MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Doug Joyce Peter Thorndike, Board Attorney Chris Locatell Absent: Thomas M. Ford, Board Secretary Jeffrey Tait Michelle Taylor, Board Planner John Logue Amy Bridges-Cieslewicz, Landscape Architect Robert Musgnug Christopher J. Noll, Board Engineer Peter Miller Sharon Leinheiser, Recording Secretary Scott Carew Phil Garwood Julie LaVan (arrived 7:40 pm) Chris Chesner (arrived 8:42 PM) Absent: William Barker Mr. Joyce called the Regular meeting of the Planning Board to order in the Town Hall Council Chamber, 111 West Second Street at 7:30 PM, by reading the Open Public Meetings Act statement. A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll call of the Board is as listed above. Resolutions: Mr. Thorndike indicated the corrections and changes to Resolution #2011-11B, JVS Limited LLC. Mr. Logue made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller, to approve this resolution with the changes and corrections. The roll call vote of eligible Board members was unanimous in favor. Public Hearing: Mr. Joyce is recusing himself from the following application. Mr. Locatell will preside for this application. Docket #PB-2015-11A; Republic First Bank, Block 6505, Lot 5; 230 Marter Avenue is an application, continued from the September 3, 2015 meeting, for Proposed signage as part of an application for a Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances and Waivers to construct a new bank building on a 0.74 acre parcel located in the SRC-1 Zone. Damien DelDucca, attorney for the applicant, explained the proposed signage with variances. Exhibit A-1 was a handout to the Board showing variances specific to each sign. Exhibit A-2 is sixteen pages of plans with the overall signage plan numbered. He explained the differences from the application submission. Exhibit A-3 is a comparison of the proposed signage to the approved signage at TD Bank which is two lots to the South of their site. Republic Bank is expanding their locations in South Jersey. Sworn in to testify for the applicant were Cliff Quay, Tim Hogan, Dan Thomas, Bill Harper. Mr. Quay gave his qualifications and was accepted as an expert witness. He answered questions from Mr. DelDucca regarding the sign sizes and detailed sign locations and design. They feel the proposed size is appropriate for the location of this building on the lot and the 1
distance from the street. The proposed is the same as their other banks. The band sign with the bank logo will face the left side of the property that will be seen from the drive-through. He described the surrounding vegetation on the adjoining property as well as on theirs. He described the message signs that will face Marter Avenue that are internally lighted. Board members asked various questions. Mr. Carew questioned the scale of the architecture of the building in relation to the signage. He was concerned that they continue to compare Marter Avenue with Route 70. Although both are four lanes, Marter Avenue is not a highway. Mr. Quay felt that their Voorhees site is similar to the one proposed in Moorestown. He explained there would be an informational sign on the back wall on each side of the green wall. The ATM is in the lobby and the drive-through is on the south side. He stated that the rear of the property is a parking lot belonging to the Genesis Health Care Facility. Their property line is about 160 feet from the nearest residential. Lighting on the parking lot is down shaded. The wall mount signs are led lights. These signs are informational only and intend to be lighted 24/7 to provide information to drive-through customers. The Board expressed concern that this site does not compare with their other sites; many had visited those other sites. They also did not feel it was necessary to have two informational signs on the rear of the bank. The Board discussed with DelDucca and Quay their concern that their front sign is taller and larger than the TD Bank sign. The idea that the bank needs the exact sign package at every site is disingenuous. In the spirit of cooperation, couldn't they slightly modify the size? When TD Bank was approved, the surrounding area and the site were different. The times are different and the Republic Bank site is significantly different. Mr. DelDucca felt that the signs are critical to businesses and they think this is a balanced sign package. He also felt that the changes to the area enhance their reasoning for the proposed signs. The Genesis site surrounds their lot. Mr. Quay described the signs on a glass surface, the free-standing signs, and four directional signs. There is only one light on the building. He described the band light as illuminated. Mr. Chesner arrived at 8:44 PM and is not eligible to vote on this application. Sworn in were Chris Noll, Michelle Taylor, and Amy Bridges-Cieslewicz. Mrs. Taylor questioned certain sizes of lettering on signs. Mr. Quay stated that the big sign gives a long distance view of their location but a small sign at the driveway is necessary to delineate the turn into the site. Mrs. Taylor felt that the letter heights are overdone since there is no visual obstruction. Mr. DelDucca stated that his client is willing to reduce the height and size of main pylon sign to the same size as the TD Bank. Mr. Thorndike confirmed the size change from 68 to 53 square feet. Public Questions/Comments: 2
