MINUTES OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CRANBURY TOWNSHIP CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY MIDDLESEX COUNTY MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2011 APPROVED ON OCTOBER 5, 2011

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "MINUTES OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CRANBURY TOWNSHIP CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY MIDDLESEX COUNTY MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2011 APPROVED ON OCTOBER 5, 2011"

Merilyn Lawrence
5 years ago
Views:

1 MINUTES OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CRANBURY TOWNSHIP CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY MIDDLESEX COUNTY MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2011 APPROVED ON OCTOBER 5, 2011 TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING The regular meeting of the Cranbury Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held at the Township Hall Municipal Building, Main Meeting Room, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, New Jersey, on July 6, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Frank Shea, Vice Chairman of the Cranbury Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, called the meeting to order. STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE Pursuant to the Sunshine Law, adequate notice in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act was provided of this meeting s date, time, place and agenda was mailed to the news media, posted on the Township s Bulletin Board, mailed to those requesting personal notice, and filed with the Municipal Clerk. MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE James Gerberich (7.45 p.m.) Alain Hebert John Hoffman (2 nd Alternate) Mel Lehr Merilee Meacock Thomas Patterson Brian Schilling (1 st Alternate) Frank Shea Dale Smith PROFESSIONALS IN ATTENDANCE Andrew Feranda, Traffic Consultant (Shropshire Consultants) Virginia Guinta, Court Reporter Valerie Kimson, Esquire, Board Attorney (Mason, Griffin & Pierson) Josette C. Kratz, Board Secretary Cathleen Marcelli, Board Engineer (Hatch Mott McDonald) Richard Preiss, Board Planner (Phillips Preiss Grygiel, Inc.)

2 Page 2 of 8 APPOINTMENTS & RESOLUTION APPOINTING Resolutions for Appointment of Conflict Professional Harvey S. Moskowitz, P.P. as Planner Mr. Patterson Mr. Hoffman,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith Resolutions for Appointment of Conflict Professional Jim James L. Kochenour, P.E., as Traffic Consultant Mr. Mr. Schilling Mr. Hoffman,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith RESOLUTION ZBA Lele & Sarafin Block 20.04, Lot 8, RLD-1 13 Jefferson Road Rear Yard Setback Encroachment Mr. Schilling Page 2 of 8

3 Page 3 of 8, Mr. Chilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Shea Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Patterson APPLICATIONS ZBA James & Andrea Faraci Block 26, Lot Silvers Lane Bulk Variance for stockade fence in rear REPRESENTATIVES: Andrea Faraci, Applicant/Owner Ms. Kimson swore in Ms. Faraci. Ms. Faraci explained their property backs up businesses which front on Route 130 which creates noise. Their neighbors adjacent to their property have already received approvals for their fences and she wants to bring here fence to the same height as the two other fences. Mr. Schilling asked which business was directly behind their property. Ms. Faraci said there is the Oil Well and Anthracite Leasing. Mr. Shea asked if there were any questions from the Board or Public. There were none. Mr. Schilling said he was happy to move for the approval of this application. Mr. Schilling Mr. Hoffman Mr. Hoffman,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith Page 3 of 8

4 Page 4 of 8 ZBA Matrix Corporate Campus Building M Block 3, Lot Prospect Plains Road Building Mounted Signage REPRESENTATIVES: Frank Brennan, Esquire Christine Cofone, Planner David T. Fowler, Director Land Development Matrix Richard FX Johnson, Senior Vice President - Matrix July 5, 2011 Report from Harvey Moskowitz, Conflict Planner for Township of Cranbury EXHIBITS A-1 EXHIBITS A-2 EXHIBITS A-3 EXHIBITS A-4 EXHIBITS A-5 EXHIBITS A-6 Ariel View of the Matrix Corporate Campus Architectural Sheet A1 by Blackney Hayes Architects, last rev. date 8/22/2011 Bird s Eye Color View of Complex indicating distance between Buildings M, J & H ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey Mid-Atlantic Corporate Center Mark A. Ashton 8 Photo s of the Building M 4 Photos of other warehouse buildings Wall Mounted Signs Mr. Brennan introduced himself and his professionals sworn. Mr. Brennan announced there were three members of the public present of which he spoke with them informally prior to the meeting with regard to the application. He moved the exhibits so the members of the public could see them better. Mr. Brennan said the application was for a building mounted sign. They have submitted their affidavit of notice. Mr. Kimson said the notice was fine. Mr. Brennan said Matrix was here to construct and install a building mounted sign on the west side of the façade of exiting building on the corporate campus. This property has been under varies names in the past, recently known as the Rhone Poulenc property. The building itself is very close to the turnpike. The sign would face the turnpike, which only was visible from travelers north bound on the Turnpike. Ms. Kratz announced Mr. Gerberich s arrival. Ms. Kimson noted Mr. Gerberich just entered; all has happen so far is the witnesses were sworn and council has made some preliminary remarks. Mr. Kimson asked if the applicant have any objects to Mr. Gerberich participating or voting on the application. Mr. Brennan said not at all. The preliminary remarks were very preliminary, this is just a sign application and we are not here for any other approval. The sign is a building sign located on the westerly side, facing the NJ Turnpike. The only way one can see the sign is if they are traveling north bound on the NJ Turnpike. Page 4 of 8

