TOWNSHIP of WASHINGTON
BurlingtonCountyNJ
PLANNING and ZONING BOARD
Chairman Tim Michel
REGULAR MEETINGSHorace A. Somes, Jr., Secretary
MONTHLY 1ST WEDNESDAY12 Turtle Creek Road, Egg Harbor City08215
2436 RT. 563, GREEN BANKTelephone (609) 965-2603
REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 5, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 by chairman Michel, with the following in attendance: Committee representative Cavileer, members Conrad, Downs, Gadd, mayor Lewis, secretary Somes, alternate Scamoffa and solicitor Norman. The tentative agenda listing communications and correspondence had been previously distributed, and posted in the meeting room. The minutes of the October1stmeeting were accepted as posted on motion of Cavileer, second by Gadd and roll-call vote – with Lewis abstaining.
BOARD ORGANIZATION and ADMINISTRATION
Somes indicated that a tentative meeting schedule had been provided to the Clerk for 2015. On motion of Downs and second by Conrad, it was resolved to schedule the reorganization meeting for January 7th at 7:30 pm.
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE and COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion included the following:
Scamoffa noted that there was apparent activity regarding the reconstruction at 1120 Route 542, Green Bank; and Somes indicated that various inquiries had been received and guidance provided. For flood-damage prevention, review by the Engineer as the floodplain administrator was necessary. A Pinelands certificate of filing had previously been issued for the demolition and reconstruction of a residence over 50 years old. Somes noted that it would now be the responsibility of an applicant with legal standing to proceed with the submittal of a plan.
OLD BUSINESS - Groff Auto Salvage & Recycling LLC # 2012-7
No further correspondence had been received either from the applicant or Pinelands Commission.
NEW BUSINESS – 53 Turtle Creek Road, Wading River
Somes noted past inquiries from 2013 regarding the reconstruction/renovation of a structure; and that a zoning form had been drafted for the submittal of an application for use as a recreational cabin. The structure had been vacant for a number of years, and no detailed tax information was available from assessor Renwick. The past inquiries had indicated general deterioration, including storm damage from hurricane Sandy, loss of electrical service and no functioning septic system. Conversion to a single-family residence was questionable; and Somes noted that the current zoning standards do not define seasonal, recreational cabins or usage.
Significant renovation work had been initiated without prior zoning or construction approvals, and the building inspector had issued stop-work/unsafe-structure notices.
A recent purchaser of the property had provided deed information, and a copy of the zoning form had been provided. Review of the deed materials with the Assessor and Deputy Clerk indicated that legal counsel should confirm the legal standing of the new owner. Norman indicated that the deed had been notarized and filed with the CountyClerk, and the new owner had standing to proceed. Somes noted that the most recent communication had indicated that the current owner – Peter Seu, was now resolving issues of ownership and reconstruction due to possible questions involving the apparent in-family property transfer. Michel indicated that should there be zoning questions when an application is filed, the matter could be referred to the Board for any necessary determinations regarding abandonment or nonconformity. Somes noted that when a zoning application is filed, review would be necessary by engineer Kluk – although an evaluation of the degree of substantial construction would be complicated by the extent of the undocumented work that had already proceeded.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Ordinances, Planning & Zoning
- Ordinance amendment/codification
Mayor Lewis indicated that an update to the codification would be planned for next year. Somes noted that several newer Land Development amendments needed to be incorporated, as well as the 1996 self-permitting ordinance that was omitted from the 2010 codification.
- Boatworks development
Mayor Lewis indicated that a report to the Committee was pending from the engineer regarding access improvements at the boatworks properties, subject to recommendations from the local Fire Company.
- Campground development/licensing
Somes reported inquiries from Pinelands review staff and counselor Olivo for Wading Pines, for a meeting at Town Hall with all parties concerning the Campground’s application to the Commission. The request had been forwarded to the Mayor and Township solicitor as planning and zoning matters had been resolved, and remaining local issues could involve licensing enforcement and construction code. Lewis indicated that no request had been received by the Township for a meeting at town hall. Somes noted that the applicant had submitted a plan for Wading Pines to Pinelands; and that a copy of the site plan that received zoning certification in 2012 had been provided to the Commission staff.
- Flood damage prevention/hazard mitigaton
A report concerning rising sea level had been cited in a recent Atlantic City Press news article, and it was noted that the Township Engineer would be increasingly involved in future development where the ordinance for damage prevention is applied – prior to zoning approval.
- Master plan
Somes noted that State Parks had acquired two parcels within the Village-Business districts for additional acreage for the StateForest: Bell Brothers property with existing house, boatlaunch anddocks on Route 542 and a 3-acre buildable lot on Lance Run Road. Tax records indicated an assessment valuation of approximately half-million dollars. Mayor Lewis indicated that there would be no added payments in-lieu of taxes to the Township. Gadd indicated that the actual purchase costs would be available when transfer deeds are recorded; and that Park Police planned to upgrade the house as regional headquarters for law enforcement facilities. Michel indicated concern as to the use of open-space funding for such purchases, and Somes noted concern also regarding Village fragmentation, as well as loss of tax income and municipal population. Downs questioned future use of the boatlaunch property, and it was noted that Bull Creek had a very limited channel that would require dredging for boating. Scamoffa inquired as to future use of the existing structure that currently is used for Parks regional offices on Route 542, as well as the status of the riverfront cabin adjacent to Bull Creek. Gadd indicated that the residential cabin had fallen into disrepair, and was now planned for demolition by the State.
- Township website/server
Somes indicated that recommendations had been submitted to the Clerk and Mayor for upgrades to the planning and zoning components of the website. Board members were requested to review the contents and organization, and provide any recommendations.
There being no further business or public participation, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 on motion of Downs and second by Lewis.
Respectfully submitted,
Horace Somes, Jr., Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED – January 7, 2015
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