Sworn in was Raman Abrol who stated that the rear of his house faces this site. Although he only recently moved there, he is concerned because his house has lots of windows in the rear and is elevated from this site, which is visible from both floors. TD Bank is not visible from his property. He is concerned that red lights and headlights and lack of buffering will be bothersome. He does not have a problem with a bank on that property just concern that the lights will be disturbing. He felt that additional mature buffering might help. Mrs. Bridges- Cieslewicz advised that they are relying on adjacent buffering on other properties without adding more. With no further comments forthcoming, the public portion was closed. Mr. DelDucca stated that they understand the concerns and his client is willing to turn off certain signs at 10:00 PM. They feel that the impact is not significant. Board Deliberation: Mr. Carew detailed the variances with which he has concerns. TD Bank is camafloged by the woods; this site will not be. He agrees that this is a unique site but everything has changed since TD Bank was approved. He was concerned with the amount of signs along with the lighting. He wants the bank but not the lighting. Mr. Garwood questioned whether there are any other businesses that are lit 24/7. Mr. Logue feels there is enough ambient light. Two sides are lighted glass so they should have enough light even at night. The red "R" are numerous. He is not happy with the 10:00 pm shut off time. Mr. Thorndike explained how the Board could vote on the variances. In response to Mr. Tait s request, the discussion was re-opened. Mr. Noll explained the reason for lighted directional signs. Mr. Carew listed the timing of specific signs cease being lighted. Mr. DelDucca explained which ones are vital to the client. The Board returned to deliberations. Mr. Thorndike clarified the concessions the applicant made at this hearing and the determinations of the Board during deliberation as Conditions. Mr. Carew made a motion, seconded by Mr. Tait, to approve this application with the Conditions of Approval and the changes as detailed by Mr. Thorndike. The roll call vote of the Board was as follows: AYES: Chris Locatell, Jeffrey Tait, John Logue, Robert Musgnug, Peter Miller, Scott Carew, Phil Garwood. NAYES: None. Recused: Doug Joyce. Ineligible: Chris Chesner. Absent: William Barker. Mr. Joyce returned to the dais and presided the remainder of the meeting. Docket #PB-04-95D; WF Delran LLC, Block 7500, Lot 1; 775 Hartford Road is an application for an Amended Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision with Variances and Waivers 3
for engineering changes related to stormwater management, water supply, and miscellaneous site work on a 32.8 acre parcel located in the R-1 Zone. Attorney for the applicant, Kenneth Pape, explained the application. They are seeking relief from two previously approved Conditions of Approval. Sworn in to testify was Stuart Challoner, engineer/planner, who gave his qualifications and was accepted as an expert witness. He addressed the two revisions and referred to Exhibit A-1, a colored rendering showing where rain gardens were supposed to be and where NJ American Water Company interconnection enters the site. When the development was approved, Moorestown did not have water available so the interconnection was required for the lots in the Moorestown portion. Moorestown now has additional allocation capabilities and the interconnection is not necessary. Exhibit A-2 is overall plan of the subdivision showing the Moorestown portion and the Delran portion. Replacement landscaping where the rain gardens were supposed to be and making the three they are not removing the responsibility of the Homeowners Association, they will revegetate the others. The three remaining rain gardens exceed the filtration requirements. He stated that they agree to comply with all conditions from the professionals. Sworn in were Amy Bridges-Cieslewicz, Michelle Taylor, and Chris Noll. Mr. Noll advised that he had spoken to Public Works Water Supervisor Bill Butler at the time of the application in 2006. He will confirm with him that there is no issue now but public water is available. Mr. Carew stated that he has discussed this application with Public Works Director Ken Ewers and is not aware of any problems. Mrs. Bridges-Cieslewicz concurs that rain gardens are not effective over long term and is supportive of this change. Mrs. Taylor agreed this is viable. Mr. Logue questioned the memo from the fire official expressing the opinion not to approve the release of the interconnection. Mr. Challoner responded that he has explained to Mr. Orsini, who felt it would be prudent to keep the interconnection, that it is not feasible. Mr. Noll stated that he had spoken with Mr. Orsini that morning; this is something he would like to have but it is not required. Public Comment/Question: Leon Basiaga, 845 Cox Road (Block 7600, Lot 72), stated that he has reviewed the prints and indicated on Exhibit A-2 the location of his home. Currently there is a drainage ditch that runs along the property lines but he felt that the elevations on the plans are not accurate as to what is actually there. He questioned where the water is going to go when this is all built out. He is not sure whether the rain garden provides him with more protections but he is concerned about the drainage because the development property is higher than his. Mr. Challoner agreed that their property slopes toward Mr. Basiaga. He explained how the road bifurcates the property and will intercept some of the water. The detention basin will also collect some of the water and remove it to Delran. Stormwater management will help control the drainage onto his property. He felt there would be no appreciable effect by elimination of 4
