WALL TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING

MUNICIPAL MEETING ROOM

NOVEMBER 24, 2003

 

 

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, Brosnan, Morris, Farrell, Luttman, Wilson, Luttman, Rible, Kiley, Attorney Rubino, Engineer Gerken, Planner Bergailo, Planning Board Secretary Lang, Recording Secretary 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 13, 2003. 

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

Chairman Braun announced Action Airbrush Magazine has been rescheduled for February 2,  2004.  Renoticing will be required.  Devon Development has also been rescheduled for February 2, 2004.  Renoticing is required.

 

CARRIED APPLICATION

 

HOWELL PROPERTIES – PB#7-1998 – 3903 Herbertsville Road, Block 977, Lots 16 & 18.  Application complete: February 23, 1998.  Carried from September 29, 2003.  Applicant seeks an extension of time. 

 

Chairman Braun said there has been a lot of progress made. 

 

Attorney Rubino said new noticing was required.

 

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

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-3            Jurisdictional Items

A-4      A letter from Attorney Shimanowitz dated October 31, 2003

 

Chairman Braun stated the applicant was requesting a one-year extension.

 

Attorney Shimanowitz said they started this process with a one-year extension.  We got a little involved.  We came back and renoticed for a two-year extension.  This will be the final extension.  The extension will run from October 2, 2003 through October 2, 2005. 

 

The application was open to the public.


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 2

 

Larry Diamond, 146 Pineneedle Street, was sworn.  Mr. Diamond said the applicant has said they have corrected the water situation.  He said he has had a water problem since the land was cleared and he still has one.  The dust situation is still out of control. 

 

 

Mike Foran, 151 Pineneedle Street, was sworn.  Mr. Foran asked the Board if they ever heard why no one ever responded to the fire they had on the site.  Attorney Shimanowitz said he provided Mr. Foran with a contact person.  Mr. Foran said there was a fire and nobody ever responded to it.  He said the neighbors have been lied to.  The applicant has trucks there at 6 A.M. in the morning going down the street.  There are still real problems.  The owner was suppose to be here this evening.  Attorney Shimanowitz said the owner said he would be here if he was available.  He was not.  Captain Morris said start time in Wall Township is 7:00 A.M.  Chairman Braun also stated if there continues to be problems to contact Wall Township Police and Howell Township Police. 

 

The application was closed to the public.

 

Deputy Mayor Thomson moved to approve the application for an extension.  The extension will run from October 2, 2003 through October 2, 2005.  Committeeman Brosnan seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Thomson, Brosnan, Farrell, Kiley, Luttman, Morris, Rible, Tobia, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Braun voted yes.)

 

NEW APPLICATIONS:

 

CLEMENT H. KREIDER, JR. – PB#25-2003 – 1522 Marconi Road, Block 87, Lot 15, R-15 zone.  Date application complete: July 17, 2003.  Applicant requests permission to subdivide existing lot 15 into two conforming lots.  Minor

 

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

 

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

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1            Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Minor Subdivision Plan prepared by LGA

A-3            Monmouth County Board of Health letter dated July 29, 2003

A-4            Monmouth County Planning Board letter dated July 28, 2003

A-5            Rendering of subdivision map

 

PB-1    Review letter from John Hoffmann, Township Planner, dated August 12, 2003

PB-2    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated August 29, 2003

PB-3    Review letter from John Hoffmann, Township Planner, dated September 17, 2003

PB-4    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated September 19, 2003


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 3

 

David Fitzpatrick, Esq., objector was in attendance.  Attorney Fitzpatrick had a letter from Mr. T. Fitzpatrick.  Attorney Rubino said the Board has a policy that they do not read letters into evidence.

 

Attorney Fitzpatrick said he contacted the applicant.  Attorney Middleton said he has had discussions with Attorney Fitzpatrick.  He had issues with the driveway.  The driveway coming off Marion Street violated the setback.  We will comply with that requirement.  It will put more space between the Fitzpatrick’s and the applicant.

