WALL TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING

MUNICIPAL MEETING ROOM

DECEMBER 2, 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, Wilson, Rible, Attorney Rubino, Engineer Gerken, Special Planner Maczuga, Planning Board Secretary Lang, 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 announced this is the last Planning Board meeting for the year. 

 

NEW APPLICATION

 

VINCENT GIFFORD - PB#30-2001 – 2310 Romano Boulevard, Block 217, Lots 5 & 7, R-20 zone.  Applicant seeks an extension of time in order to perfect a Minor Subdivision.

 

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

 

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

 

Attorney Middleton said this was a minor subdivision without variances.  The deeds are all signed and filed.  Attorney Middleton said they received a 190 day extension and it ran out.  Attorney Rubino said the Board can give another 190 day extension.  He suggested Attorney Middleton refile the deeds.  Attorney Rubino said the resolution of approval will not be read until January 2003.  Attorney Middleton agreed to refile the deeds. 

 

Mr. Giardina made a motion to grant a 190 day extension, expiring February 1, 2003.  Mayor Thomson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Giardina, Thomson, Ms. Wilson, Messrs. Kean, Capone, Morris, Devlin, Tobia and Braun voted yes.)

 

COMMERCIAL REALTY – PB#23-2002 – Monmouth Shores Corporate Park, Block 930, Lot 53, OR-10 zone.  Date application complete: July 15, 2002.  Carried from November 25, 2002.  Applicant seeks to construct a 6,026 s.f. office building.  Site plan with variances.

 

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

 

Mark Aikins, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Attorney Aikins stated the applicant has tried to come up with a better plan.  They met with Joe Rizzitello, Fire Prevention.  He said they are ready to proceed with the application.


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 2

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Preliminary & Final maps last revised November 14, 2002

A-3      Technical Specifications prepared by Langan Engineering and Environmental Services dated July 8, 2002

A-4      Storm Drainage Network Computations dated May 22, 2002 prepared by Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

A-5      EIS dated July 8, 2002 prepared by Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

A-6      Request for access easement

A-7      Rendering development plan

A-8      Rendering of landscape/lighting plan

 

PB-1    Fire Prevention letter dated August 20, 2002

PB-2    Environmental Advisory Committee letter

PB-3    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated September 12, 2002

PB-4    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated September 16, 2002

PB-5    Fire Commissioner Letter

PB-6    Wall Township Police Department letter dated January 16, 2002

PB-7    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated October 24, 2002

PB-8    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated October 23, 2002

PB-9    Fire Prevention letter dated November 26, 2002

PB-10  Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated November 18, 2002

PB-11  Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated November 21, 2002

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                  George Derrick, Engineer & Planner

                                                            Glenn Gerken, Engineer

                                                            John Maczuga, Special Planner

 

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

 

Mr. Derrick explained the building will be located off Campus Parkway.  It is on a 7 acre site.  It will be located at the north side of Campus Parkway.  A lot of the site will remain in its natural condition.  Access will be from Campus Parkway.  The new building will total 6,026 s.f.  There will be 28 parking spaces.  The main entrance will be at the southwest corner of the building.  Handicap spaces will be located near the building.  To the rear of the building will be bicycle racks and the trash enclosure.  It will be a one story building.  He said lot coverage will be 2%.  He said the wetlands to the north and southeast of the building and the 50’ buffer can never be developed. 

 

Attorney Aikins informed the Board that the applicant contacted the owner of the property to the northeast and requested an easement to allow emergency vehicle access.  He said that request was denied. 

 

Mr. Derrick said he changed the plans so emergency vehicles can turn around.  They can make a K-turn.  He said he went over this plan with Mr. Rizzitello.  He said the K-turn was created by


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 3

 

eliminating two parking spaces.  He said it is large enough to accommodate a 24’ long vehicle. 

He said Mr. Rizzitello approved this plan.

 

Attorney Aikins asked if a variance was needed because of the lose of the two parking spaces.  Mr. Derrick said yes.  He said 4.67 spaces per 1,000 s.f. are being proposed. 

