METUCHEN PLANNING BOARD

 

MINUTES

 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. by the Chairman, Eric Erickson, who read the statement in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act.

 

Present:           Jack Belowich                                                 John Leazer, Alt. II

                        Eric Erickson, Chr.                                          James Constantine, Planner

                        Martin Jessen                                                  Carlos Rodrigues, Planner

                        David Labrecque                                            William Doyle, Attorney

                        Deanna Manzo, Vice Chr.                              David Hoder, Engineer

                        Kenneth O’Brien                                            Fany Ayala, Zoning Official

                        Catherine Totin, Councilmember                    Sharon Hollis, Secretary

                        Ellen Clarkson, Alt. I                         

 

Absent:            Edmund O’Brien, Mayor

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Globe Die Cutting Products Inc. – Applicant is seeking site plan approval to finish vacant space between buildings.

 

82-84 Liberty Street                                        Block 48.1                               Lot 72

 

After a brief discussion a change made/letter C on page 8 to remove the word Ordinance and to add the words Borough Engineer.

 

A motion was made by Councilmember Totin to approve the resolution as amended, seconded by Mr. Labrecque.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Anthony & Maureen Azzara – TRC – Applicant is seeking to change the use of the building from office/residential to a single family dwelling.

 

192 Amboy Avenue                                        Block 184                                Lot 39

 

 

PB MINUTES 9-15-05                                                                                             PAGE 2

 

 

 

 

Mr. Belowich read the recommendation.  A motion was made by Mr. Belowich to approve the recommendation as written, seconded by Councilmember Totin.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

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

 

Mr. Wiley stated the application has been modified since the last meeting.  This application will not be concluded tonight.  Two witnesses will testify at the October 6, 2005 meeting due to a conflict with their schedules.

 

William Salmon, professional engineer, previously sworn in, stated regarding the parking tabulation submitted at the last meeting the applicant was deficient in parking spaces due to the banquet facilities.  The project architect, Nicholas Netta, submitted a letter dated June 29, 2005, (which was marked for identification as exhibit A-13 by Mr. Doyle) in which it indicates the occupancy of the restaurant and banquet hall is 366.  The previous total submitted was 486 occupants.  The difference is in the banquet hall, so that the parking count goes down by 40 parking spaces.  With regards to the work/live units the applicant has expressed a desire to put a one stall parking garage in each unit, therefore, there will be an additional increase of 11 spaces.  This would reduce the size of the office space on the first floor of the unit to 600’.  Access to the garage would be in the back of the building.  There will be a difference of 51 parking stalls for this site.  With the increase the applicant is short only 15 parking stalls.  If there were tandem parking this would bring the count down another 5 spaces.

 

Mr. Wiley stated revised plans will be submitted for traffic circulation.

 

There was a lengthy discussion on parking.  Board members remained concerned about the number of work/live units and parking on the site.

 

Nicholas Netta, registered architect, was sworn in by Mr. Doyle.  (Mr. Doyle pre-marked colored architectural renderings of the site for identification as exhibits A-6 through A-12 which depict the proposed front facade of the units, restaurant, landscaped area, balconies on the residential units and the residential street).   The Board reviewed the exhibits.  

 

PB MINUTES 9-15-05                                                                                             PAGE 3

 

 

 

The floor plan for the proposed restaurant was discussed, sheets AR201 and AR 202.  Mr. Netta stated the total of 366 came from the occupancy not the total number of seats proposed.  The floor plan for building was discussed, sheet AR101.  Building #3 will have five (5) work/live units but will not have garages on the first floor.  This building will be located directly behind the parking deck.  The flex units will not be designed to be leaseable spaces or separately sublet.  There will be an affordable unit.

 

Mr. Constantine requested additional windows be added to the buildings.

 

Mr. Leazer excused himself and left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

 

Mr. Netta stated building 3 colored rendering will be modified for the October 6th meeting.  Sheet #AR102, the larger building #1 will have six (6) units and building#2 will have five (5) units.  These plans will be altered to add garages on the first floor, sheet AR102.  The two-story residential area will have two bedrooms with two baths, laundry area and balconies.   These wrought iron balconies will be small 2 ½ to 3’.  You will not be able to sit outside but you will be able to walk out.  There will be five per unit.   There was a brief discussion on the balconies.   The width of the sidewalk in front of the units will be 6’. 

 

Jack Pires, owner, previously sworn in, explained how his existing restaurant in Union on Route 22 operates.  Mr. Pires informed the Board how he has an application before the Board of Adjustment for an additional restaurant for 500 to be built in Linden so that a smaller banquet hall could be built in Metuchen.  Mr. Pires explained how the kitchen area in proposed restaurant would work.

 

Board members continued to express concerns about density on the site.

 

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

 

Mr. Erickson announced the application will be carried to the October 6th meeting.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Review and discussion on the (revised) Stormwater Management Plan, an amendment to the Master Plan.  A resolution may be memorialized.

 

Mr. Hoder stated the plan that was approved by the Board a few months ago was reviewed by the Middlesex County Planning Board and they made a few minor comments regarding name changes and how the figures were addressed.  Those comments are addressed in the August 19, 2005 letter and were addressed in the revised plan.

PB MINUTES 9-15-05                                                                                             PAGE 4

 

 

 

A motion was made by Councilmember Totin to approve the revised plan as written and the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Manzo.  Roll call vote taken.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                        Sharon Hollis

                                                                        Planning Board Secretary