REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD October 5, 2016

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1 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD October 5, 2016 The Regular Meeting of the South Brunswick Township Planning Board was called to order by Chairman Prodromo at 7:34 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chairman Prodromo recited the Open Public Meetings Act, compliance with Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of 1975, notice of this meeting was given by way of annual notice filed with the Township Clerk, the Princeton Packet, the Home News Tribune and the Trenton Times and posted on the bulletin board in the South Brunswick Township Municipal Building on January 6, In compliance with the New Jersey Case Law, all Board professionals have previously been sworn in and their testimony is considered to be under oath. Present: Absent: Also Present: Rizwan Baig, Mayor Frank Gambatese, William Grober, Gary Luck, Jerome Lutin, Dennis Weitz, Chairman Prodromo Charles Carley, Barry Nathanson, Edward Salvi, Mahesh Shah Bryan Bidlack, Township Planner; Patrick Foley, Board Attorney; Ken Zielinski, CME Engineering, Board Engineer; Todd Bletcher, Bignell Planning Consultants. MOTIONS FOR ADJOURNMENT OF HEARINGS ON THE APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT None OTHER MOTIONS None CITIZENS UNAGENDIZED STATEMENTS Hearing none, Chairman Prodromo closed the meeting to public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 17, 2016 was moved by Mr. Grober and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. All in favor by voice vote. The motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of August 17, 2016 was moved by Mr. Lutin and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. All in favor by voice vote. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS a. The motion to approve the resolution for File International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. was moved by Mr. Grober and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. Roll call in favor: Mr. Baig, Mayor Gambatese, Mr. Grober, Mr. Luck, Mr. Lutin, Mr. Weitz, Chairman Prodromo The motion was carried; the application was approved. Page

2 b. The motion to appoint Thomas F. Collins, Jr., Esq. as the Planning Board attorney for litigation for a contract not to exceed $17, was moved by Mayor Gambatese and seconded by Mr. Grober. Roll call in favor: Mr. Baig, Mayor Gambatese, Mr. Grober, Mr. Luck, Mr. Lutin, Mr. Weitz, Chairman Prodromo The motion was carried. OLD BUSINESS AND REPORTS Chairman Prodromo: Frank Gambatese: Board Members: Chairman Prodromo wished former Mayor Joe Spataro good health following a stay in the hospital for two surgeries. There are plans for a celebration for his upcoming 100th birthday. Chairman Prodromo said that Mr. Spataro, having served as mayor, will be able to perform the wedding ceremony for his granddaughter. The Mayor announced two upcoming fundraisers. On Saturday evening, October 15, the South Brunswick Public Library will hold their annual Book and Author Dinner at the library featuring author Anand Giridharadas and on Monday, October 17, the Education Foundation of South Brunswick will hold their 7 th Annual Taste for Education dinner at Pierre s Restaurant. The Mayor encouraged the community to support these two important township institutions. Mr. Nathanson, School Board: Mr. Weitz, Environmental: Mr. Weitz complimented the township Public Works Department on the great job they have done lately with road work particularly Broadway the Mr. Weitz uses frequently. Board Professionals: None NEW APPLICATION a. File National Trailer Leasing, LLC Block: Lot: US Route 130 Application for preliminary and final site plan approval, conditional use with variances and waivers for a truck dealership on a 10 acre site in the I-3 zone. A stenographer was present. Donna Jennings, Esq., Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A., attorney for the applicant, summarized the application. She summarized the variances and design waivers they are seeking Page