 

Attorney Aikins asked if the other variance applied for are because of setbacks.  Mr. Derrick said the driveway requires a setback of 30’.  The applicant is proposing 25’ because of the wetlands.  He said if the driveway was moved it would disturb the wetlands.  He said the 25’ setback was approved by the DEP. 

 

Attorney Aikins asked what type of materials will be used for the new building.  Mr. Derrick said it will be consistent with the rest of the buildings. 

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-9      Drainage and grading plan

 

Mr. Derrick explained the existing detention basin was constructed to accept run-off from the entire project.  He said the water will be collected and go through the existing basin. 

 

Attorney Aikins said they can comply with all conditions in the review letters. 

 

The application was open and closed to the public.

 

Mr. Tobia moved to approve the application for site plan with variances subject to payment of taxes and applicable assessments.  The applicant shall comply with the review letters of the Board Professionals.  The applicant will comply with requirements of Freehold Soil Conservation District, Monmouth County Board of Health and Monmouth County Planning Board.  The applicant will obtain approval from DEP and DOT.  The applicant will comply with Wall Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund and ADA requirements.  The applicant will obtain a tree removal permit.  The applicant will comply with review letters from Wall Township Police Department, Fire Prevention, Fire Commissioners and Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee.  Variances are granted.  The applicant shall meet with Wall Township Police Department prior to start of construction.  The applicant shall submit application for Subtitle 1 of Title 39.  The applicant shall install a Knox Box system.  K-turn area shall be delineated with stripes.  No parking signs shall be erected.  Mayor Thomson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.  (Messrs. Tobia, Thomson, Rible, Devlin, Morris, Giardina, Capone, Kean, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Braun voted yes.)

 

MONMOUTH OCEAN CHILDREN’S HEART CENTER - PB#18-2002 – 3204 Allaire Road, Block 823, Lot 19, OB-120 zone.  Date application complete: June 21, 2002.  Carried from October 7, 2002.  Applicant is proposing to raze the existing dwelling and construct a Medical Facility containing a 2,038 s.f. footprint. 


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 4

 

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

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-7      Letter to Ms. Marion Newman showing interest in purchasing Ms. Newman’s property, dated October 10, 2002

A-8      Revised Technical Specifications dated September 2002

A-9      Revised Drainage Calculations dated September 2002

A-10    Letter to Mr. Withington, Esq. dated November 1, 2002, sent both regular and certified mail

 

PB-8    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated November 22, 2002

 

Attorney Middleton stated Mr. Withington tried to get in touch with Ms. Newman but got no response.

 

Attorney Middleton said they have tried to contact, Ms. Newman, the neighbor to the east to purchase her property.  He said acquiring that property would make the project a better project.  He said the applicant has made every attempt to try and contact Ms. Newman.

 

Attorney Middleton said the medical office is a conforming use in the OB-120 zone.  He said it was zoned residential up until about a year ago.  Attorney Middleton said the proposed building coverage is 7.6% where 20% is permitted.  He said the impervious coverage proposed is 34% where 65% is permitted. 

 

Attorney Middleton said the variances required are for setback, lot width, depth, frontage and area. 

 

Attorney Middleton said he does not feel the project is being over utilized.  Mayor Thomson said both lots were to be included in this application.  He said that is why the zone line was moved.  Mayor Thomson asked if Attorney Middleton was sure the adjacent property owner was not going to come through.  Attorney Middleton said he made every attempt he could.  He said she rejects the certified mail.  He said he believes she has received the letters that were sent regular mail.  She has not responded. 

 

Mayor Thomson said the concern of the Board is not with Dr. Rivera but on who will occupy the building if she moves her practice. 

 

Attorney Rubino said the space upstairs may be used for offices.  Attorney Middleton said even if that did happen the ordinance requires five spaces per doctor.  He said 17 are being proposed.

 

Attorney Rubino said the Board is also concerned about the buffer to the west and to the rear.  He said the Board is concerned about the residents at the rear of the property. 

