> So, a threebedroom still only requires 1.8 parking spots. >> Correct. >> Okay. I just wanted clarity.
Does anyone have anything on that or anything further? >> I just explain again. So, who's going to be able to park on this on those those three spots? Um so the three spots that are um that will be created uh people
who use the commercial can park. So um those are the only people we can >> customers. >> Customers that's correct. >> Will there will there will they be metered? >> I don't >> I don't get I don't understand what the difference is.
>> U because you can't park there overnight. So it's not a res anywhere overnight >> on the street. That's correct. It's commercial parking. So, in other words, if there's a store there, somebody buying something from the store or if there's like a little cafe there,
somebody could pull over and park >> and go in and eat. >> It's not It's not going to be restricted to like >> what's to stop someone from parking there and crossing the street and going somewhere else. It is. Okay. >> That's something I got clarified. Um,
>> so there's gonna be a little sign that says parking only for Joe's coffee shop or whatever >> press far or what have you. And that um that was what the county also said to the developer and that was conveyed to
me. >> Yeah. Is that a precedent we want to set? >> Well, it that that would have to be ordained by the township council to allow that to occur. county road. >> It's a county road, but it's our ordinance is determine parking on the
road. So, I don't know if >> it would be commercial, >> only commercial, >> but it's but it's on a public highway. >> What is your take on this, Mr. Plans adopted by >> You're shaking? No. Why? >> I I don't >> You've never seen this? >> Never. I mean, I've seen it, but one, I
mean, just from a personal standpoint, I don't think it's fair to, you know, other businesses across the street or or whatever. Um, the other thing is you need county approval. I know that we talked about county approval for the, you know, for the curb cut and creating
those spots. And then lastly, it's it's the governing body's um ultimate decision because as the mayor said, the governing body has the control as vested by the county, >> right? >> So that's a tough one. >> I I may I may I elaborate further? I
agree. One of the thoughts that you know while writing this I was thinking is why would somebody get more preference for treatment compared to the other businesses? But the fundamental um uh the fundamental difference in this case
is that they have an existing curve, right, which is going uh not being used as a driveway and they're creating new spaces that do not exist today, right? So that was the um you know um that was
the thought process behind it and the county was in support of it. So that was also conveyed to us. >> Otherwise, I wouldn't have put this in the >> Are they cutting into the sidewalk area that was once utilized as sidewalk because the setback of the building is
that much further back? >> I don't believe so. It's on the right of way. Um >> it's it's on Avenue. Yeah, >> that is correct. >> Yes. I just I can't envision it. >> But I I I actually sketched it out. Okay. But I didn't bring it in because I
didn't think I would be asked this and I would have been able to show you. >> I actually measured it because typically when we do this, right? And Kevin, correct me if I'm wrong, but typically when we do this, it's like whatever it's
22 ft or 24 ft. and I actually measure to see um just because I don't want to blindly believe what I'm told and it actually does create three new spaces. Okay. >> So So if somebody parks there then it's up to the business owner to what inform
the police department to come and ticket the person. I would I would imagine that's how you know when you I've seen these kind of signs and you'll see it in home Jersey City right which is saying that parking reserve for blah blah blah. So you know
um to at the owner's expense or something. So I I would imagine that would be the sign and I again this is a very good question to ask at site plan when you guys >> I could step in. I think my understanding of of when the
redevelopment plan was drafted was that the creation of those new spaces was going to be used to count towards their total parking provided in to supplement their on-site parking that's being provided. Not necessarily to specifically designate those spots for
those commercial uses. I think the idea of the creation of those spaces to help meet their part need is probably a more agreeable approach than specifically designating them as use of spaces for those commercial restaurants. So I I think or the the commercial space I
think that's the approach that was my understand it's >> I'm okay with that >> correct >> I know >> it's fine >> I understand >> I needed to you know I I just yeah thank you
>> does anybody else have >> any further questions >> and just to understand those what you're recommending those would be permitted for the building residents or just more spaces that anybody Open parking, >> correct? Open parking for public use, not preferential for one business or
another, but it would be presumably parking spaces that uh patrons of those businesses would would have available to them and would most likely be the ones using them before other patrons of other businesses. >> The the parking on Bloomfield Avenue, that spot, is underutilized along
Bloomfield Avenue during peak hours. Mhm. >> So, you know, you're adding capacity because you're adding potentially like a restaurant or something like that, >> but other than that, really that parking is more used in evenings. >> Um 4 to 8 >> for Yeah. Yeah. for either the the
funeral home or for or for visitors to the the apartment buildings that are adjacent. But during peak hours. >> Exactly. >> I I drive by there multiple times a day. >> And just to add, the reason they're Jesse, just so they have along Bluefield
Avenue, correct me if I'm wrong, Sam, they have three entrances. There's three driveways currently and they're taking the two larger driveways out and that's how they're being created. >> Madam Chairwoman, I move to find this not inconsistent with the master plan.
