WALL TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING

MUNICIPAL MEETING ROOM

MARCH 11, 2002

 

 

Chairman Braun called to order the regular meeting of the Wall Township Planning Board at 7:35 P.M.  Members present were Braun, Tobia, Thomson, Devlin, Morris, Giardina, Kean, Capone, Farrell, Wilson, Rible, Attorney Rubino, Engineer Gerken, Special Planner Maczuga,  Planning Board Secretary D’Andrea, Recording Secretary Betty Schinestuhl and Court Reporter Arnone.

 

Chairman Braun announced the meeting was being held in accordance with the “Sunshine Law” and a resolution adopted on January 7, 2002. 

 

Chairman Braun said the first matter will be Vincent Gifford, then Christopher Stephen Enterprises and Osprey Enterprises.  He said the Board will take a five minute break after the first matter.

 

NEW APPLICATION

 

VINCENT GIFFORD – PB#3-2002 – Block 217, Lots 5 & 7, Romano Boulevard, R-20 Zone.

Applicant seeks an extension of time within which to perfect his previously approved application for minor subdivision (PB#30-2001 approved on August 27, 2001).

 

Timothy B. Middleton, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Attorney Rubino reviewed the file and stated the Board had jurisdiction.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Jurisdictional Items

 

PB-1    Resolution of approval

 

Attorney Middleton explained the applicant is asking for an extension of time for a minor subdivision approved in August 2001.  Attorney Middleton said they are trying to obtain a letter from DEP regarding wetlands.  He said DEP said the letter should be out in a week or two. He said they cannot get the map signed because of this.  He said all the other items have been taken care of. 

 

The application was open and closed to the public.

 

Mr. Giardina made a motion to approve the extension of time for 190 days with all prior conditions stated on the previous resolution.  Mayor Thomson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Giardina, Thomson, Devlin, Morris, Farrell, Capone, Kean, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

7:45 PM the Board recessed.


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 2

 

8:00 P.M. the meeting resumed.

 

CARRIED APPLICATION

 

CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN ENTERPRISES – PB#23-2001 – Block 845, Lot 31, Highway 34 and Holly Boulevard, OP-10 Zone.  Application complete June 5, 2001.  Carried from August 17, 2001, October 29, 2001, December 3, 2001 and February 25, 2002.  Applicant seeks to construct three office buildings; two two-stories and one three-story.  Site plan with variance.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

PB-17  Review letter from John Maczuga, Bay Pointe Engineering, dated March 4, 2002

 

A-25    Amended application dated March 6, 2002

A-26    Letter to Planning Board dated March 7, 2002 from Attorney Giunco

A-27    Height modification Phase II building

A-28    Revision of exhibit A-24 – Board # 1 – Photos of residential view of Ramshorn Center

A-29    Revision of exhibit A-24 – Board # 2 – Photos of residential view of Ramshorn Center

 

Attorney Rubino said the buildings are now in compliance regarding height.  He said the Board will let the engineer explain the revisions and finish.

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                  Glenn Gerken

John Maczuga

Rob Block, Architect

 

Attorney Giunco said his client has revised the site plan so the building will meet the height requirement.

 

Mr. McCarthy explained the height modification.  He said they maintained the grades on the west side of the driveway.  He said that is where the storm sewer is.  He said they will keep the storm drainage going in the same direction.  He said they lowered the flow elevation.  He said the second floor would resemble the first looking from Route 34.  He said it is lower than the proposed two-story office building.  He said they have to move the handicap parking spaces to the east side.  He said steps are needed going down into the building.  He said on the east side they eliminated the steps in the front of the building.  It is handicap accessible. 

 

Attorney Giunco asked about parking spaces.  Mr. McCarthy said nothing has changed.

 

Mr. McCarthy said A-24 was presented last week.  The Board asked for those photos to be taken from a different direction. 

 

Mr. McCarthy said they went to a resident’s property east of the site and looked west onto our site.  Photos were taken from Lots 15, 14 and 12.  He explained which photos were taken from which lots.  He said lot 14’s property was cleared a little more than the others.  He said lot 12 was

thicker. 


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 3

 

Chairman Braun asked Mr. McCarthy to describe the buffer in front of lots 12 and 14.  Mr. McCarthy said there is a berm along lots 13 and 14.  He said in one spot it is up to 7’.  Mr. McCarthy described the three photos on A-28.  He said the first photo was taken from lot 14.  That lot has Mount Laurels.  The next photo was taken from between two lots.  It shows a portion of the house and some existing trees. 

 

Attorney Rubino asked about the flag pole.  Attorney Giunco said they will be removed from the plans.

 

Mr. Tobia thanked the applicant for preparing the new exhibits.

