TOWNSHIP OF WALL

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEET

HELD IN THE MUNICIPAL MEETING ROOM

AUGUST 1, 2001

 

 

The Regular Meeting of the Wall Township Board of Adjustment was called to order by Chairman Noorigian at 7:35 P.M.  Members present were Chairman Noorigian, Michael Clayton, Thomas Grasso, Dominic Cinelli, Anthony Rembiszewski, Mary DeSarno, first alternate Mark Brosnan, Attorney Thomas Hirsch, Recording Secretary Betty Schinestuhl, Planning Coordinator Pam D’Andrea, Engineer Glenn Gerken and Reporter Lofreddo.

 

Attorney Hirsch announced that all requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act had been complied with for this meeting and read the purposes of the Board of Adjustment.

 

Chairman Noorigian stated there are five cases listed for this evening.  Two will be carried.  The Plasti-Clad application will be carried to September 5, 2001.  They are to re-notice.  The Meccia application will also be carried to September 5, 2001.  Attorney Hirsch reviewed the Meccia file and stated the Board had jurisdiction to proceed.  They do not have to re-notice.

 

NEW APPLICATION

 

CASE #BA20-2001 Date application complete:  May 16, 2001

 

APPLICANT: JOSEPH M. GISOLDI

 

PROPERTY:  2416 Algonkin Trail, Block 318, Lots 1, 2 and 3, R 7.5 zone

 

RELIEF REQUESTED: Bulk Variance

 

Attorney Hirsch reviewed the file and stated that the Board had jurisdiction to proceed.

 

Sworn by Reporter Lofreddo:   Joseph M. Gisoldi

 

Mr. Gisoldi explained he is proposing to add a two story addition to an existing single family dwelling.  Attorney Hirsch asked what was next to his property.  Mr. Gisoldi explained there is a home there.  Mr. Gisoldi explained his garage is not attached to the house.  He is proposing to connect the home to the detached garage.  The garage will remain a garage.  Attorney Hirsch asked how far is the garage from the side setback.  Mr. Gisoldi said he did not know.  He said approximately 10’ – 15’.  Mr. Gerken stated if the garage is detached the side setback required is  5’.  If it is attached a 7.5’ setback is required.  Mr. Gerken also stated one corner of the garage conforms, the other corner does not because of the lot line.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Photo of home

A-2      Elevation

 

Mr. Cinelli asked for the s.f. of the addition.  Mr. Gisoldi said he does not know the actual s.f.


August 1, 2001                                                                                                 Page 2

 

Mr. Brosnan asked how many homes in the neighborhood have second stories.  Mr. Gisoldi said there are some homes in the neighborhood that have the same addition. 

 

Mr. Clayton asked if there were other homes in the neighborhood with similar setbacks.  Mr. Gisoldi said yes.

 

Mr. Clayton asked if there would be any changes to the garage.  Mr. Gisoldi said no.  There will be no living space above the garage.

 

The application was opened and closed to the public.

 

Mr. Clayton moved to approve the application as applied for.  Mr. Grasso seconded the motion, which was approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Clayton, Grasso, Cinelli, Rembiszewski, Brosnan, Noorigian and Mrs. DeSarno voted yes.)

 

RESOLUTION TO BE MEMORIALIZED:

 

THE RUGBY SCHOOL AT WOODFIELD, INC. – BA#15-2001

Block 755, Lot 29                                                                                DeSarno/Rembiszewski

 

CARRIED APPLICATION

 

Case #BA5-2001: Date application complete: March 8, 2001.  Carried from April 4, 2001 and June 20, 2001.

 

APPLICANT: KIM AND KATHLEEN KAMARIS

 

PROPERTY: 807 Pine Road, Brielle, Block 4, Lots 23 and 24, R-7.5 zone.

 

RELIEF REQUESTED: Bulk variance

 

Mr. Kamaris, still under oath, stated he has made revisions to the plans.  He said they applied for a variance for a garage 3’ from the property line.  He will add a mud room instead of a garage.  The only variances needed are for lot coverage and building coverage. 