 

Attorney Middleton said they can move the building to the east 8’ – 10’.  Attorney Rubino asked


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 5

 

how far off the rear of the property.  Attorney Middleton said about 52’. 

 

Mr. Gerken said, regarding the buffering to the west, a septic tank is being proposed.  He said

public sewers will be installed sometime next summer.

 

Mr. Maczuga stated they are below the permitted coverage.  He said there is a need for a buffer on the west and south side.  He said the lot is about 30% buildable. 

 

Mr. Tobia asked how far you could move the building on the west side.

 

Mr. Lalka, already sworn, said the building could be moved 15’ to the east which would increase the buffer to the residences on the west.  He said the building would be 49’ off the property line in the rear, 50’ on the left and 30’ on the right. 

 

Mr. Maczuga said the east side is zoned commercial.  He asked if they could just flip the building and move it closer to the right side.  Mr. Lalka said that would create a front yard setback problem. 

 

Mr. Tobia said the Board’s attitude is to protect the residential area.  Attorney Rubino said the Board has no problem with moving the building to the east.

 

Chairman Braun said the Board would like to see those changes.  Mr. Gerken recommended eliminating the second floor. 

 

Mr. Tobia said his concern is if there is a second story the concern is not with Dr. Rivera but with future applicants.  He also suggested eliminating the second story.

 

Attorney Middleton said he will speak to his client. 

 

The application was open to the public.

 

Mr. Robert Camano, 2204 Glenmere Court, was sworn.  Mr. Camano said his concerns are ones that the Board has already addressed.  He said any improvement would be good for the neighborhood.  He said his concern include the setbacks, second floor, buffering and use of the building.

 

Chairman Braun said the application will be carried to January 6, 2003.  No further noticing is required.

 

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

MARTIN & BERNICE SPIELMAN – PINE GROVE DAY CAMP – PB#32-2002 – 4010 Herbertsville Road, Block 974, Lot 5, CR-40 zone.  Application complete: September 11, 2002.  Applicant seeks to remodel, expand and add to existing structures at Pine Grove Day Camp.  Site with variances.


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 6

 

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

 

Michael DeCicco, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Preliminary and Final Site Plan maps last revised November 8, 2002

A-3      Front and left elevation

A-4      Flow plans and elevations dated November 4, 2002

A-5      EIS prepared by Crest Engineering Associates dated March 27, 2002

A-6      Monmouth County Board of Health letter dated September 20, 2002

A-7      Stormwater Management Plan prepared by Crest Engineering Associates last revised November 8, 2002

A-8      Freehold Soil Conservation District letter dated June 17, 2002

A-9      Colored rendering

A-10    Photos of certain vantage points (3 photos on each page of 5)

 

PB-1    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated October 21, 2002

PB-2    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated October 8, 2002

PB-3    Letter from Wall Township Police Department dated September 12, 2002

PB-4    Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee letter dated November 22, 2002

PB-5    Wall Township Fire Prevention letter dated November 22, 2002

PB-6    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated November 25, 2002

PB-7    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated November 22, 2002

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                              Martin Spielman, Owner

                                                                        Peter Strong,

                                                                        Glenn Gerken, Engineer

                                                                        John Maczuga, Planner

 

Attorney DeCicco stated this application is for preliminary and final site plan approval.  The property is located at 4010 Herbertsville Road, Block 974, Lot 5.  It is located in the CR-40 zone.  It is a permitted use.  The property consists of 35.3 acres.  There are variances with this application.  The applicant is proposing to remodel and expand the existing structures.  The site is used as a day camp.  It is used mostly in the summer.  The addition will be in character with how the facility is currently used.  It is a rustic site.  Attorney DeCicco said there are no negative impacts.  The proposed remodeling will make it a better site.

 

Mr. Spielman said he has owned the camp since September 1979.  He said since the summer of 1986 it has been used as a camp.  The site has recreational facilities.  Some activities are soccer, tennis, softball, nature walks, etc.  Mr. Spielman said the camp has a gym, theater, arts and crafts, camping, scenic center, etc.  There is a dining room and kitchen facilities.  There are four swimming pools. 