 

Mr. Maczuga asked Mr. McCarthy, according to your elevation plans, you dropped the building.  He asked how much.  Mr. McCarthy said approximately 4˝’.  Mr. McCarthy said there are steps going down into the building.  He said there may be a small amount of drainage going into the step area.  He said they will put in a sump pump.

 

Mr. Gerken said it looks like they may be able to tie into the recharge system.  Mr. McCarthy said  they will do that.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked Mr. McCarthy if the site was in the OP-10 zone which requires 500’ depth.  Mr. McCarthy said yes. 

 

Attorney Mancuso said you are proposing 400’.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked if that was a 20% reduction.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.

 

Attorney Mancuso said Mr. McCarthy said this would have no adverse impact.  Mr. McCarthy said that was correct.

 

Attorney Mancuso said the total s.f. would be 87,000 s.f.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked if there would be any additional noise.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.  \

 

Attorney Mancuso said Mr. McCarthy said there would be no impact on the neighbors.  Mr. McCarthy said he doesn’t see any abnormal impact.

 

Attorney Mancuso said assume the project was on a lot 500’ depth, would that lessen the impact to the adjoining neighbors.  Attorney Giunco objected.  Attorney Rubino said if they had a lot  depth of 500’ they would lay the buildings differently.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked about removing the third building.  Mr. McCarthy said if they removed the third building it would have less impact. 

 

Attorney Mancuso asked about moving the buildings closer to Route 34.  Mr. McCarthy said they cannot do that.  They still need to maintain the proper circulation. 


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 4

 

Attorney Rubino said in about 1˝ weeks CAFRA will make a ruling and there will be no change so the third building will not be able to be built.  Phase II cannot be built.  He said because we accepted the application with the third building we have to allow the applicant to proceed.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked Mr. McCarthy if he prepared the new plans.  Mr. McCarthy said they were prepared on his direction. 

 

Attorney Mancuso asked about the increase in traffic.  Chairman Braun said testimony on traffic will be heard at another meeting.  Attorney Giunco said their traffic consultant is not here this evening. 

 

Chairman Braun said the Board discussed the possibility of moving the buildings closer to Route 34.  He said that would put more distance between the buildings and the residents.  He said you would then need a variance for front yard setback.  Attorney Giunco said they are trying to comply with the ordinance and not ask for any variances.  He said the only one they are asking for is for lot depth.  Attorney Rubino said Attorney Giunco should discuss moving the buildings closer to Route 34 with his client.  Attorney Giunco said it would be very difficult to move them.  Chairman Braun asked them to please address that aspect.  He said this has come up a number of times.  Attorney Giunco said they would discuss it. 

 

Mr. Giardina asked why the buildings have to be two stories.  He suggested making the buildings smaller and making them one story.  He suggested building three one story buildings. 

 

Attorney Mancuso asked if the HVAC will be on the roof.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.

 

Attorney Mancuso asked if you would be able to see lights at night.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.  Attorney Mancuso suggested some type of reflective glass.  Mr. McCarthy said the architect will deal with the lighting.

 

Mr. McCarthy said the foot candles are away from the residential area.  They are about 75’ back.  There will be 20’ pole lights.  He said all lights are in a downward direction. 

 

Attorney Mancuso asked about the deciduous trees where the cul de sac ends going south.  Mr. McCarthy said on lots 12 and 14 where the berm is.  He said the lights are lower than the berm.  He said they will also put evergreen trees into the berm to get more of a buffer. 

 

The application was open to the public.

 

Tom Kelly, lot 14, was sworn.  Mr. Kelly said he walked the property with Mr. Tumminia.  He

said Mr. Tumminia did not know where the property line ended.  He suggested putting a rope so the residents can see where the property ends.  Attorney Giunco said they could put some markers.  Chairman Braun suggested showing the property line and buffer line.  Attorney Giunco said they would mark it.  Mayor Thomson and Committeeman Devlin agreed that something should be done to mark the lines. 

 

Mr. Kelly said he doesn’t think the Board should listen to Mr. McCarthy regarding noise and


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 5

 

landscaping.  Chairman Braun said Mr. Kelly will have a chance to make comments later.  Chairman Braun asked Mr. Kelly to turn that statement into a question.  Mr. Kelly asked Mr. McCarthy if he was a landscape architect.  Mr. McCarthy said no.  He said they have one on staff.  Mr. Kelly asked if he will be available to testify.  Mr. McCarthy said yes. 

 

Mr. Kelly asked if they would make available an expert in acoustic engineering and sound.  Mr. McCarthy said he did not know. 