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-9      Copy of site plan and elevation

 

Mr. Kamaris explained A-9.  He said he now conforms with the 7.5’ side setback.  The rest of the application stands as before.  He will add a front porch and a second floor across the front of the house.  The porch will have a roof. 

 

Attorney Hirsch asked for the s.f. as it exists now.  Mr. Kamaris said 2400 – 2500 s.f.  He said that includes everything even the basement.  Mr. Gerken said the basement should not be added in the s.f.. 

 

Attorney Hirsch asked for the size of the porch.  Mr. Kamaris said 22’ X 9’. 


August 1, 2001                                                                                                 Page 3

 

Attorney Hirsch asked what other structures were on site making up building coverage.  Mr. Kamaris said there is a pool, shed and a driveway.  The shed is 8’ X 8’.  The pool is 28’ X 14’ inground.  There is 3’ concrete around the pool. 

 

Attorney Hirsch asked if there was a home to the right.  Mr. Kamaris said yes.  Attorney Hirsch asked if the setback of that home is the same as Mr. Kamaris’.  Mr. Kamaris said he is not sure.  It is 11’+ from the property line.  The neighboring home is one story. 

 

Attorney Hirsch asked if that home had a pool and garage.  Mr. Kamaris said it has a two car detached garage and a pool.  He said that lot is 100’ X 100’.  It is larger than his.  Attorney Hirsch asked where the garage was located on the neighbor’s property.  Mr. Kamaris said on the rear of the property along the property line.  He said it lines up next to his shed.  Mr. Kamaris said the driveways are right next to each other. 

 

Attorney Hirsch asked if there was a home on the opposite side.  Mr. Kamaris said yes.  That house is approximately 7’ from the property line.  Attorney Hirsch asked if that lot was larger than Mr. Kamaris’.  Mr. Kamaris said it was the same size.  The house is one story.  It is closer to the street.  Attorney Hirsch asked for the size of Mr. Kamaris’ lot.  Mr. Kamaris said 50’ X 100’.  He said his house is 11’ 8” from the Cramer’s property.  Attorney Hirsch asked about buffering.  Mr. Kamaris said there is a fence around the property on the property line.  It goes around the house and stops just before the front of the house. 

 

Mr. Grasso asked Mr. Gerken what the ordinance is regarding the pool and fence.  Mr. Gerken said a 4’ fence is required with a certain type of latch. 

 

Mr. Grasso asked if Mr. Kamaris intends to remove the shed.  Mr. Kamaris said no.

 

Mr. Clayton asked what the building coverage was.  Mr. Kamaris said the existing building coverage is 24%.  It would go to 26.5%.  He said he needs a variance for 1.5% of coverage.  The lot coverage is approximately 27%.  Mr. Gerken said by his calculations the building coverage is about 27%.  Mr. Clayton asked if this coverage includes everything.  Mr. Kamaris said yes.

 

Mr. Rembiszewski asked if the fence had to be approved.  Mr. Gerken said before they give a CO for the pool it must be inspected.  They will not issue a CO if the fence is not in place.  There is no issue this evening regarding the fence.

 

Mrs. Kamaris said the existing fence is going to be replaced.  It will be replaced with another 6’ fence.

 

Diana Anderson, Esq. appeared for the objector.

 

Attorney Anderson asked if this was a new application.  She stated the new survey does not have all the structures on it.  Attorney Hirsch said the applicant has indicated that instead of a garage he is proposing a mud room.  Attorney Anderson said the survey is missing the existing shed.  That would add to the impervious coverage. 

 

Attorney Anderson asked what is the size of the proposed porch.  Mr. Kamaris said 5’ X 28.4”. She asked the size of the shed.  Mr. Kamaris said 8’ X 8’.  Attorney Anderson asked if the shed


August 1, 2001                                                                                                 Page 4

 

was going to be removed.  Mr. Kamaris said if the variance for the garage was approved he was going to remove the shed.

