TOWNSHIP OF UPPER FREEHOLD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING MINUTES, August 17, 2015

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. and Meeting convened.

ROLL CALL: Present: Anthony Garaguso, Roger Gravatt, Tosh Desai, Ken Horner, Al Mottola, Doug Totten, Brian Williams and Jim Waskovich. Also present: Susan Babbitt, Secretary/Administrator, Mike Steib, Attorney, and Pat Jeffery, Engineer (substituting for Glenn Gerken).

Compliance Statement was read.

Motion was offered by Anthony Garaguso, seconded by Tosh Desai to approve the July 20,2015 minutes and motion carried.

John DelGuidice, Z15-10, Block 42, Lot 1.01, Corner of Polhemustown Road and Route 539, AR Zone, was presented for Use Variance consideration. Jim Waskovich recused himself on this application and Doug Totten acted as Chairman. Mike Steib stated that the Board had jurisdiction to proceed (public notice/service in order)and various exhibits were marked in. John DelGuidice was sworn in. Don Driggers, attorney for applicant, explained that they were only seeking use variance tonight and if approved, would come back in for site plan approval and bulk variance relief. The applicant proposes construction of two storage buildings. One would be approximately 60 x 180 feet which is 10,800 SF and the second would be approximately 40 x 60 feet or 2,400 SF and would be used for commercial storage. Storage facilities are not a permitted use in this zone. In the larger building, John DelGuidice would keep his collection of vintage cars ("muscle cars")--he stated it is more like a personal museum. The other building would be for commercial storage, for example, to be used by a landscaper or plumber. No sanitary facilities are proposed. Both buildings would have the same siding color--taupe/beige with burgundy trim, This property sits on 1.07 acres approximately and abuts the Cream Ridge Winery. It was noted that County approval is required on this application. John DelGuidice would utilize cameras for security purposes.

Although the applicant is seeking just the Use Variance tonight, there was much discussion by the Board members regarding the SIZE of the buildings vs. the small amount of property and would he consider reducing the size of the buildings. Don Driggers stressed that only a sketch had been submitted and then when a proper site plan was done it would more accurately show the various setbacks, etc. (any bulk issues). Also, John DelGuidice stated he favored a stone parking lot vs. black top.

Board members asked the applicant if he had looked for a site in the Town where this was allowed and had more property? John DelGuidice stated he had done a thorough search and he felt this was the best location for his needs. Board members also asked questions about the use of the smaller building and he stated whatever restraints the board put on it, he would go along with. Our engineer stated that the County will want site triangle easement and R-O-W dedication (Township won't have issue with Polhemustown Road).

The hearing was declared open to the public: no comments, hearing closed.

After continued board discussion, the motion was offered by Roger Gravatt, seconded by Ken Horner to grant this Use Variance and roll call vote showed unanimous approval (6 ayes) with the exception of Anthony Garaguso who voted No.

With no further business, the motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adjourn.

Susan H. Babbitt Zoning Board Secretary/Land Use Administrator