5 Page 5 of 8 Mr. Johnson introduced himself and gave his credentials to the Board and was accepted by the Board. He explained the overall site and how it functions as a corporate campus. The property was originally over 120 acres, before subdivided and a warehouse was constructed on Prospect Plains Road. There are 14 buildings on site and one service buildings which used to house a water plant and a water distribution center. Those buildings have all been subdivided. What was once a corporate campus of 14 buildings with common services and utility system is now independent buildings with their own identity. When they acquired the campus there was only one building occupied, since then they have attracted three other tenants in addition to AmeriHealth who signed the lease in the fall of last year and will occupy the building August 1, He went through the history of the corporate campus from the 1950 s with City Service all the way to present time. Mr. Johnson said Building M, once referred to as Building A. The ownership of the entire site is considered in a commercial condominium structure. The Township line between Monroe Township and Cranbury Township runs directly through the detention basin and buildings. Building M is entirely within the boundaries of Cranbury Township along the NJ Turnpike. Mr. Johnson said Building M was approximately 280 feet long, a 2-story building. The sign will be placed in the center of the west elevation of the building, mounted on top of two structural columns; exposed structural columns support the building. The sign will sit on top of those columns. The entrance and southern edge of the building are obscured by birch trees, which they are retaining. The sign screen is 9 ft high to be able to support the buildings and project above to function to screen the new mechanical units that sit on top of the roof. The sign is 15 ft from one end to the other and approximately 7 ft tall. The sign is a registered trade mark of AmeriHealth with the blue, red and black logo. The sign is sitting on top of a stainless steel mesh screen that will be mounted to the building. It is modest in size and proportion to the area of the façade is a little bit under 1% of the façade area. When you include the mounting screen behind it is under 3/10%. I would be the only sign mounted on the building. There will be no spill-over of light. All lighting is self contained lighting, enclosed within. Each letter is a channel box which was designed by a sign fabrication company. The letters are 4 to 5 think and the LED lighting is within the box and there will be no exposed light source. Mr. Johnson explained the site no longer had identity; once it had a corporate brand identity the encompassed the campus. This is now a way to get people in and around the campus safely, by being able to identify it from the turnpike and know what direction to travel in since access to Building M has a Cranbury address but Monroe access. Ms. Confone introduced herself and gave her credentials which were accepted. She explained they did a site visit and reviewed Mr. Moskowitz s July report. There was the need for a variance for the placement of the sign; the ordinance does not allow wall mounted signs. She explained it isn t the sign itself that needs to the variance it is the location of the sign on the wall elevations. Mr. Hoffman asked if there would be a sidewalk under the mounted sign. Mr. Johnson said the second floor projects out from the first floor and there is a continuous sidewalk below it. Floor opened to the public. Page 5 of 8

6 Page 6 of 8 Ms. Driscol, 631A Near Way, Rossmoor, Monroe, NJ, said she was confused with 210 employees if they secured employment with AmeriHealth they could find the place. Who are these people that are coming at night that require a lighted sign to tell them where to go? Mr. Johnson answered in addition to the employees AmeriHealth has visitors that have never been to the building. Mr. Brennan added in the summer months it is light outside, but in the winter time it is relatively dark longer hours, after 5:00 p.m. Ms. Driscol asked if there will be medical patience seen. The answer was no, strictly claims processing. Ms. Driscol said she was concerned forthcoming would be more signs and made the argument that other warehouses did not need signs. Resident living at 669A Near Way, Rossmoor, Monroe, NJ, asked what actual height to the top of the sign. She felt the sign was more of a way to advertisement. Mr. Johnson answered the top of the building is approximately 28-ft to the ground and the sign projects 4.5-ft above that. Ms. Driscol explained Monroe was a Tree City and asked if those trees to be removed were in Cranbury. Mr. Johnson stated they are not removing any trees. The group of trees at the northerly and southerly side of the building, the placement of the sign was dictated because they want to preserve those trees. Ms. Dorothy Berk, 634A Near Way, Rossmoor, Monroe, NJ, said this property boarder along a a residential community and now there will be 210 people coming into that building. Then 12 to 13 other buildings; not knowing where that is going is truly a big concern. Mr. Patterson motioned to the approval of the application as presented. Mr. Patterson Mr. Hoffman Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hoffman,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith APPROVAL OF MINUTES Page 6 of 8

7 Page 7 of 8 Minutes of May 4, 2011 Mr. Schilling Mr. Gerberich,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith Mr. Hoffman APPROVAL OF JULY 6, 2011 VOUCHERS Vouchers for Phillips Preiss Shapiro ZONING BOARD VOUCHER LIST For Board approval on July 6, /30/ ZBA General Planning $ /30/ ZBA General Planning /30/ ZBA General Planning /30/ ZBA General Planning Vouchers for Valerie J. Kimson (Mason, Griffin & Pierson) 1. 5/9/2011 P Wawa (Escrow) $ /9/ General Legal - Vitalli /9/ General Legal Thyrum /9/ General Legal Lele-Sarafin /9/ General Legal /9/2011 P Wadhwa Vouchers for Princeton Packet 1. 5/13/ /Legal Ads $ /20/ /Legal Ads Mr. Schilling Page 7 of 8

8 Page 8 of 8 Mr. Gerberich, Mr. Hoffman,, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Schilling, Mr. Shea Mr. Hebert, Ms. Meacock, Mr. Smith ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was thereupon adjourned 9:15 p.m. CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I am duly elected and acting Secretary of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and that the foregoing minutes of the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, held on July 6, 2011, comprised of 8 pages, constitute a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the said meeting. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name of said this October 5, /jck Josette C. Kratz, Zoning Board Secretary Page 8 of 8

MINUTES OF THE CRANBURY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY MIDDLESEX COUNTY MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2013 APPROVED ON MAY 1, 2014

MINUTES OF THE CRANBURY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY MIDDLESEX COUNTY MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2013 APPROVED ON MAY 1, 2014 TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING The regular meeting of the Cranbury Township