 

Tom Ross, 2407 Ramshorn Drive, was sworn.  Mr. Ross said, regarding the drought emergency we are in now, do you plan on having any underground water system to water the landscaping.  Mr. McCarthy said they have provided a maintenance plan for landscaping.  Mr. Ross asked if a landscape expert would testify.  Mr. McCarthy said he would testify if the Board requested it.  Mr. Ross asked if there were any plans at this time for a well system.  Mr. McCarthy said the whole water system connects from one water main to another.  Mr. Ross asked if they will be using city water.  Mr. McCarthy said yes.  Mr. Ross said some neighbors have wells.  He said anyone that gets a well will take from the existing residents. 

 

Mr. Ross asked if they will repave the whole road.  Mr. McCarthy said they will restore the road. 

 

Mr. Ross asked why they picked Ramshorn Center as the name of the project.  He said Ramshorn is an exclusive area.  He said he does not want to be associated with an office building.  Attorney Giunco said he doesn’t know why they chose that name.  If you want us to change it we will. 

 

Mayor Thomson stated Paynters Road has not been repaved within the last five years.  The builder can open the street.  It just has to be restored.

 

Chairman Braun said this application will be carried to April 29, 2002.

 

Attorney Giunco said 50 minutes is inadequate.  He asked for two – three hours.  Chairman Braun said this application is the only one on for April 29th. 

 

Mr. Tobia suggested the architect look at traffic utilizing a one way turn onto Paynters Road. 

 

RESOLUTIONS TO BE MEMORIALIZED:

 

RECORDING SECRETARY

 

Attorney Rubino read the resolution appointing Betty Schinestuhl as Recording Secretary of the Planning Board.  Mayor Thomson moved to adopt the resolution as read.  Mr. Tobia seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.

 

FRANK DODD – PB#1-2002

Block 876, Lot 14

 

Attorney Rubino read the resolution.  Mr. Giardina moved to adopt the resolution as read.  Mr. Kean seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs.


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 6

 

Giardina, Kean, Thomson, Devlin, Morris, Capone, Farrell, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

WAWA – PB#45-2001

Block 912, Lot 4.01

 

Attorney Rubino read the resolution.  Mr. Giardina moved to adopt the resolution as read.  Mr. Devlin seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Giardina, Devlin, Farrell, Kean, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Rible and Braun voted yes.)

 

Mayor Thomson, Committeeman Devlin and Captain Morris stepped down on the following application.

 

NEW APPLICATION

 

OSPREY ENTERPRISES – PB#42-2001 – 1615 Barkalow Road, Block 262, Lot 28, R-15 Zone.  Application deemed complete November 7, 2001.  Applicant seeks to subdivide 2.43 acres into four residential lots.  Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision with variances. 

 

Timothy B. Middleton, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Attorney Rubino reviewed the file and stated the Board had jurisdiction. 

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Map prepared by 3D Engineering dated November 5, 2001, last revised January 28, 2002

A-3      Storm water Management Report and Drainage Calculations prepared by 3D Engineering dated October 1, 2001, last revised March 11, 2002

A-4      Construction Specifications prepared by 3D Engineering dated November 6, 2001

A-5      EIS prepared by 3D Engineering dated November 5, 2001

A-6      Letter from Monmouth County Planning Board dated January 25, 2002

A-7      Sheet 2 of 9 Plan set

A-8      Sheets 3 of 9 and 7 of 9

A-9      Aerial Photo – Monmouth County Planning Board

A-10    Preliminary plan without variances

 

PB-1    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Bay Pointe Engineering, dated November 29, 2001

PB-2    Review letter from John Maczuga, Bay Pointe Engineering, dated November 21, 2001

PB-3    Police Department report dated November 8, 2001

PB-4    Review letter from Wall Township Fire Prevention dated November 19, 2001

PB-5    Monmouth County Board of Health letter dated November 28, 2001

PB-6    Review letter from John Maczuga, Bay Pointe Engineering, dated December 26, 2001

PB-7    Monmouth County Planning Board letter dated January 25, 2002

PB-8    Review letter from John Maczuga dated March 4, 2002

PB-9    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Bay Pointe Engineering, dated March 11, 2002


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 7

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                  Glenn Gerken

                                                            John Maczuga

                                                            William Connellan

                                                            Donna Marie Dunn

 

Attorney Middleton said the applicant is proposing to subdivide block 262, lot 28 into four building lots.  The property is 2.43 acres.  There is an existing structure on the property which will be removed.  The property is located in the R-15 zone.  Each lot will be in excess of 20,000 s.f.  A lot depth variance is required.  Each house will be approximately 2,000 s.f.  Each of the lots will have a rear yard setback of at least 30’.  Attorney Middleton said Mr. Maczuga had a concern regarding buffering.  Attorney Middleton said they will agree to the buffering as per Mr. Maczuga’s letter. 

 

Donna Marie Dunn gave her qualifications which were accepted by the Board.