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 7

 

Mr. Spielman said the camp sees as many as 600 children during the summer and has 150 employees. 

 

Mr. Spielman said when the summer ends the activities change.  He said Wall Pop Warner Cheerleaders use the gym to practice.  The Diocese of Trenton and other church groups hold retreats at the camp.  He said Girl Scouts also use the facility. 

 

Attorney DeCicco asked Mr. Spielman to describe the site.  Mr. Spielman said the camp has 1300’ of frontage along Herbertsville Road.  It has residences on the west side and Shore Christian Center is to the rear and the east.  The eastern property line is buffered by several acres of woods.  He said the east has a natural wood land and will remain if this application is approved.

 

Mr. Spielman said they have 55 parking spaces.  To the west are the soccer fields.  He said the soccer fields are buffered.  To the east there is a long 360’ building that is used as a bunkhouse, dance studio, theater and gym.  The office building is setback from the street about 125’.  Just off that is the scenic center.  There are cabins all around the site. 

 

The Board members asked several questions regarding the 25’ tall climbing wall.  Mr. Spielman said the climbing wall is 25’ high.  He said the wall is constructed of plywood and is scaled by use of stone-shaped pegs.  He said at the top of the wall there is a 125’ long zip line that is attached to a tree.  He said when the wall is not in use 10’ of climbing pegs from the bottom are removed.  The climbing wall is 31’ from the property line. 

 

Mr. Tobia asked how long the wall has been there.  Mr. Spielman said 7 – 8 years.

 

Chairman Braun said that wall gets the most attention.  It is within the setback.  He asked if it could be moved.  Mr. Spielman said if the wall was moved it would go into the forest.  He said it is almost impossible to see. 

 

Mr. Spielman said there are only 10 – 12 youngsters at the wall at one time and they accompanied by two instructors. 

 

Mr. Spielman described the pictures on exhibit A-10.  He said one picture shows the climbing wall from one of the neighboring properties, one is looking at the wall from the northwest through a wooded lot; the other picture is looking east from the wall.  Mr. Spielman said white pines have already been planted to provide additional buffering at the climbing wall.  He said the application adds the planting of holly trees. 

 

Mr. Spielman explained he is asking for approval to construct a 3,000 s.f. storage facility.  This will house the camp’s equipment in the winter.  He said they are also proposing a 1,200 s.f. pavilion which will replace the tents that are there now.  He said they are also proposing an addition to the volley ball courts to allow for a small basketball court.  A 1,000 s.f. nurse’s office and two new classroom buildings are also being proposed.  Mr. Spielman said he is trying to better the operation. 


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 8

 

Chairman Braun asked how Mr. Spielman determines the number of children who will attend the camp.  He asked what the limiting factor is.  Mr. Spielman said 600 children are ideal.  He said they are divided into age groups.  He said 600 children attend everyday, Monday thru Friday.  Chairman Braun asked how many children stay overnight.  Mr. Spielman said a one-night overnight includes about 30 children.  He said sometimes in the summer there may be as many as 70 spending the night. 

 

Mr. Spielman said outside groups use the sleeping quarters.  He said he hopes to expand the sleeping quarters to accommodate 90 - 100 people. 

 

Attorney Rubino requested that the applicant submit architectural plans at the next meeting.  He said at the TRC meeting there was a concern as to what the proposed buildings were going to look like and where they are going to be.  Attorney DeCicco said Items A-3 and A-4 show that.  Mr. Spielman said they will be the same as the existing buildings.

 

Mr. Maczuga said the buildings are not labeled correctly on the plans.  Mr. Spielman explained where each building is going to go. 

 

Attorney Rubino asked Mr. Maczuga if he would be satisfied if, as a condition of approval, the applicant submit a revised architectural to his office.  Mr. Maczuga said he feels the Board would be interested in seeing the buildings.  Chairman Braun said the Board would like to see where each building is going to go.  Mayor Thomson said he would like to see where the existing buildings are and have those included in the application.  He also requested architectural plans and a description of each proposed building. 