>> Can I get a second? Yeah, I'd like to second that with um you know the recommendation that they council considers adding um the local housing credits and provisions for um public and private life by storage. So
the maintenance of the five credits that are currently proposed in this um and it's actually I'm not sure how clearly written that is but I don't I I don't disagree okay >> with Mr. Iman's uh asking for that to be
kind of more concrete and then the provision for but and you want do you want a more solid confirmation on building materials for architectural purposes? >> Yeah, I would recommend just incorporating some language into those
figures, tying it into the language of the sh. >> Happy to doing that. >> I have no problem amending the motion to include those recommendations. >> Mr. Pro Sullivan, >> just for for clarification, I'm not sure if the we should just make sure that the specific number matches the housing,
>> but five credits. >> It might not. I think there is we think there's more credits than that. >> I'm I'm mirror having language saying the minimum affordable housing credits to be provided shall be consistent with
the credits projected in the housing themed housing. >> Yep. So whatever we're relying on, we feel confident we're going to. >> That's perfect. >> Just a new language. Um so the language
in the plan should be amended to say that the the the minimum affordable housing credit um provided by the developer shall be consistent with the approved housing
element uh with respect to projected credits. Right. So I have three and I'm sure >> it's um but it's five credits right now. >> Uh did you just say that it's more than
you think it's more than five? >> More on our plan. >> No those verbage is going to be what's on our plan. >> What's on our plan? Right. So the number is >> within our plan. Okay. >> So it minimum of what's in our plan.
>> Correct. Okay. >> And then the bike and then the bikes as as Jason had talked about earlier, electric and then um incorporate language into the figures. >> Obviously, I'll word that differently, but >> Right. >> Okay. >> Are there any other uh suggestions for
the council's consideration? >> Okay. Um Mr. Mayor, do you want to remove it and or move >> remove it? >> Sure. I I amend the motion as discussed and read back by the >> Okay.
>> Planning board attorney. >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Heinman. Can we get a voice? I'm sorry. Roll over. >> Mr. Lily. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heinman. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Makavoy.
>> Yes. >> Township manager Sullivan. >> Yes. >> Mayor Tambbero. >> Yes. >> Um Vice Chair Fesky. >> Yes. Chair Pearson. >> Yes. >> The motion passes. And >> Madam Chair, because we have 35 days to
uh um report back to the council, um I will draft a letter that is that sets forth the terms that we had that were uh the terms of the motion and then we can memorialize it by resolution next month. But
>> I I spoke just so that you know, I spoke to our township clerk For the purposes of the council, I was told that a memo from DD, right, >> would basically allow them to move. >> That's what I'm speaking. That's how we normally do it. Past practice. I say a
letter, but we I draft it with DD. We send it to the council. >> She could send it tomorrow. >> Yeah, that's fine. That's >> norally and then you can append that at Got it. You you finish. >> We don't have until November 10th. >> There you go. You have plenty of time.
No, because Greg waits till November 9th. >> That's not true on something. >> No, but that's our past practice is a memo will go up. I say letter, but we'll draft it and you know that it's it's not inconsistent and we're going to have
recommendations and then we memorialize it by the resolution. >> Okay. Right. >> Perfect. >> And then I will be presenting on November 10th uh for uh the second reading. >> Correct. So, is there an appropriate amount of
time if I was told if you were to just zip an email to the township clerk tomorrow morning, I'm just making sure that there was >> We have 35 days. We have 35 days to report back to the council.
>> Right. >> But they're hearing it second reading on November 10th, which is not 35 days away. Well, no. We have 35 days from the time that they referred it to us, which they referred it to us last week sometime or two weeks ago. >> Yeah.
>> So, it's No, we're good with all the time. >> Okay. It doesn't Okay. >> All righty. Um, >> thank you everybody. >> Thank you. The last matter on our agenda is a
proposed change to zoning code 150-13.3B. Um uh >> did we miss >> Did we skip the meeting? >> Oh yeah, I Yeah, I did. Sorry. Does
anybody uh has everybody received the meeting dates? Okay. Somebody want to move that resolution? I'll move it. >> Second. >> Seconded by Jason, Mr. Heinman. All members to approve the meeting
minutes. >> Okay. DD, can you send that along with the memo tomorrow to >> approve the dates, not the minutes? >> Yeah, I meant the dates. Sorry, I'm starting to lose it. >> Can you also forward that to >> click? >> I don't know. It doesn't have to.
