METUCHEN PLANNING BOARD

 

MINUTES

 

JULY 21, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. by the Vice Chairperson, Deanna Manzo, who read the statement in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act.

 

Present:           Jack Belowich                                                 John Leazer, Alt. II

                        Martin Jessen                                                  Jim Constantine, Planner

                        Deanna Manzo, Vice Chr.                              Carlos Rodrigues, Planner
                        Edmund O’Brien, Mayor                                William Doyle, Attorney

                        Kenneth O’Brien                                            David Hoder, Engineer

                        Catherine Totin, Councilmember                    Sharon Hollis, Secretary

                        Ellen Clarkson, Alt. I

 

Absent:            Eric Erickson, Chairman                                 Steven Strom

                        David Labrecque

 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Linda DeCeglie – TRC - Applicant is seeking approval for a change of use to a gymboree, retail service business for child development.

 

10 Amboy Avenue                                          Block 195                                Lots 32

 

Mr. Belowich read the resolution.  After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Belowich, seconded by Mr. Jessen.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Premier Car Care Center – TRC – Applicant is seeking to amend site plan approval to relocate a portion of an existing planting bed from the front of the site to the center rear portion of the lot adjacent to an awning.

 

175 Essex Avenue                                          Block 131.01                           Lot 5

 

 

PB MINUTES 7-21-05                                                                                             PAGE 2

 

 

 

Mr. Belowich stated the Technical Review Committee did start to review this application but since the owner was ill a final decision was not made. Mr. Hoder noted that additional landscaping should be planted around the building on the southwest side.  A sidewalk should be constructed in the front of the property, which would require DOT approval.  Mr. Constantine stated the sidewalk would best address the safety concern because it creates a clear delineation of where the cars cannot pass.  Right now everything bleeds together and you really cannot tell where one thing ends and another begins.

 

Mr. Belowich requested that the application be held until the applicant can be informed of the changes.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

660 Middlesex Avenue Associates, LLC – Applicant is seeking major site plan approval with bulk variances to construct a new restaurant, bank, retail 16 work/live units and a parking deck.

 

660 Middlesex Avenue                                   Block 83                                  Lots 24, 26, 27

                                                                        Block 83.01                             Lots 34, 35

 

After a brief discussion, it was announced that this application will not be heard tonight and has been carried to September 15, 2005.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Review and discussion of Ordinance 2005-11 amending the Land Development Ordinance of the Borough of Metuchen, Chapter 110, Section 110-72 “R-5 Overlay Residential District” and Section 110-91A “Specific Requirements”.

 

Mayor O’Brien stated when the Ordinance was amended in 1999 to remove the overlays in the R-5 and R-6 District for some reason, maybe a clerical error, the R-5 District overlay was not removed.  The objectives in the Master Plan revision in 2002 the intent was not to have residential on that overlay.  The Council is asking the Board tonight is to review the Ordinance and determine if the Ordinance is in conflict with the Master Plan.

 

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Jessen that Ordinance 2005-11 does not conflict with the Master Plan, seconded by Councilmember Totin.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

PB MINUTES 7-21-05                                                                                 PAGE 3

 

 



The public portion was opened.  Since no one came forward the public portion was closed.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Sharon Hollis

                                                                        Planning Board Secretary