TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
WARREN COUNTY
LAND USE BOARD

Municipal Offices                                                                                                                    350 Route 57 West
(908) 689-7209                                                                                                                   Washington, NJ 07882

MINUTES
DECEMBER 21, 2005

Chairwoman K. Pflugh called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

ADEQUATE NOTICE was given as follows: Notice was sent to the “ Star Gazette” and “Express Times.” Notice was posted on the Municipal bulletin board in the Township Administration building in Washington Township, New Jersey, and notice was filed with the Township Clerk on December 22, 2004.

ROLL CALL:

Members Present: Mayor Dempski, Mr. Howell, Mr. Klingel, Mr. Rossi, Mr. Iwaniszyn, Ms. Pflugh, Mr. Birkner

Members Absent: Mr. Strunk, Mr. Sodtalbers, Ms. Pietrangelo, Ms. Belz

Also Present: Attorney S. Gruenberg

CORRESPONDENCE: A correspondence list was submitted to the Land Use Board members.

MINUTES: A motion to approve the Minutes from the December 14, 2005 meeting was made by Mr. Rossi, seconded by Mayor Dempski, Vote: Rossi, Dempski, Iwaniszyn, Pflugh,

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Ms. K. Burdorf - WTPB#2005-30 - Resolution for a Variance application for Block 48.02, Lot 1. This application received approval on November 16, 2005.

Eligible to Vote: Sodtalbers, Rossi, Howell, Klingel, Iwaniszyn, Pflugh, Pietrangelo, Birkner. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Klingel, seconded by Mr. Iwaniszyn,

Vote: Klingel, Iwaniszyn, Rossi, Howell, Pflugh, Birkner - Ayes, 0 - Nay, 0 - Abstain, motion carried.

2. Heron Run/M. Spann - WTPB#2005-1 - Resolution for a Preliminary Major Subdivision application for Block 82, Lot 17. This application received approval on October 12, 2005. Eligible to Vote: Sodtalbers, Dempski, Strunk, Pietrangelo, Iwaniszyn. This resolution will be presented at the January 11, 2006 meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING & DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. M. Finelli - WTPB#2005-34 - Public Hearing for a Variance application for Block 30, Lot 6. This application was deemed complete on October 26, 2005.

Applicant Mr. Michael Finelli was represented by Attorney William Edelston and Engineer William Gleva. Attorney S. Gruenberg stated the Board has jurisdiction to proceed with the application. Attorney S. Gruenberg swore in applicant Mr. Finelli and Engineer Mr. Gleva. Mr. Finelli briefly reviewed the office location and stated it was originally leased and approximately four years ago he purchased the property. Mr. Finelli stated the grounds have been upgraded and improved but they are currently leasing additional space for offices and have a need for expansion. Mr. Finelli stated the proposed addition will be built over an existing garage with rear access. Mr. Finelli stated the parking was still in excess for the GC zone and the application was a permitted use for the zone.

Mr. Finelli stated there were eighteen parking spaces with two for visitors.

Mr. Gleva reviewed the location of the septic which is located at the rear of the lot and stated the property is supplied by NJ American Water Co. Exhibits A-1, A-2 and A-3 were reviewed and discussed.

Attorney Gruenberg stated he felt the applicant may have to apply for a Minor Site Plan application. Mr. Finelli stated the zoning officer on his letter of denial did not mention a site plan application, only variance relief. Attorney S. Gruenberg reviewed the definition of Site Plan exempt and suggested a Minor Site Plan application be filed so the Planner and Engineer may review the file. Mr. Finelli agreed to filea Site Plan application and return on January 18, 2006 meeting without further notice required.

2. DOT Presentation of the Rt. 57 corridor.

The Department of Transportation gave a presentation of the future of the Route 57 corridor. The DOT reviewed the following subjects: scenic byway designation, green acres development, demonstration plan, key elements, downtown infill, TDR programs, state & federal grants, registered historic districts, farm viewshed preservation, new corridor & street connections, existing & enhanced villages.

The DOT has requested future support from the committee & land use board.

3. The Budget worksheet for 2006 was presented and reviewed.

The current salary ordinance for the Secretary would be researched and reviewed.

The postage was slightly increased, and the cost of required courses for the Land Use Board members was discussed due to the new State requirements.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None offered.

ADJOURNMENT: 10:15 p.m.

With no further business before the Board and no public comment offered the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Housman, Secretary
Washington Township Land Use Board