There's time does not determine these things. >> Good night. >> Good night. Bye. >> Good night. Thank you. Um and just let her know that those will be the meeting dates that she could publish for the board for 2026. Um now the last
thing on the agenda is a proposed change to zoning code uh 150-13.3B. Um and uh C um Ms. Meech, zoning code
official Meech, could you uh explain from when this cames whatever? >> So currently the way the code reads, if you have a house and it's got a pre-existing non-conforming setback,
let's say you have to have 8 ft and you've got 6 ft. the way the code reads now, you can do an enlargement in addition to that house and stay along that violated setback as long as you don't go into the violated setback. What
this change says is that if you're going to expand and large, you have to go with what the current code is. So, if you have a 6ft setback for your house, if you're going to do an addition and it's 8t in the current code, the addition has to go into the 8t and not along the 6t
line. Same thing for height. >> But and the practical practical application is somebody has a six-foot setback, 8 ft is required and they want to build the patio and the patio has um
the patio will meet coverage. Technically without this ordinance they would need a variance because they're exacerbating a nonconformity even though it's not the second goal on coverage. staying within they're staying within coverage but they have a setback
violation. So technically because there is a violation then the violation arguably could be exacerbated but we're trying to avoid the practical effect and Kathleen and I for the record we have a we have a uh a difference in the
interpretation of how it's written but I certainly understand her interpretation and I certainly believe that it could be written much more clearly. um you know because under Kathleen's interpretation >> of the first one on the current >> yeah the first one is it's it's ambiguous I mean there's no question
about it it can be interpreted two ways the intent is and the way the second one is drafted as I was saying if you have a six-foot setback on one side and you're applying for any other relief and you meet that requirement the the violative
six-foot setback is not a factor >> right >> what Kathleen's interpretation and many people's interpretation of the way it's written now, someone could come in and get a variance for a sixoot setback. And then once they get their their CO
for that sixoot setback, they could extend it all the way to the >> to to the rear yard >> as as it sits >> without violating the rear yard setback, but as it's written and as I said, that's Kathleen's interpretation. I certainly agree it can be interpreted that way. I mean, so we're I think we're
buttoning it up. I >> any comments or any questions? >> I I just this has become a concern among bavers. Um and it's becoming acutely more of a concern because there are a lot of non-conforming
structures that are being expanded because we're having a pretty significant uh building boom here in Verona as people are buying property, improving it. Um and you know uh residents have share that they're they feel like some
of the these very large additions are very close to their homes and property lines and they're like losing sun and stuff like that. So it's a it's a good way of not only addressing the building but also keeping good neighbors as well
and avoiding conflicts among uh residents. And again I I'm sorry again I think that that was the intent in the first iteration but it obviously didn't take into consideration
a variance being sought received and then doing something further afterwards. It only right >> any other any other questions or comments? So what is it that we're supposed to do here? make a recommendation to the governing body
>> to adopt >> which TD can do by memo tomorrow morning make a recommendation to the governing body that the governing body amend that ordinance and the governing body after first reading will send it to us for consistency determination
>> I mean can we can we preempt >> we don't have the ordinance yet >> okay >> um and then and then presumably the governing body will pass the ordinance >> you know would be great if that whole chapter came to us with all the updates
so that we could go through it. And I know there's a few people at this table that have long lists of in you know inconsistencies and weird language and >> I have I still have my edits from the the code that was ultimately passed that
the edits were never incorporated into the >> So there are a lot of problems in the code as it is but We'll do one section in one section. >> Oh, sure. >> By 2094. >> Okay. >> That's what we call long-term planning.
>> So, does anybody object to sending a a recommendation to the council in memo format? Do we have to make a motion for that? >> We should have a motion. >> Okay. >> Um, I'll make a motion to uh ask the council to please u adopt the new
language into the zoning code as we find it consistent with the master plan. No, we're not allowed to say that. >> I second the motion. >> Uh, and Mr. Fresky seconds. Do we take a just roll call vote?
>> Yes, please. >> Mr. Lily, >> yes. >> Mr. Heinman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Township manager. >> Yes. >> Mayor Tambbero. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Presky. >> Yes.
>> And Chair Pearson. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. You are the best. Greg is Greg has been sharing >> the way that first the