3 John W. Grady, President of National Trailer Leasing, LLC, was sworn for testimony. He described his position as President saying that the company was incorporated in They buy, sell and lease tractor trailers. With this construction, they will be relocating their entire operation from Freehold and expanding to handle 1500 pieces which includes 100 company assets or vehicles that operate on and off premises, 800 trailers on long term lease and the balance that changes hands every six months. There are between trailers in temporary storage depending on season. The employees valet the trailers within property, placing them by volume and utilizations. They are a dealer for buying, selling and leasing drive-ins and flat beds; they have no tankers or HazMat vehicles. The have an administrative staff of 18. There is a parts department that is mostly online ordering and drop ship deliveries requiring very little foot traffic and not much inventory on premises. Mayor Gambatese confirmed that the building is for repair not storage. There are four mechanics on premises and the hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week. Mr. Grady said that Construction Phase 1 would start 2 to 3 months after approval and Phase 2 would start nine months later. The phasing will be described in detail by the site engineer. Mayor Gambatese asked where they were with the official reports. He said the site engineer and planner will describe that in later testimony. Mr. Luck asked about foot traffic. Mr. Grady said that it was driven by demand with approximately 18 to 20 customers daily. Kenneth Schlatmann, PE, Schlatmann Engineering Associates, applicant s engineer and planner, was sworn and his credentials were accepted. Using Exhibit A-1 Aerial Site plan dated 4/2016, (the other plans he is showing are part of the set of plans that the board has been given) Mr. Schlatmann described the site location and existing features showing 500 foot perimeter around the property. Formerly an excavation company, there is a 45 foot deep pit with a ramp for access. He explained that surface water is at a depth of 8 feet from the bottom of the pit with a high perk rate. There is an existing 3600 s.f. building and a gravel parking area. The property is completed surrounded by a wooded area which they are not altering. The trucks will be staged in the pit concealing them from view from outside the site. Referring to Sheet 3 of 11 Utility plan, he indicated the proposed surface treatment. The upper area will be paved and the bottom of the pit will be graded and covered with gravel. The proposed building is s.f. total with 2000 s.f. for offices with a 2000 s.f. mezzanine for storage until the area is needed for additional staff offices. Behind that is a 2000 s.f. parts department with loading dock access for a tractor trailer deliveries. There will be 4 repair bays and 2 inspection/wash bays. There will be fencing surrounding the pit for security. There will be no public access to the pit area. Using the phasing plan (Sheet 5 of 11) Mr. Schlatmann explained the phasing. During Phase 1 they will use the existing 3600 s.f. building for storage. They will fully improve access to Route 130. In Phase 2 they will tear down the existing building and locate a construction trailer on the property while construction of the new building is completed. Mr. Schlatmann described the parking areas, retaining walls and a secondary infiltration basin in the pit for drainage. He said that the gravel surfaces are considered as impervious. The basins are sized to serve this property and include runoff from the adjacent property that drains into the pit. Mr. Weitz asked for clarification of the impervious coverage percentages. Mr. Schlatmann said that a prior design was below percentage of impervious; he said the current percentage is below 55. Mr. Schlatmann described the existing utilities and the proposed extensions and connections to sanitary sewer. Existing electric is to be increased as required. Gas will be brought in. He discussed water mains and connections. They are proposing to add a fire hydrant. Landscaping and lighting which complies Page

4 with the standards was described. No lighting in the pit to allow max maneuverability. They are removing some trees and will comply with ordinance regarding replacement or payment. There was a discussion about location use variance. Mr. Schlatmann described the design waivers and the allowance for parking at 21% (over the 10% ordinance) for the display area in front yard. He explained that it matches surrounding dealerships. Since the trucks are in the pit they need to have some at grade for visibility. Would like to not include obstructive parking islands; they want maximum maneuverability. He described the parking in front yard variance and the screening of the parking area. The vehicles in the display area are not moved around particularly at night; therefore, screening for headlights is minimal. He summarized where they are on obtaining approvals and permits. Mr. Schlatmann will provide the revised data and calculations switching from septic to sewer and will provide planting plan and a report on removals and replacements. He said that there was no ordinance that addresses truck repair facilities. He described the parking space issues for the number of parking spaces for repair bays. He said that they comply. The Bignell report was discussed; approvals are pending. He has addressed the issues, clarified the questions and will comply with recommendations. They will comply with tree ordinance and will provide some street trees. Mayor Gambatese asked about the validity and safety issue of having trees along Route 130. The trees are set back within applicant s 40 foot set-back ending up about 70 feet from traffic lanes. Chairman Prodromo questioned the trees around the pit area. For safety they are adding retaining walls around the pit on all sides and a safety rail. Mr. Grober asked about lighting (comment #E4 in the Bignell report) there will be no flood lights in the pit area; they will comply in public area. It was suggested that the number of trucks permitted in pit should be indicated on the plan. They are maximizing the number of 53 foot and 35 foot spaces for a total of 231 spaces. Phase 1 soil testing will be submitted for review by board professionals. Mr. Weitz asked if all the comments on the CME report are either moot or complied. Mr. Zielinski discussed phasing and comments in the CME report - on comment A.5, a 1 year limitation should be given on the duration of the temporary CO for occupancy of the existing building before getting the final CO of the new building; comment D.8 about a 100 year storm event has been corrected by the redesign adding an additional basin. Mr. Schlatmann, in regard to comment B.2, said that the waste water from the truck washing bay will go through oil/water separator discharging the grey water to sanitary drain. Mr. Zielinski agreed that was acceptable. There was a discussion regarding comment D.2; a waiver will be required to comply with the new ordinance for slope disturbance. Mr. Schlatmann explained that the benefits outweigh the detriments noting that the site has worked until now; they are adding safety measures by including reinforcement to the slope into the basin. Mr. Zielinski agreed with the proposed solution. A waiver for use of flood lights with forward throw security lighting was discussed for the storage area (pit) only. The lighting in the upper areas complies. Mr. Grober noted that a comment in the EIS regarding hours of operations does not match testimony by Mr. Grady. There will be no construction on Sunday, but operations will be seven days per week. Mr. Baig asked about DOT drive-way spacing. The engineer will confirm noting that an access permit will be issued through DOT and they will follow DOT recommendations. They will also confirm a variance for WB 65 vehicles vs. WB 67. Page