 

Attorney Anderson asked who prepared the exhibits.  Mr. Kamaris said his architect.  He said he was told all he needed were sketches. 

 

Attorney Anderson said the Cramer’s garage is 3’ from the property line.  She asked if that was there when Mr. Kamaris moved in.  Mr. Kamaris said yes. 

 

Attorney Anderson asked if there was any problem with drainage.  Mr. Kamaris said no.  Attorney Anderson asked if there are any water problems or flooding problems.  Mr. Kamaris said he knows of no water or flooding problems. 

 

Mr. Gerken said the building coverage is 28.8%. 

 

Sworn by Reporter Lofreddo:               Lorett Cramer

 

Ms. Cramer stated she owns the property to the right of Mr. Kamaris. 

 

Attorney Anderson said they have some photos to show the Board.  Ms. Cramer said they are photos of homes on the street.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

OC-1   Cramer/Kamaris house – relationship of the two houses

OC-2   Homes on Pine Road with lot sizes

OC-3   Photos taken since the last meeting

 

Attorney Anderson asked Ms. Cramer how long she has owned her home.  Ms. Cramer said since 1978.  Attorney Anderson asked if there was a home to the left.  Ms. Cramer said yes.  Attorney Anderson asked Ms. Cramer to describe that home.  Ms. Cramer said it was a two bedroom, one bath bungalow.  It was approximately 780 s.f.  Attorney Anderson asked how big is that home now.  Ms. Cramer said it is 2½  times the original size.  Ms. Cramer said the property is small.  She said the backyard has a pool, an addition and a shed now.  There has been removal of trees and grass.  There is no buffer.  She said she can hear everything that goes on in the Kamaris’ home.  She said her wood siding is being destroyed.  She also stated there is no air flow.  She cannot open the windows on that side of her house.  She said there is no privacy.

 

Attorney Anderson asked if the proposed addition would increase the adverse effect on Ms. Cramer’s property.  Ms. Cramer said yes.  Their property is developed from wall to wall. 

 

Ms. Cramer said the only backyard space is taken up by the pool.  The kids play in the street because there is no space on their lot. 

 

Attorney Anderson asked about traffic hazards.  Ms. Cramer said when they back out of their driveway they have to be very careful.  She said the children playing in the street is a great concern. 


August 1, 2001                                                                                                 Page 5

 

Attorney Anderson asked if the Kamaris house is in keeping with the neighborhood.  Ms. Cramer said there are 16 houses on the street.  There are only two other homes with a second story.  They are on larger lots. 

 

Attorney Anderson said the Kamaris’ have amended the application.  Ms. Cramer said all the additions on that home have been done by the Kamaris’. 

 

Attorney Anderson asked if there were any drainage problems.  Ms. Cramer said the water that comes from their driveway settles in front of her house.  Attorney Anderson asked if any of the other neighbors have problems.  Ms. Cramer said there are a number of homes that need sump pumps. 

 

Mr. Cinelli asked if there were any two bedroom bungalows still existing on the street.  Ms. Cramer said there are still a few on Pine Road.

 

Mr. Cinelli said the 7.5’ side yard setback has not been disturbed.  The Kamaris’ have not encroached on the property line. 

 

Mrs. Kamaris asked Ms. Cramer if she just put in a concrete driveway.  Mrs. Kamaris said if Ms. Cramer was so concerned why did she put in a concrete driveway.  Ms. Cramer said her property does not have an impervious coverage problem. 

 

Mrs. Kamaris asked why the proposed addition was such a concern.  Ms. Cramer said because of the height.  There is also no sound absorbing buffer.  The standing water is also a problem. 

 

Mrs. Kamaris asked if her children were the only ones playing in the street.  Ms. Cramer said there is one other family that plays in the street..