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                        Mark Reme, Engineer

                                                            Clement Kreider

                                                            Glenn Gerken, Engineer

                                                            Cheryl Bergailo, Planner

 

Attorney Middleton said the property consists of 88,000 s.f.  It is in the R-15 zone.  It is six times the size required in this zone.  The original application created lot 15.01which will front on Marion Street.  It created an irregular lot.  Lot 15.02 will be closest to the river.  Lot 15.01 is a non-river lot.  Prior to the scheduled meeting date the application was redesigned.  The property line will be more rectangular.  This does create a variance for lot 15.02.  Lot 15.02 calls for an easement.  The driveway would be located in that easement.  We moved the driveway to the west and widened the area of the easement.  The variance is for lot frontage on lot 15.02. 

 

Mr. Reme gave his credentials which were accepted by the Board.

 

Mr. Reme said he visited the site.  He said he is familiar with the site and the neighborhood.  He is also familiar with the surrounding properties.  The property is located at the corner of Marconi Road and Marion Street.  It is located in the R-15 zone.  It encompasses approximately 89,000 s.f.  It is six times what is required in the R-15 zone.  The applicant would like to subdivide the property.  New proposed lot 15.01 will encompass approximately 18,000 s.f. and proposed lot 15.02 will encompass approximately 71,000 s.f.  Lot 15.02’s driveway will exit onto Marion Street.  The driveway will be 5’ off the property line.

 

Chairman Braun asked about drainage.  Mr. Reme said run-off will drain toward the inside of the property. 

 

Captain Morris asked if the driveway on lot 15.01 will exit onto Marconi Road.  Mr. Reme said yes.

 

Attorney Middleton asked Mr. Reme if, in his opinion, the proposed driveway on lot 15.02 will conflict with Mr. Fitzgerald’s driveway.  Mr. Reme said no.

 

Attorney Middleton asked Mr. Reme if there were any site issues.  Mr. Reme said no.

 

Ms. Wilson, referring to Mr. Gerken’s letter of September 19, 2003, asked if the existing utilities connecting to the existing dwelling cross proposed lot 15.01.  Mr. Gerken’s letter states if they do


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 4

 

an easement will be required.  Attorney Middleton said we had proposed for the utilities to go in through the easement.

 

Chairman Braun asked Mr. Gerken if there is a problem with the driveways.  Mr. Gerken said no, there is good visibility.

 

Ms. Wilson, referring to Mr. Gerken’s letter of August 29, 2003, asked if the applicant would be willing to remove the existing fence.  Mr. Reme said it will be removed.

 

The application was open to the public.

 

Attorney Fitzgerald said he will admit that he had no opportunity to review the map.  His cousin is an engineer and he reviewed the map.  The issue is the proximity of the driveway.  It will be a hazard. 

 

Tony Tumminia was sworn.  Mr. Tumminia said he spoke with Mr. Fitzgerald.  He said he told him they would move the driveway.  Mr. Fitzgerald said he did not have a problem with that.  The driveway is 25’ from Mr. Fitzgerald’s driveway.  They can come out of the driveway head-on they do not have to back-out.  Chairman Braun said our engineer states the driveway is safe and meets the ordinance.

 

Attorney Fitzgerald said he spoke with his cousin on the way down here tonight.  He said he did not suggest that this matter was resolved.  There is a grade coming down the driveway.  He said he would like his cousin to view it before a decision is made.

 

Martin Motto, 1515 Marion Street, was sworn.  Ms. Motto said the street is very narrow.  He said to add another driveway is going to add a lot of traffic.  When they plow they dump all the snow there.  Two cars cannot make it down the street at the same time.  Chairman Braun said the Board looked at that and one driveway on Marion is enough.

 

Mr. Motto said there are buses that stop there.  There is a telephone truck that sits there.  It is a cut-through street.  Mr. Tobia asked how far off the corner is your driveway heading west.  Mr. Motto said approximately 25’ – 30’.  He said his driveway just fits one car.

 

The application was closed to the public.

 

Mr. Tobia said because of the testimony heard here tonight would the applicant be willing to widen that part of Marion Street to the corner.  Attorney Middleton agreed.

