|
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MARCH 21,
2012
8:15AM
Mr. Drsicoll convened the meeting at 8:15 a.m.
I. ROLL CALL
Deane
Driscoll, Chairman Arnold Schancupp – alt #1
Ron
Soussa, Vice Chair Kevin Seidel, Alt. #2
Jennifer Horowitz
Alexander Kachmar
Margaret Miller – Sanders,
Esq.
Ron
Cain, Jr. (AE)
Everett “Dick” Vreeland
Also present:
Liaisons:
Township Committee: Jim
Sandham; Scott Gallopo (alt)
Planning Board: Tony Speciale; Gary
Lewis
Environmental Commission: Monica Mianecki
Township Staff:
Meghan Hunscher, PP -
Principal Planner
II. BOARD LIAISON REPORTS
Planning Board - Tony Speciale / Gary
Lewis
Tony reported that the Planning Board heard and denied a
proposed subdivision on Bellows
Lane for Weiss Construction due to its location in
the Prime Aquifer Restricted Area. The
Board also found that the proposed zoning ordinance amendments were consistent
with the Master Plan. Tony also
indicated that the motion included a strong affirmation that there were no new
uses recommended for the OB-4 zone.
Board of Adjustment - Deane Driscoll
Deane reported that the meeting was held on the extra
meeting date and had the regular meeting canceled. (BOA has scheduled an extra meeting each
quarter). There was an application
before the BOA on Virginia Road
to expand an existing stone house. The
application was carried to April due with a request to explore drainage issues.
Lou Carl Caggiano requested extension for Section 36
variance and request includes breaching the dam, reducing level, but not drain
completely. NJDEP is reviewing. Neighbors are challenging proposal to breach
dam. This was carried to April. A six (6) month expansion was given to Kids R
Kids on Changebridge Rd.
Other discussion
Mr. Lewis indicated, as a former member of the EDC and
current member of Planning Board, indicated that since there is a link between
planning and economic development, he suggested that the planner for the
Planning Board attend an EDC meeting to present on the background of the Master
Plan.
Mr. Sandham indicated that while the EDC is not trying to
supersede the Planning Board, the role of the EDC is different in that part of
the role of the EDC is to evaluate the viability of a business based on the
needs of the residents. He posed the question, “What is the criterion to issue
a letter in support of a development?”
He wants to be fair across the board.
Mr. Driscoll indicated that the letter supporting the Fresh
Market did not indicate a specific area.
The EDC supported the Rails application, which was a specific
application.
Chairman Driscoll tabled this discussion regarding criteria
in the interest of time and asked Mr. O’Dowd to present.
III. APPLICANTS / BUSINESSES
Mr. William O’Dowd regarding his property at the
intersection of Changebridge Road
and Route 202
Mr. O’Dowd indicated that he was invited and was here to
discuss what was occurring at that location.
Mr. Soussa indicated that he invited Mr. O’Dowd. Mr. Soussa clarified that there are two
properties. He passed around a hand out
that depicts property at the end of Route 202 and Changebridge Road. Out-parcel is Lou Caggiano’s office
building. He gave an overview that would
envision building a Quick Chek gas station and convenience store with
roadway. He indicates that drug stores
are not interested at this location.
Existing buildings include farmstand and old Vreeland house. Tenants are currently located in the
building. He indicates that he has met
with resistance to building this use.
The proposed roadway would go behind the office building. Mr. O’Dowd
indicated that he also has a concept plan for a grocery store. Fresh Market had considered the property, but
decided against developing there. One
potential issue is parking in the rear under the transmission wires. He passed out a color rendering. No committee action was taken. He was thanked for explaining his idea for
the property to inform the EDC.
IV. SPEAKERS
Mr. Larry Casha,
Casha & Casha
Mr. Larry Casha was introduced by Mr. Driscoll. Mr. Casha was a founding member of the EDC
years ago. He explained that the goal
was to promote business development and bring businesses into town. There are many businesses that want to come
into Montville,
however there is a lot of competition with other towns. Businesses go to brokers and realtors and
realtors have incentives. He feels that
the waiver of site plan is onerous process.
He also explains that the utility costs are high. He said it is important to move at the speed
of business, not at the speed of bureaucracy.
He complained that the vacancy listing was not updated on the
website. He was thanked for his
input. It was explained that the Land
Use Advisory Committee prepared a report that addressed many issues he voiced
concern about.
Mr. Lipari indicated that the Board has tried to work with
the Planning and Zoning Division to assist businesses with streamlining
process. Mr. Lipari reviewed the outcome
of the MCEDC survey in other communities and found that they also streamlined
the process, but did not change ordinances.
Mr. Lewis indicated that of the 50 waivers in 2012 there were very few
of which site plans were required.
Ms. Ilene Green, MarketShare Communications, Inc.
Ms. Green and Mr. Polmar made a presentation regarding their
proposal for a marketing package for the Township. The EDC agreed to take a poll in the next
week via e-mail of the members whether to recommend the proposal to the
Township Administrator and Township Committee for their consideration.
V. WORKSHOP
No workshop was held.
VI. MINUTES
Adoption of EDC minutes of 2-15-12
– Eligible: D. Driscoll, R. Soussa, J. Horowitz, A. Kachmar, M. Miller-Sanders,
R. Cain, E. Vreeland
On a motion made by Mr. Soussa and seconded by Mr. Kachmar,
the minutes were adopted.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further
business to discuss, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________________
Meghan Hunscher, Principal
Planner
Adopted at May 16, 2012
regular meeting.
|