 

Mrs. DeSarno asked about Item OC3.  Ms. Cramer stated that is Mr. Kamaris’ property.  It shows the lack of grass and trees.

 

Mr. Clayton asked if Ms. Cramer was saying that the flooding property was caused by Mr. Kamaris’ property.  Ms. Cramer said anytime a property owner has more than 50% impervious coverage it is a concern.  She said it is not caused by them alone but they contribute to the problem.

 

Mr. Gerken stated where the addition is proposed there is already a concrete driveway.  They are not adding anymore impervious coverage.  He said the building coverage, including the shed, would be 30.1% and the impervious coverage would be 43.2%.  If you add the pool the total would be 51%.  Mr. Kamaris said the addition will be where the concrete driveway is. 

 

Mr. Kamaris said the coverage is less than the original plan because he is not adding a garage he is just adding a mud room.

 

Mr. Grasso asked how old the driveway is.  Mr. Kamaris said 8 – 9 years old.  Mr. Grasso asked if the driveway is in its original state.  Mr. Kamaris said it used to be gravel.  It is the same size.  Mr. Grasso asked how far apart are the two driveways.  Mr. Kamaris said they have always be side by side.


August 1, 2001                                                                                                 Page 6

 

Mr. Grasso said there would be no problems if these homes were built by today’s ordinances.

He said the Kamaris’ driveway looks like a double driveway.  Mr. Kamaris said it is not.  He said he squeezes two cars on it. 

 

Mr. Grasso asked if he could reduce some of the driveway.  Mr. Kamaris said anything is possible. 

 

9:20 P.M. Mr. Addonizio joined the Board

 

Mr. Kamaris said there is a small strip between the Cramer’s driveway and his.  He said he would be willing to plant some shrubs there.  Mr. Kamaris also stated there has never been a drainage problem on his side of the street.

 

Mr. Grasso said he would like to see a reduction in the width of the driveway so there is a separation of property.  There is a lack of greenery and a lack of shrubbery. 

 

Mr. Clayton asked if there could be any plantings between the two houses. He said trees and shrubs soak up a lot of water.

 

Mr. Cinelli asked if there was room to plant some trees.  Mr. Kamaris said yes.  Mr. Cinelli recommended avervidies trees as a condition.  Mr. Kamaris said he would plant them along the property line. 

 

Mrs. DeSarno asked for the width of the driveway.  Mr. Kamaris said it is 12’ wide.

 

9:30 P.M. the Board recessed.

 

9:45 P.M. the meeting resumed.

 

Edith Stanford, 803 Pine Road, was sworn.  Ms. Stanford stated she has lived on Pine Road for 43 years.  She said she has never experienced any flooding problems. 

 

Ted Finkenauer, 804 Pine Road, was sworn.  Mr. Finkenauer said Robert Swamp Brook is behind his home and he has never experienced any flooding.

 

Ann Yerks, Lenape Trail, was sworn.  Ms. Yerks stated all children play in the road.  She lives around the corner and she brings her children over to Pine Road to ride their bikes.

 

Ms. Anderson explained how this application came before the Board.  She said the property is  on the Wall-Brielle border but is physically in Wall Township.  The property is 50’ X 100’.  The home has more than doubled in size.  This was done under Brielle ordinances not Wall Township ordinances.  She stated this property is already over built.  It impacts the Cramer property and she asked the Board to deny this application.  She also stated there are discrepancies in this application.

 

Mr. Clayton moved to approve the application with the condition of the planting of 6’ avervidies from the front going to the shed.  Mr. Cinelli seconded the motion, which was approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Clayton, Cinelli, Grasso, Rembiszewski, Noorigian and Mrs. DeSarno voted yes.)


August 1, 2001                                                                                     Page 7

 

10:05 P.M. Chairman Noorigian left the meeting.  Vice Chairman Clayton chaired the meeting.