 

Chairman Braun said this application will be carried to February 24, 2003. 

 

Committeeman Devlin asked if there was ever a time when there were more than 600 children per day.  Mr. Spielman said they have been under but never over.

 

Mr. Maczuga asked what the area on the side south abutting lot 1 was used for.  Mr. Spielman said softball fields.  Mr. Maczuga asked how close they were to lot 1.  Mr. Spielman said they have been there a long time.  He said one field may go into the buffer.

 

Mayor Thomson said the Board needs everything shown on the site plan.  He said a 75’ buffer is required.  Mr. Maczuga said the plan should show the 75’ buffer all around. 

 

Chairman Braun said the climbing wall is a problem.  He said from the wall you can look right into the neighbor’s backyard. 

 

Chairman Braun said transcripts will be needed. 

 

Mr. Tobia suggested enhancing the buffer with additional evergreens to protect the residential zones.


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 9

 

Captain Morris said he had a concern with the safety of the climbing wall.  He asked how it is closed off when not in use.  Mr. Spielman explained they take off 10’ of pegs.  Ms. Wilson said she would like to see a safety plan.  Mr. Spielman said the children are buckled in.  They are attached to safety lines and wear helmets.

 

Chairman Braun announced the application will be carried to February 24, 2002.

 

Attorney Rubino said the applicant should have all the information requested to the Board by the end of December and he will schedule a TRC.

 

Attorney DeCicco said they waive the time limits.

 

Mr. Giardina left the meeting.

 

The Board recessed at 9:20 P.M.

 

The meeting resumed at 9:30 P.M.

 

FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL - PB#34-2002 – 4061 Herbertsville Road, Block 973, Lot 6 & 7, RR-5 zone.  Application complete: October 8, 2002.  Applicant seeks to construct a 665 seat Church with accessory Sunday School/Office wing, Pavilion and Chapel with the existing residence to be maintained.  Minor with variances.

 

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

 

John Pehlivania, Esq. appeared for the applicant.

 

Entered into evidence:

 

A-1      Jurisdictional Items

A-2      Preliminary and Final site plan prepared by R.C. Burdick last revised August 13, 2002

A-3      Overall building plan prepared by Holberg & Adison, P.A.

A-4      EIS prepared by R.C. Burdick dated July 9, 2002

A-5      Stormwater Management report prepared by R.C. Burdick

A-5A   Appendix B, Predevelopment analysis dated April 11, 2002

A-5B   Post development flow of area B dated July 9, 2002

A-5C   Appendix C, Post development analysis dated July 1, 2002

A-5D   Post Development flow of area C dated July 1, 2002

A-5E    Appendix C, Stormwater quality dated July 9, 2002

A-5F    Appendix E, soil erosion and sediment control dated July 9, 2002

A-5G   Post development flow of area E dated July 9, 2002

A-6      Pre-development drainage area map prepared by R.C. Burdick dated July 4, 2002

A-7      Monmouth County Board of Health letter dated October 15, 2002

A-8      Monmouth County Planning Board letter dated August 12, 2002

A-9      Colored rendering


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 10

 

A-10    Colored rendering of overall site plan

A-11    Colored rendering of architectural

A-12    Colored rendering

 

PB-1    Wall Township Police Department letter dated October 10, 2002

PB-2    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated November 11, 2002

PB-3    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated November 12, 2002

PB-4    Wall Township Fire Prevention letter dated November 22, 2002

PB-5    Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee letter dated November 13, 2002

PB-6    Review letter from John Maczuga, Schoor DePalma, dated December 2, 2002

PB-7    Review letter from Glenn Gerken, Schoor DePalma, dated December 2, 2002

 

Sworn by Reporter Arnone:                              Tom Thomas, Engineer

                                                                        Robert Burdick, Engineer

                                                                        Ed Murachanian

                                                                        Paul Adison

                                                                        Paul Duggan

                                                                        Frank Rapisarda

                                                                        Glenn Gerken, Engineer

                                                                        John Maczuga, Planner

 

Attorney Pehlivanian explained that 27 acres of land was donated to the Fellowship Church by

Arthur Sommers.  Mr. Sommers currently resides in a home on the land.  Attorney Pehlivanian

said the applicant will comply with the letter from Township Engineer Gerken dated November

12, 2002.  He said he never received a copy of the review letter dated December 2, 2002.  Mr.

