UPPER TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 13, 2008
The regular meeting of the Upper Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held at the Township Hall, 2100 Tuckahoe Road, Petersburg, New Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Mary Jean Burgin, Christopher Phifer, Jeffrey Pierson, Andrew Shawl, Matthew Unsworth, Lynn Petrozza, Paul Casaccio.
Absent: Ted Klepac and Kenneth Yakopcic.
Also in attendance were Dean Marcolongo, Board Solicitor; Paul Dietrich, Board Engineer and Shelley Lea, Zoning Officer and Board Secretary.
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Pierson and seconded by Mr. Unsworth. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza. Abstain: Casaccio.
The above application has been tabled at the applicant’s request until April 10, 2008. The applicant’s have agreed to waive the tolling of the time.
The application has been tabled at the applicant’s request until April 10, 2008. The applicant’s have agreed to waive the tolling of the time.
The Board Secretary was directed to send a letter to the applicant’s indicating that notices will have to be resent if the application is not heard in April.
Michael Stanton, Esquire, was present to represent the applicant. He requested to table the application to allow time to address the Buy Sell Letters he just received. He will send notices and publish in the newspaper. He agreed to waive the tolling of time. The application will be heard on April 10, 2008.
Brian and Brigitte Turner, 107 Center Avenue, Chatham, NJ, were sworn in. They requested to table the application until April 10, 2008. They will send new notices to everyone within 200 ft. and request an updated Certified List. They agree to waive the tolling of the time.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Unsworth and seconded by Mr. Pierson. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza. Abstain: Casaccio.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Unsworth and seconded by Mr. Pierson. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza. Abstain: Casaccio.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Unsworth and seconded by Mrs. Burgin. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza. Abstain: Casaccio.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Shawl and seconded by Mrs. Burgin. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza. Abstain: Casaccio.
A motion to approve the bills for payment was made by Mr. Shawl, seconded by Mr. Pierson, and approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion to go into Executive Session was made by Mr. Shawl, seconded by Mr. Unsworth, and approved. (7:50 p.m.)
The Board returned to the record at 8:00 p.m.
Application is to allow a 50 ft. wide curb cut where 16 ft. is permitted at 105 Harbor Road, Beesleys Point.
Michael Stanton, Esquire, represented the owners of the property Raymond Trainer and Robert Ratoskey. He stated that the original driveway was stone and the applicant has replaced it with a 50 ft. wide concrete driveway. The ordinance allows only a 16 ft. curb cut. This is a narrow street and there is not a big demand for on street parking.
Raymond Trainor, 322 Cardinal Drive, Plymouth Meeting, PA, was sworn in. He testified that they received variances from the board to demolished the previous house on the property and replace it with a new house. They removed bushes and made the existing parking area larger. At the previous hearing the size of the parking area was not specified so they concreted the entire front of the property.
Mr. Trainor stated that this is a narrow street. He described the other driveways on the road. They need the parking area for his family and the other owner of the property since there is not enough room to park on the road. The driveway is made of stamped concrete and is aesthetically pleasing.
Mr. Dietrich stated that the previous survey shows a 16 ft. or 20 ft. wide driveway with a turn around area. He agrees the only way to park a car on the road is to park partially on the grass. He believes they comply with the impervious coverage requirements due to all the open space in the rear. There are no drainage issues.
Mr. Trainor testified that it would be a detriment to the neighbors if the Board denies the variance request and his family had to park on the street.
The meeting was open to the public. Hearing no comments the meeting returned to the Board for findings of fact.
MR. UNSWORTH – Raymond Trainor of Ratoskey & Trainor, Inc., was present to discuss his property located at 115 Harbor Lane, Block 735, Lot 4.01. The applicant is
requesting a 50 ft. wide street opening where 16 ft. is permitted. Testimony has been given as to the narrowness of the road and the uniqueness of the neighborhood. This is actually a better provision for parking since it allows for off street parking. It is difficult to park along the road since it is so narrow. There was no public comment. The 50 ft wide driveway provides a better parking situation. He feels the application should be approved.
MR. PIERSON – There are no problems with impervious coverage and there are no drainage issues. Knowing the area and being a member of the fire company he feels the application meets 40:55D70 to secure safety from fire and flood. Parking vehicles on site provides safer access to the houses at the end of the street.
MR. SHAWL – Bulk variances were previously granted to the applicant according to Resolution No. BA13-05.
MRS. BURGIN – There are no municipal projects planned on the street. The boat in the front yard will be removed.
MR. CASACCIO – The applicant agreed to enforce no on street parking.
A motion was made by Mr. Unsworth and seconded by Mr. Pierson, to grant the variance to allow the 50 ft. wide driveway with the standard conditions. In favor: Burgin, Phifer, Pierson, Shawl, Unsworth, Petrozza, Casaccio.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Pierson, seconded by Mr. Shawl, and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Submitted by,
Shelley Lea