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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD
SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
MAY 27, 2010
8:30AM
MINUTES
ROLL CALL
Mr.
Karkowsky - present
Ms.
Nielson -
present
Mr.
Lipari -
present
Mr. Visco - present
Also
Present: Kevin Kain, Planner
Stan Omland, PE
Business:
Review of Rail
Steakhouse – Whitehall Road
Present: Steve Schepis, Esq., Mark Walker, PE, Anthony
Garrett, Jack Constantino, construction, Jim Stathis, applicant
Discussion
centered on parking concerns, indicating that they should look to see how they
can provide more on site parking. Mr.
Stathis discussed the valet parking on a grassed area that would handle some fo
the parking on site. They are hoping to
have close to 18 spaces in this area.
Mr. Omland
indicated the application will need to deal with any new variances this may
create, and that the applicant should make sure his plan clearly reflects paved
permanent areas. Mr. Omland also
indicated he had some concern with the use of grass paver areas for parking
on.
Subcommittee
members were also concerns with impervious coverage in this zone, noting the
aquifer and their concerns on stormwater management and water retention.
Mr. Stathis
said they would respond to that, but that all of the stormwater designs take
into consideration the aquifer.
Mr. Walker
indicated that they also addressed the handicap needs on this site.
Discussion
ensued on the berm and landscaping areas, as well as the retaining wall with
the guide rail. Mr. Walker discusses
crosswalks, and the changes made on site to accommodate the County Planning
Board involving traffic calming devices.
He indicated the County was intending on changing the speed limit to
25mph and that they recommended tandem parallel parking on the roadway. These spaces cannot be calculated as parking
needs. They comply with sight distance
requirements as to access/egress.
They intend to
develop with sustainable construction methods which they feel will offset
impervious coverage number. They are
using the LEEDs guidelines for this. They have underground detention and will be
incorporating rain gardens.
The lighting
is at 15’. The applicant will be using
brick which will blend in with surrounding features.
The signs will
require a variance, but they have incorporated a sign theme into their
retail/restaurant use. There are no
freestanding signs, they will use a monument type which will be over berm/arch
and will be indirect lit.
Applicant
asked to make sure he complies with the Towaco Fire Prevention Report. He indicated he will comply.
Concerns
voiced on the connection fee costs. Mr.
Stathis noted he will meet with sewer and water on this issue.
Applicant will
also require soil movement on site due to grade. Notice and application will provide for this
function to be considered by Planning Board simultaneously with site plan.
Internal
layout discussed. Mechanical equipment
will be on east side and will be enclosed with decorative fencing. Discussed rental component, residential
access, and who would have access to this garden area.
Members voiced
concerns on noise to the residents from the outside bars. Mr. Stathis said the most they would hear
would be background music like a piano/guitar.
They are building, though, with insulated panels and do not feel that
any sound will penetrate the building.
The committee
asked that a small fiscal impact statement be provided.
No further
discussion.
Review of
potential Italian Restaurant – Rt. 46 – Bonefish strip mall
Present: Grace Pace; Sue Martino, Agent
Ms. White
indicated that this tenant wishes to use two units and wants to have an Italian
bistro/take out type of facility.
The area in
question is 2020 sq. ft, and they would need 15 parking spaces. She indicated that their original plan
provided for a lot more seating, but since then they have reduced their plan to
38 parking spaces. Mrs. White indicated
this site is in variance with parking numbers.
In the future,
the owner of this site intends to amend his application to provide for façade
uplift similar to Bonefish façade on remaining retail section, some upgrades in
signage, and most significantly, would like to see the possibility of opening
an entrance in rear of site off of Old Bloomfield.
The
subcommittee had no objection to this, but noted the applicant should provide
public notice and appear before the entire planning board at their next
available meeting. Mrs. Martino
indicated it is anticipated that the owner should be applying within the next six
months.
Meeting
adjourned.
Respectfully
submitted,
Linda M. White
Secretary
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