Gerken said there is very little change in the letter. 

 

Timothy B. Middleton, Esq. who said he was retained by one of the neighbors asked a question about the height of the chapel.  He said the height of the chapel can be interpreted as either 40’ or 45’ depending on what section of the zoning ordinance you use.  He said the height would exceed the height limitations by more than 10%.  Attorney Pehlivanian said changes have been made to the plans.  He said all buildings will be 35’, no more than 38’.  He said the additional height will be a dome.  He said it is tantamount to a steeple.  Mr. Maczuga said the dome could be as tall as 50’ and still comply with township ordinances.

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said they want to show the adjacent property owners what this application is all about.  He said they spent 9 – 10 months putting this plan together. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said the applicant would like to build the all-purpose building first.  He said the other buildings will be built within 7 – 8 years.  He said that is the present plan.  He said the ball fields will be put in during Phase III. 

 

Mr. Tobia said sometime during this hearing the Board should hear testimony regarding the five acre parcel reserved for Mr. Sommers.  Attorney Pehlivanian said it is going to be intergraded into the church’s property.  It may be used as a parsonage.  It will become part of the church


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 11

 

property.

 

Mayor Thomson said he would like the applicant to come back before the Board as it prepares to construct additional buildings on the premises.  He said he is concerned about the staging of the buildings. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said the proposed buildings will be in keeping with that of the surrounding area.  He said the lot is very wooded.  He said they will try to enhance the property.  He said the minor subdivision is going to be temporary.  He said the variances required are because of the subdivision.  He said the structures on the property are preexisting. 

 

Chairman Braun asked Attorney Pehlivanian to address the site plan.

 

Robert Burdick, Engineer, gave his credentials which were accepted by the Board.

 

Mr. Burdick testified that the property consists of 27 acres.  The applicant will make road improvements along Herbertsville Road.  Access to the church will be provided by a 30’ wide driveway.  There will be left and right turn exit lanes.  The multi purpose building and parking area will be constructed at the west portion of the property.  He said the multi purpose building will be used as the church’s sanctuary, Sunday school classrooms and office spaces.  The Chapel will be located at the northwest corner.  Parking will go around to the rear. 

 

Mr. Burdick stated an outdoor pavilion is also being proposed.  It will be used as a picnic area.  A detention basin will be located on the southwest portion of the property.  This basin will be designed for all types of storms.

 

Mr. Burdick said the proposed softball field will be unlit.  There will be no lighting.  It will not have a sound system.  A trail will run from the chapel to the field. 

 

Mr. Burdick said an amphitheater was also proposed but after the informal meeting it was removed from the application.   

 

Mr. Burdick explained the variances that are required because of the subdivision.  Once lots 6 & 7 are consolidated we believe we will be in compliance with township ordinances.  Mr. Burdick explained there will be two permanent variances.  One will be to allow a backstop on the softball field to be located in a front yard and the other will be to allow a 21 s.f. sign at the entrance driveway.

 

Chairman Braun asked why the church needed a softball field.  Mr. Burdick said the church has a softball team and will use the field as its home base.  He said youth groups will also use the field.

 

Committeeman Devlin said Mr. Burdick had testified that the multipurpose building was being built in an open area to avoid removing trees, now you are saying you are putting the softball field in a wooded area.  Mr. Burdick said the variance is not for the field it is for the backstop.  He said they could eliminate the backstop and the variance will not be needed. 


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 12

 

Chairman Braun asked for testimony regarding league play or will the field be used just for the church.  Attorney Pehlivanian stated the field will not be used for league play.  It will be used for church member’s games.  It will be used 3 – 4 times a week, probably twice a week.  The field will not be used on Sunday or Saturday.  It will not be used on weekends at all.