the rain garden. The drainage previously approved will address Mr. Basiaga's concerns. He agreed to meet with Mr. Basiaga and work out any possible issues. With no further comments forthcoming, the public portion was closed. Mr. Thorndike advised that the Board is voting on whether or not to relieve the applicant from the two conditions. Mr. Locatell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Musgnug, to approve this application. The roll call vote of the Board was as follows: AYES: Chris Locatell, Jeffrey Tait, John Logue, Doug Joyce, Chris Chesner, Robert Musgnug, Peter Miller, Scott Carew, Phil Garwood. NAYES: None. Absent: William Barker. Docket #PB-2015-14; East Gate Acquisition TIC II, LLC, Block 3000, Lot 6; 1001 Nixon Drive is an application for a Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances and Waivers to construct a 14,545 square foot addition to an existing building with parking lot modifications on a 14.83 acre parcel located in the SRC Zone. Mr. Hyland, attorney for that applicant, requested that, due to the late hour and another application to be heard before theirs, Docket 2015-14 East Gate Acquisition be continued to the November 5 meeting. Mr. Thorndike stated that was agreeable and no further notice is required. Docket #PB-2015-13; Oldcastle Building Envelope, Block 301, Lot 5; 1500 Glen Avenue is an application for a Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Variances and Waivers to construct a 4,567 square foot addition to an existing building with parking lot modifications on a 4.75 acre parcel located in the SRI Zone. Alan Ettenson is the attorney for the applicant. Sworn in were Brian Peterman, engineer and Dave Mailhiot, general manager of Oldcastle. Mr. Mailhiot described his business as custom tempering of glass and metal work (Lancer Drive)--storefront work. This location is the glass works with 100 employees who work 24 hours for five days. He wants an addition but it will mean a loss of parking spaces. Exhibit A-1 is an aerial photograph of the site and surrounding area. He indicated the location of his building and explained that space in the building is tight and they need space for new equipment. There are 89 parking spaces now. They want to relocate the parking to allow for the construction of the 4,851 square foot addition. There is parking in front of the building along Glen Avenue. He explained the lighting and the timing of them on the site. There are no other changes to the site. Exhibit A-2 is the architectural plan and elevation. They do not plan to hire any new employees. Shifts are staggered depending on what department one is working in. Exhibit A-3 shows the parking. Mr. Peterman gave his qualifications and was accepted as an expert witness. He described the variances and waivers requested. Exhibit A-4 is the grading, drainage and utility plan. He showed the location of the existing and proposed parking places to match the existing number of parking spaces. 5
Sworn in were Amy Bridges-Cieslewicz, Michelle Taylor, and Chris Noll. Mr. Thorndike discussed the numbers with them. Mr. Ettenson stated that they agree to comply with the conditions. Mr. Peterman added that there will be no increase in water demand. This will not cause any harm to the public good. Public Question/Comment: Barbara Rich, 37 East Central Avenue, was sworn in and asked if they had contacted the owner of the drainage easement. Mr. Mailhiot had not contacted Lancer Associates. Mrs. Rich requested that they get the easement on paper to make everything legal and send a copy to MEAC. With no further comments forthcoming, the public portion was closed. Mr. Peterman agreed to work with Mr. Noll if the drainage changes. Board Deliberation: Mr. Thorndike clarified the motion and conditions. Mr. Carew made a motion, seconded by Mr. Garwood, to approve this application with Conditions as described. The roll call vote of the Board was as follows: AYES: Chris Locatell, Jeffrey Tait, John Logue, Doug Joyce, Chris Chesner, Robert Musgnug, Peter Miller, Scott Carew, Phil Garwood. NAYES: None. Absent: William Barker. Referral: Capital Improvement Program: Ordinance No. 16-2015, An Ordinance appropriating monies and the issuance of bonds or notes for preliminary engineering and design expenses for the reconstruction of Hockey Rink #1 at Wesley Bishop Park on North Church St. Mr. Joyce read the ordinance by title. Mr. Carew explained the purpose of this ordinance. Mr. Logue made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller, to recommend approval of this ordinance to Council. The voice vote of the Board was unanimous in favor. Next Meeting: November 5, 2015 With no further business to discuss, Mr. Garwood made a motion, seconded by Mr. Tait, to adjourn the meeting. The voice vote of the Board was unanimous in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 PM. APPROVED 11-05-2015 6