METUCHEN PLANNING BOARD

 

MINUTES

 

NOVEMBER 17, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m. by the Chairman, Eric Erickson, who read the statement in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act.

 

Present:           Jack Belowich                                                 Ellen Clarkson, Alt. I

                        Eric Erickson, Chr.                                          John Leazer, Alt. II

                        Martin Jessen                                                  Carlos Rodrigues, Planner

                        David Labrecque                                            William Doyle, Attorney

                        Deanna Manzo, Vice Chr.                              David Hoder, Engineer

                        Edmund O’Brien, Mayor                                Fany Ayala, Zoning Official

                        Kenneth O’Brien                                            Sharon Hollis, Secretary

                                                           

Absent:            Catherine Totin, Councilmember

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Zdzislow & Beata Makowski – Applicant is seeking minor site plan (waiver approval) to construct a 15’ wide driveway 3’ from the property line.

 

11 Elm Court                                      Block 60                      Lot 75                         Zone R-4

 

Zdzislow Makowski was sworn in by Mr. Doyle.

 

Mr. Wiley, attorney, stated the applicant would like to construct a 15’ wide driveway in the front yard to park two cars.  This driveway conforms to the townhouse design standards; however, it will be 3’ from the property line instead of the required 5’.  The width of the property is 24.85’.  The ordinance requires 5’ off of the property line with a 15’ wide driveway.   In order to avoid a waiver 25’ is required, which isn’t possible.

 

Mr. Makowski stated he would like to have the driveway because it is hard to find parking on the street.  The driveway would also help residents on the block.  This would give one extra spot to park because it would remove two cars off of the street.  The surface of the driveway will be concrete.  A small green area will remain in the front yard. 

 

 

PB MINUTES 11-17-05                                                                                           PAGE 2

 

 

 

Mr. Wiley described the neighborhood and stated there are only two 4 family homes which have driveways.  Other homes on the street have complete front yards.  The fence will remain on the property line.

 

Since a few different plans were submitted to the Board to review, questions were raised as to which plan the applicant would like to have approved and exactly what waivers are being requested.

 

Mr. Wiley stated the drawing marked proposed is what the applicant is looking to construct.  Option 1 would be to try to get the driveway between the property line and the house.  This would allow two cars to park on the property.  However, this would not allow for a buffer to the property line and three pine trees would be removed.  Option 2 would allow for a tapered driveway.  (Pictures of the site were marked for identification by Mr. Doyle as exhibits A-1 through A-5).  This is the only townhouse on the street that has a sideyard.

 

The public portion was opened.

 

Pricilla Behr, 9 Elm Court, stated she is concerned about a shade tree being removed and the landscape being altered.  One car would be parked in the driveway and the other car would be parked in the street entrance to the driveway thus creating an eyesore.  Materials used to pave the driveway would be asphalt or concrete.  Elm Court is a tight dead-end street with parking spaces filled to capacity most evenings.  This driveway would eliminate a parking space and present problems for others to park their cars day or night.  This driveway will help only the applicant’s problem.

 

Michelle Milevoi, 7 Elm Court, stated she is not pleased with the plan.   This plan will take over the entire front yard and really only eliminate one family’s problem.  It will impact residents on the street.  If this driveway is going to be constructed there can the Board negotiate other standards such as pavers?  Please consider the effect of other residents on the street.

 

The public portion was closed. 

 

Mr. Wiley stated the sideyard setback is 8.3’.   If the driveway is placed in the sideyard the fence and three evergreen trees will have to be removed.

 

Mr. Rodrigues interpreted the section of the Ordinance which deals with driveways.

 

After a brief discussion, Mr. Erickson announced that the Board was going to ask the police to check the street and conduct a parking survey.  This application will be carried to the December 1, 2005 meeting.

 

PB MINUTES 11-17-05                                                                                           PAGE 3

 

 

 

The Board recessed at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

Review and discussion of the following Ordinances to amend the Land Development Ordinance:

 

Ordinance 2005-18 – Chapter 110, Article 42 – Drainage Standards

Ordinance 2005-19 – Chapter 110, by adding a new Article 65 – Improper Disposal of Waste

Ordinance 2005-20 – Chapter 110, by adding a new Article 66 – Illicit Connection

 

Mr. Hoder stated he wrote the Ordinances, which need to be approved, because of the new stormwater regulations.  This will strengthen the Ordinances in regards to water quality and volume.   There are structural and nonstructural best management practices that the Borough needs to implement when applicants come through the Board on major applications.  Mr. Hoder briefly explained changes in each Ordinance.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Jessen to recommend to the Council the adoption of the Ordinances as presented, seconded by Mr. Belowich.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Ordinance 2005-23 – Chapter 110, Article 21 – Affordable Housing, Section 110-95 Multiple Family Residential Development

 

Mr. Rodrigues stated this Ordinance will amend the Borough’s Affordable Housing Ordinance to update it to better meet the requirements of the COAH third round rules.  This Ordinance increases the set aside percentages, it creates a mechanism to collect contributions for both nonresidential and residential developments for the Borough’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.   This Ordinance also would add as a permitted use in a number of districts affordable senior housing.  This is defined as being for people 62 years of age or older and will affect the B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, D-1 and the LI districts.   Mr. Rodrigues briefly explained how the new rules work.

 

Mr. Doyle stated after reviewing the Ordinance there seems to be a problem with the wording in Section 1.  It looks like the entire 110-95 Section is being deleted except for what is being inserted by this new Ordinance.   That is not the intent and new wording is required.  Mr. Doyle stated he would notify the Borough Attorney tomorrow.

 

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Belowich to recommend to the Council the adoption of the Ordinance as amended, seconded by Mr. Labrecque.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

PB MINUTES 11-17-05                                                                                           PAGE 4

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Sharon Hollis

                                                                        Planning Board Secretary