 

Chairman Braun said there needs to be a great deal of testimony on the operation of this church. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said this church is now meeting in a school.  He said they do not know exactly what they are going to do except run a church and Sunday school.

 

Attorney Rubino said the Board needs testimony stating how the site is going to be used.

 

Mayor Thomson agreed with Chairman Braun stating the Board needs to hear extensive testimony on the operation of the church.

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said the applicant has submitted plans showing every possible structure that could be built on the site.  Attorney Pehlivanian said the church members now hold its prayer meeting at a fire house.  He said they will hold services on Sunday.  They will have Sunday school classes.  He said maybe Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will meet there.  He said this is a Sunday operation. 

 

Mr. Tobia asked if there was a similar facility that the Board can refer to.  Attorney Pehlivanian said the church is non-denominational.  There is no membership.  People just come to worship. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian asked Mr. Burdick about the engineer’s report.  Mr. Burdick said he thinks they have covered most of the items.  Mr. Burdick said they will take care of the comments regarding the façade.  He said they will also comply with height requirement.  Attorney Rubino asked the applicant to submit revised plans showing the changes.

 

Attorney Pehlivanian asked about the loading zone.  Mr. Burdick said no loading zone is needed.  All deliveries will be made by UPS, FEDEX, etc. 

 

Mr. Gerken said there are some minor items needed.  He said he asked for topography of the area downstream of the proposed detention basin.  Calculations should be provided as to where the runoff will go after it leaves the site.  He said he has not received that information.  Mr. Burdick said the runoff goes south around the northwest corner onto lot 16 to the stream. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian asked about lighting.  Mr. Burdick said they will comply with everything regarding lighting.

 

Attorney Pehlivanian asked about landscaping.  Mr. Burdick said they will comply with all landscaping requirements.

 

Mr. Burdick went over the signage.  Mr. Burdick said the sign will be irregularly shaped.  It will contain a 14’ cross.  He said the township ordinance limits the sign to 3 s.f.  He said a sign that


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 13

 

size will not show the location of the church.  People are going by at 40 – 50 mph.  He said a small sign would not show the location of the church.  He said the church would not be visible from the road.  It will be setback 700’ – 800’ from the road. 

 

Attorney Rubino asked for the size of the sign.  Mr. Burdick said it is 21 s.f.  It will have a 14’ cross on it.  The cross is not part of the 21 s.f.  He said they have received conditional approval from the county since it is a county road. 

 

Mr. Burdick explained the building and impervious coverage.  He said once the property is consolidated the building coverage will total 4.4% where 6% is permitted.  The impervious coverage will total 20% where 30% is permitted.

 

Mr. Tobia was concerned about the site triangle at the intersection of Easy Street and Herbertsville Road.  Captain Morris said he can see some traffic issues.  He asked for a traffic expert’s opinion.  Attorney Pehlivanian said it is a county road so he did not think a traffic study was necessary.

 

Chairman Braun said the Board can prepare a report. 

 

Attorney Pehlivanian said the traffic would be on Sunday only. 

 

Captain Morris is concerned about the impact the traffic will have on Herbertsville Road.  Attorney Pehlivanian said he could not even tell the Board the number of members. 

 

Ms. Wilson suggested the church should investigate the possibility of using the fields at Pine Grove Day Camp.  Attorney Pehlivanian said it is not very often you can use those fields. 

 

Chairman Braun stated this application will be carried to February 24, 2003.  Attorney Rubino said no further noticing is needed.  Chairman Braun said transcripts will be needed.

 

RESOLUTIONS TO BE MEMORALIZED:

 

KERRY & JOHN ROCHE – PB#35-2002

Block 135, Lots 7 & 8

 

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

 

RICHARD MUELLER – PB#28-2001

Block 942, Lots 79 & 132

 

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


December 2, 2002                                                                                                       Page 14

 

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT – PB#20-2002

Block 821, Lots 12 & 13

 

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

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 P.M.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Betty Schinestuhl

                                                                        Recording Secretary