 

Deputy Mayor Thomson said the problem is we have ordinances that describe what we can do.  The township asked them to square off the lot that is why they are here with variances.  We cannot require them to widen the street.

 

Attorney Middleton said the addition of the road widening will help.  It will bring it to 22’ – 23’. 


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 5

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-6      Prior application

 

Ms. Wilson moved to approve the application for minor subdivision subject to the payment of taxes and applicable assessments.  The applicant shall comply with review letters from Monmouth County Planning Board and Monmouth County Board of Health.  The applicant shall comply with the review letters of Board Planner John Hoffmann.  The applicant shall comply with the review letters of the Board Professionals.  The applicant shall make payment of additional sewer assessments if required.  A grading plan shall be submitted before the issuance of any building permits.  The applicant shall obtain a road opening permit.  All driveways will be 5’ off the property line.  All vegetation will be removed from the sight triangle on proposed lot 15.01.  An easement on lot 15.01 will be granted to move the driveway on proposed lot 15.02 5’.  The fence on lot 15.01 will be removed.  The applicant shall widen Marion Street approximately 4’ up to 1515 Marion Street approximately 50’ from the west side of Marion Street.  Variances are granted.  Deputy Mayor Thomson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Thomson, Brosnan, Farrell, Luttman, Morris, Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

JAMES & KATHERINE WILSON – PB#35-2003 – 568 Shark River Station Road, Block 907, Lots 28 & 38, R-60 zone.  Application complete: September 5, 2003.  Applicant seeks permission to consolidate a portion of Lot 38 to existing Lot 28.  Minor with variances.

 

Frederick Rafredo, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Attorney Rafredo said the applicant is seeking minor subdivision approval with variances.  The property is located at 568 Shark River Station Road.  It is approximately 9,600 s.f.  It is in the R-60 zone.  The applicant is seeking to consolidate a portion of lot 38 to lot 28.  Lot 28 will be a total of 25,000 s.f.  It will be less deficient.

 

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

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1            Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Minor Subdivision Plat prepared by Nelson Engineering last revised August 8, 2003

A-3      Letter from Monmouth County Board of Health dated September 11, 2003

A-4            Colored rendering of map

A-5      Mr. Kennedy’s letter stating the County has no objection to this subdivision

 

PB-1    Review letter from John Hoffmann, Township Planner, dated September 19, 2003

PB-2    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated October 1, 2003

 

Attorney Rubino asked who owns lot 38 now.  Attorney Rafredo said Associated Four owns lot 38, however, 16,000 s.f. of lot 38 will be deeded to the County. 


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 6

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                                    John Buletza, Engineer

                                                                        Katherine Wilson

                                                                        Glenn Gerken, Engineer

                                                                        Cheryl Bergailo, Planner

 

Mr. Buletza gave his credentials which were accepted by the Board.

 

Mr. Buletza said he is familiar with the site.  It is located at the very end of Shark River Station Road in Wall.  There is a residence to the east.  There is a 1˝ story dwelling with a detached garage and shed on lot 28.

 

Mr. Buletz said this is a lot consolidation.  A 16,000 s.f. portion of land is going to be added to lot 28.  It will double the lot area.  There are eight existing variances now.

 

Attorney Rubino said this is an undersized lot. 

 

Mr. Buletza said we will be eliminating three variances and improving four.  The volley ball court has been removed.

 

Chairman Braun asked if there was anything in the Board Professionals’ review letters that the applicant could not comply with.  Mr. Buletza said we will comply.  There is one item requiring testimony about the private road.  Lot 37 is landlocked.  It meets all requirements except frontage.  It has a private road which provides access to Shark River Station Road.  The applicant has been in contact with the owners of lot 37 to eliminate this road or move it.  Attorney Rubino said you can in no way block that driveway or move it.

 

The application was open to the public.

 

Richard Atkinson, 565 Shark River Station Road, was sworn.  Mr. Atkinson said he sent a letter to the Board.  The tax map shows lot 38 lot is exempt.  Mr. Gerken said a portion of lot 38 has been accepted as Green Acres.  .4 acres is exempted.  Mr. Atkinson asked if that can be removed from the map.  Mr. Gerken said if this is granted it will be changed. 