5 Mr. Weitz said that 6 of the 8 comments from the Environmental Commission have been addressed but he questioned comment J.4 about the need for an oil/water separator at the end of pit along queuing lane. It was agreed that they will add a manufactured treatment device. Mr. Schlatmann said that comment J.5 regarding containment of recycling fluids will be answered in later testimony. Mr. Weitz questioned, regarding comment J.8, what the benefit is to community for not screening the display trucks? Mr. Schlatmann voiced the hardship variance due to triangular shape of site. 5 minute break at 8:55. Donald Ahart, Jr., general manager of the company for the past four years, was sworn for testimony. General Manager of company. He said that one of his responsibilities is OSHA compliance. He described the systems and processes for recycling fluids that exist in the present facility that will be replicated in South Brunswick. David Collins, architect, was sworn and his credentials were accepted. Referring to Sheet A-2.01 Floor Plan, he described the location of operations and usage of the main and mezzanine floor for storage. Using Exhibit A 1.01 Building Elevations. He described the look of the building and the materials and treatment proposed for the building which will be stacked stone at the office area and metal panels with block for the remainder. He introduced Exhibit A-2 Rendering of the front two facades of the building facing Rt He described the features shown on the rendering. There was a question about signage there will be one sign on Route 130. There were no other questions for the architect. John Rea, McDonough and Rea Associates, Inc., traffic engineer, was sworn and his credentials were accepted. Mr. Weitz questioned the impact of this entrance to the traffic on Route 130. He asked if they considered the other projects that are going on in this area of Route 130. He noted that at Wheeling Rd. and Rt. 130 there is a back-up of traffic to where this entrance will be located. North bound left turn lane north of this property will stack to block the access point to this property. Mr. Rea said that they defer to the DOT for traffic issues and that this is designed to state standards. They will comply with what the DOT recommends. He said that this business will be a light traffic generator with 70 to 80 traffic movements per day and 50 driveway movements. Mr. Baig would like some traffic analysis and asked what criteria was used to make traffic recommendations. Mr. Rea said that he was only using his experience and does not believe that an analysis is necessary. He said that he was not able to describe the nature of internal movement of the trailers since that was not what he was hired to analyze. Mr. Lutin asked to have the diagram explained. Mr. Grady addressed the movement of the trailers. He explained that they use a yard horse to move the trailers within the site based on size and configuration. The company will manage and schedule movement within the site. There will be no long term storage; they scrap the trailers when they are no longer in use. All vehicles are registered and they are never in long term storage on site. Mr. Lutin asked if there is ordinance protection against vehicles being stored or scraped on site. Ms. Jennings summarized the application and what they are requesting. Testimony is in reference to the Bryan Bidlack memo dated September 27, 2016, the Bignell report dated September 20, 2016 and the CME Technical Engineering Review and Traffic Statement review dated September 29, Page

6 The motion to open the meeting to the public was moved by Mr. Grober and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. Hearing none, the public portion of the meeting was closed. Mr. Foley confirmed that the applicant will comply with all of the Board reports and summarized the motion. A motion to approve File National Truck Leasing, LLC, was moved by Mr. Grober and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. Roll call with comments. There are some concerns about the driveway but will allow the DOT to make any determinations. The board felt that this was a good use of a difficult property. They said that the applicant has done an excellent job with the planning and with working with the board professionals. The board welcomed the applicant to town and hoped that they have success in their new locations. Mr. Lutin would like to see some low landscaping in front of the displays. Mr. Weitz agreed that they did a great job to address the issues but disagrees with the display vehicle in the front set-back. Chairman Prodromo believes this business will be an economic benefit to the community in that it serves other local business. Roll call in favor: Roll call against: Mr. Baig, Mayor Gambatese, Mr. Grober, Mr. Luck, Mr. Lutin, Chairman Prodromo Mr. Weitz By a vote of 6 to 1, the motion was approved. PUBLIC COMMENT Hearing none, Chairman Prodromo closed the meeting to public comment. ADJOURNMENT The motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 9:35 p.m. was first moved by Mr. Grober and seconded by Mayor Gambatese. All in favor by voice vote. Respectfully submitted by: Barbara L. Battles, Recording Secretary Page

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