 

CARRIED APPLICATION

 

CASE #BA10-1998: Date application complete:  March 31, 1998.  Carried from May 20, 1998, August 5, 1998, November 4, 1998, January 6, 1999, March 3, 1999, May 19, 1999, July 21, 1999, November 3, 1999, February 2, 2000, May 3, 2000, May 31, 2000, June 7, 2000, September 6, 2000, October 4, 2000, December 13, 2000, February 7, 2001, April 4, 2001, May 2, 2001, May 16, 2001, June 6, 2001 and July 18, 2001

 

APPLICANT: SUNNYSIDE MANOR, INC.

 

PROPERTY: Ramshorn Drive and Lakewood Road, Block 819, Lot 16, R-30 Zone.

 

RELIEF REQUESTED: Bulk and use variances requested along with site plan approval in order to expand an existing nursing and personal care facility to include assisted living units.

                                               

Michael Landis, Esq. appeared for the applicant.  Nicholas Montenegro, Esq. appeared for the objectors.

 

Attorney Landis stated the residents that live at Sunnyside are just as much residents of the area as the neighbors.  Sunnyside has been there for 82 years, since 1919.  It blends in with the neighborhood.  It is not something new coming in from the outside.  It is inherently beneficial.  There is a lot of impervious coverage because of the large driveway.  The driveway can be made smaller to meet the impervious coverage requirement.  He said that reducing the driveway is not a good idea.  The noise, because of the air conditioners, will be within the decimal allowed by ordinance.  It is a tranquil setting.  The nature of the use will be the same.  The property values will not decrease because of the addition.  There will be 75 windows not 140.  Three loading docks are permitted.  The applicant requested only one.  The addition would not increase the traffic.  The size of the trucks can be limited.  The Board can impose conditions.  Tarten no longer services the property.  They have in-house laundry.  The pros of this application out way the negative.  The applicant has made a effort to try and control the delivery times.  As far as an assisted living not belonging in a residential zone, Sunrise is in a residential zone.  All applications are different.  The people who live at Sunnyside are just as much residents as the other neighbors. 

 

Attorney Montenegro stated Sunnyside is tranquil as a nursing home.  Assisted living is a different type of use.  He stated there was a 53’ tractor trailer there today.  The residents have a right to live there.  We are not saying they have to leave.  The issue is 65 new beds.  This case is about money.  There is the problem of a 3’ buffer where 75’ is required.  There is a problem with tractor trailers making deliveries at 5:30 A.M.  They make noise.  There is a parking problem.  There are 24 deliveries a week, 112 a month.  There is a danger with the loading area.  The tractor trailers going in the rear have to back up.  The lighting is a problem.  The building would be 465’ long.  It would have three levels.  There will be 25 air conditioners on the roof.  There will be 145 windows.  There is commercial laundry in operation.  That is not residential in nature.  This would be a negative impact on the neighbors.  This property was once much larger.  It is now 6.3 acres.  This is a R-30 zone.  In December 2000 there was parking on both sides of the driveway.  In 1994 I asked the applicant to put in a buffer.  He refused.  The buffer was inadequate.  He has just done it in April of this year. 


August 1, 2001                                                                                     Page 8

 

He cannot control the deliveries now.  They will increase.  There is not enough parking when there are parties.  He does 1½ tons of laundry a week.  That is another commercial use in the R-30 zone.  The traffic expert testified on the traffic before Four Seasons and Shop-Rite.

 

Attorney Hirsch explained that Attorney Middleton had a family emergency.  He advised the Board to proceed.  He had no objection to the Board concluding tonight. 

 

Mr. Addonizio asked if the Board had to disregard the testimony of the landscape architect.  Attorney Hirsch stated there were no objections at the time of his testimony.  He does not have a problem with his testimony. 

 

Attorney Montenegro added that Sunnyside is short 25 parking spaces.  They are short parking.

 

Vice Chairman Clayton said the Board will vote on this application on August 15, 2001.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 10:50  P.M. 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Betty Schinestuhl

                                Acting Recording Secretary