 

Mr. Atkinson asked about the Right-of-Way.  Mr. Buletza said we are not changing it or moving it.  It is not part of the application. 

 

Mr. Atkinson asked about the previous application.  Chairman Braun said all we are doing tonight is taking a piece of lot 38 to make another lot more conforming.

 

The application was closed to the public.

 

Ms. Wilson said before she puts forth a motion the applicant and I have the same last name but there is no relation and we don’t know each other.


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 7

 

Ms. Wilson moved to approve the application for minor subdivision subject to the payment of taxes and applicable assessments.  The applicant will obtain approval Monmouth County Planning Board and Monmouth County Board of Health.  The applicant shall comply with the review letter from John Hoffmann, Township Planner, dated September 19, 2003.  The applicant

will comply with review letters from the Board Professionals.  Variances are granted.  The volley ball court that crosses onto lot 29 will be removed.  The applicant shall maintain the private road easement.  Deputy Mayor Thomson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Thomson, Brosnan, Farrell, Luttman, Morris, Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

WEST BELMAR GATEWAY PROJECT

 

Ms. Bergailo said the Board has before it an ordinance prepared by the Township Committee.  The West Belmar Gateway Redevelopment is basically a zoning plan.  It contains zoning standards for the area.  It contains goals and objectives.  Some of the goals are to transform non-conforming buildings and properties into fully productive uses.  This plan will serve as a guide for the Township Committee and Planning Board.  Ms. Bergailo went over some of the objectives of the plan.  Some were: revitalize the area, create land use and building requirements that will be pedestrian friendly, create high quality design standards and create large development parcels, etc.    

 

Joseph Azzolino was sworn.  Mr. Azzolino said he has not seen the plans.  He heard a supermarket was going into the area.  He said he has objections.  Deputy Mayor Thomson said we do not have a supermarket going in there at this time.

 

Chairman Braun said there is no application before this Board for a supermarket or any other store.  We are just simply recommending to the Township Committee that they go forward with this.

 

Attorney Rubino said the only thing we are doing tonight is recommending to the Township Committee that they pass an ordinance zoning that area as a redevelopment area.

 

Deputy Mayor Thomson said on December 12th the ordinance will be before the Township Committee. 

 

Mr. Azzolino asked if you will be able to build a 60,000 s.f. building.  Ms. Bergailo said it would depend on the size of the lot. 

 

Mr. Azzolino said his only concern is the traffic on Route 71.  It is not an area for major retail shopping.

 

Deputy Mayor Thomson said this is a redevelopment area. 

 

Mr. Azzolino said he objects to any large retail use in that area.


November 24, 2003                                                                                        Page 8

 

Mr. Tobia made a motion recommending the Township Committee go forward with the West Belmar Gateway Project.  Deputy Mayor Thomson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Tobia, Thomson, Brosnan, Farrell, Luttman, Morris Rible, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Braun voted yes.)

 

RESOLUTIONS TO BE MEMORIALIZED:

 

PASQUALE & MARIA RODRIQUEZ – PB#38-2003

Block 93, Lot 160

 

Attorney Rubino read the resolution of approval.  Ms. Wilson moved to adopt the resolution as read.  Committeeman Brosnan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Brosnan, Luttman, Morris, Rible, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

D & O ASSOCIATES – PB#30-2003

Block 942, Lots 87, 38, 35 & 36

 

Attorney Rubino read the resolution of approval.  Mr. Luttman moved to adopt the resolution as read.  Ms. Wilson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Mr. Luttman, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Brosnan, Kiley, Morris, Rible and Braun voted yes.)

 

MINUTES TO BE APPROVED

 

Mr. Tobia moved to approve the minutes of the Regular and Workshop Meetings of October 6, 2003 and October 27, 2703.  Deputy Mayor Thomson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 P.M.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Betty Schinestuhl

                                                                        Recording Secretary