 

Ms. Dunn described the property. 

 

Attorney Middleton asked her if these were some of the largest lots in the neighborhood.  Ms. Dunn said yes.

 

Ms. Dunn explained the homes that surround the property.  She gave the square footage of the lots and homes. 

 

Ms. Dunn said this subdivision will be located on a cul de sac.  Four single family residents are proposed.  They will be within the required setbacks.  The homes will be 15’ from the drainage easement.

 

Chairman Braun asked if there would be any improvements made on that road, widening, etc.  Attorney Middleton said no.

 

Ms. Dunn said the road tapers.  She said they will tie into the existing pavement.

 

Mr. Tobia asked if they were going to disturb any resident’s property.  Ms. Dunn said no.

 

Ms. Dunn said they are seeking relief for lot dept.  She said all lots have 100’ – 117’ lot depth where 150’ is required. 

 

Ms. Dunn showed the Board a rendering of what the project would look like without variances.  She said if done that way some homes would have two front yards or two rear yards.  She said that would cause more run-off.  The project proposed has storm water collected and kept on site. 

 

Attorney Middleton said in addition to the 30’ setback they are also proposing a screen.  He said they are proposing Norway spruce.  Mr. Tobia asked for evergreens.  Ms. Dunn agreed. 

 

Attorney Middleton said the lots here are larger than the adjacent lots.  Ms. Dunn said these homes would not be out of character in the neighborhood. 


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 8

 

Ms. Dunn addressed the drainage.  She said there will be two drainage areas.  There will be dual 36” perforated underground pipes.  This will pick up the run-off from the street and all homes.  It will hold a 100 year storm.  Ms. Dunn explained the drainage system.  There will be no over land run-off.  It will all be collected. 

 

Ms. Dunn went over the Professional’s letters.  She said they agree to all the items of the planner’s letters. 

 

Attorney Middleton said there is nothing in the Professionals letters that they will not comply with. 

 

Attorney Middleton said there was one thing raised by Mr. Gerken regarding a homeowner’s association maintenance of the retention system.  He said they do not have a problem with that.  He said they will submit a maintenance plan. 

 

Mr. Kean asked will fire trucks be able to turn around.  Mr. Gerken said the road should be more than sufficient for a fire truck to turn around. 

 

Attorney Middleton said they will comply with all engineer’s letters. 

 

Mr. Capone recommended setting something up regarding construction traffic.

 

Attorney Rubino said they must meet with the Police Department.

 

The application was open to the public.

 

Robin Dilling, 1507 Barkalow Road, was sworn.  Ms. Dilling had some concerns regarding drainage.  She said this property is on a spring.  She asked if there will be any drainage problems.  Ms. Dunn said there is an underground storm water system proposed.  She said at the rate the water leaves the system will not impact the neighbors.  She said it seeps back into the ground.  Ms. Dilling said she doesn’t want a drainage problem once construction starts. 

 

Ms. Dilling asked about the plans that required no variances.  Attorney Middleton showed Ms. Dilling the plans without variances.  Chairman Braun explained that plan would put a brand new street in the back of those houses. 

 

Ms. Dilling asked if they would meet all zoning.  Attorney Middleton said yes but this plan is better.

 

Ms. Dilling said the road is very tiny.  She asked if the road would be able to stand all the extra traffic.  She said there are 2 – 4 cars per residence.  Ms. Dunn explained they have to provide two spaces per home and two on each lot.  Ms. Dilling said she has a concern with traffic.  Attorney Middleton said one benefit will be it will be a cul de sac.

 

Attorney Rubino said this lot had a zone change from R-10 to R-15.  They could have built more homes in the R-10.  It could have been 6 – 7 homes. 


March 11, 2002                                                                                                           Page 9

 

The application was closed to the public.

 

Chairman Braun asked Mr. Gerken if the storm drainage system is reasonable.  Mr. Gerken said they would have to hire a contractor to clear it once in a while.  He said his biggest concern is during construction.  He said they would do an inspection before returning their performance guarantees.  Mr. Gerken said the biggest thing is keeping it clear during construction.

 

Mr. Kean moved to approve the application subject to payment of taxes and applicable assessments.  The applicant is to secure approvals from Monmouth County Planning Board, Freehold Soil Conservation, Monmouth County Board of Health and Mount Laurel compliance.  The applicant will comply with the review letters of the Board Professionals.  The application is to comply with Subtitle 1 of Title 39.  Chairman Braun said changes are to be put on the plans.  Mr. Giardina seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Kean, Giardina, Farrell, Capone, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

Mr. Tobia commended Ms. Dunn on her presentation. 

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 10:08 P.M.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Betty Schinestuhl

                                                                        Recording Secretary