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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES
OF DECEMBER 17, 2008
ROLL CALL
Vacancy Ron Cain, Jr. - present
Everett
Vreeland - Present Mark
Tabakin - present
Ron Soussa - present Deane Driscoll - present
Jennifer Horowitz - present Carol Ann Soroko (Alt #2) - present
Anthony Speciale - absent
Liaisons:
Township Officials: Linda White, Land Use Administrator
Planning Board Liaison:
Gary Lewis – absent
Township
Committee Liaison: Deb Nielson
OLD BUSINESS
- Update
on status of new information for posting on web – Ron Soussa
ZONING STUDY UPDATES
Deb Nielson indicated that there is a pending application
located off of Jacksonville Road
for retail/residential development. It
is an 8,000 sq. ft. building with 6 apartments above and exactly depicts
exactly what our community is all about:
it complies with current zoning and has the architectural features that
will enhance this area.
She also indicated that we have a complete renovation of
Kay’s deli. It will be a
bagel/deli/bakery type of use and the Planning Board worked with the owner to
develop a side entrance to allow it to be more accessible and to assist the
owner with succeeding in this new business.
The Planning Board also allowed him to have no more than 12 tables. The streetscape features will also be
incorporated.
NEW BUSINESS
Letter from GI requesting EDC endorsement of development of
Lowe’s – Old Bloomfield Avenue
Discussion ensued on whether or not it was appropriate for
the EDC to review a site that is before a BOA for use. Several remembered reviewing the Old Towne
properties and commented that it was a general letter supporting innovative
zoning and redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the shopping area in Towaco. Mrs. White was asked to discuss this issue of
a request for review and/or letter of endorsement with the Township
Attorney. If the Township Attorney
indicates he sees no legal impediment, then scheduling can proceed for January
21st agenda.
NJLM adoption of Resolution support Main Street Economic
Stimulus Priorities.
These were copies of resolutions given by the League with
form resolutions supporting main street economic revitalization efforts at
State level. No action needed.
MINUTES
Adoption of EDC minutes of 9-17-08 – Eligible: Mr. Soussa, Mr. Cain, Deane Driscoll, Ms.
Soroko, Ms. Horowitz - adopted unanimously.
OTHER BUSINES
Mrs. White distributed the letter from the Chamber of
Commerce. Said letter asked for relief
from prohibition of temporary signage noting that in today’s economic business
atmosphere, our local restaurant and businesses need the extra signage. Mrs. White indicated that she has allowed
temporary signage to assist them during this season, but noted that the
Planning Board is opposed to these types of signs. Discussion ensued. Several members of the EDC felt as strongly
about prohibiting these types of temporary signs/banners noting they are ugly
and detract from our business area.
Mr. Cain noted that Mr. Speciale is stepping off the
EDC. Mrs. Nielson indicated that the new
appointment from Chamber will be Ms. Sanders.
Discussion continued on working with the Planning Board
during the Master Plan re-examination process, especially when it comes to
things like the signage in the community and possibly other areas that may be
recommended for change that would help in boosting economic and/or
redevelopment of areas.
Mr. Cain asked Mr. Soussa and Mr. Deane to act as liaisons
to the Planning Board during this process.
Mrs. White will inform Planning Board of the desire to work with
Planning Board.
Mr. Soussa brought up the issue of how to better enhance and
promote the EDC’s capabilities and function, asking if it should be changed to
a Commission vs. Committee. Discussion
ensued. He felt that the EDC should have
more of a meaningful voice.
Mr. Soussa also felt that the township should look at Emery Lane as a
possible area for rezoning to allow for a small village type of retail area in
view of the surrounding area. Mrs. White
will forward this to Planning Board.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda M. White
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