Borough of West Cape May

The Work Session of the Borough of West Cape May Planning-Zoning Board, held at the Municipal Building, 732 Broadway, was called to order by Chairperson Novak at 7:00 PM. After reading the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975 he led all present in the flag salute.

ROLL CALL:
Members:
            Doris Jacobsen           present             Dick Rigby                 present
            Art Joblin                   present             Chris Shriver              present
            Pam Kaithern             present             Chris Wood                present
            Gary Novak               present             Alternates:
            Kevin O’Neill              present             Mark Kulkowitz            present
            Diane Rea                  present             Archie Garnett            absent

Also Present:                Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
                                    Arthur Chew, P.E., for Board Engineer
                                    Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary

Wilbraham Mansion Informal Hearing: Solicitor Russell explained that this is an informal hearing as provided by the MLUL and no action can be taken and nothing said will be binding. Dick Rigby recused himself based on a business relationship with the property owner. Bob DeSanto, attorney representing the Wilbraham Mansion, Lou Connelly, project engineer, and Doug Carnes, property owner, joined the board to discuss the situation at Wilbraham Masion. Mr. DeSanto explained that his client was issued a zoning permit in 2006, which was renewed in 2007, and was told that his project did not require him to appear before the Planning/Zoning Board. He began construction this winter and was issued a stop order by the construction official because a site plan approval was never received. Mr. Connelly showed the proposed site plan. The front of the property would remain unchanged. All renovations would be in the back of the property and would include a new building with 12 units and new parking area with 12 spaces plus 1 handicapped space. Currently, there is a shortage in parking for the existing building. There is also an issue of the driveway not being quite wide enough, but in order to widen it, a garden would have to be removed from the front yard. Chairperson Novak advised the property owner to take a conservative approach and to apply for all the variances he thought he could need. He was also advised to get as creative in his approach as possible and reminded that the Borough is in favor of eco-friendly construction. Once the owner felt he had enough direction, he thanked the board for its time and left. He is hoping to have his application and noticing done in time to make the next meeting. After the property owner left, Mark Kulkowitz expressed concern, as a business-person, that such a terrible thing happened, creating a real hardship for Mr. Carnes, namely having a permit and then having to reapply.

Rhodeside and Harwell Presentation by Dick Rigby: Mr. Rigby distributed copies of the report and gave an overview. He asserted that it was a clear, concise report that gave several beautiful long-term suggestions and innovative ideas for improving the core business district, particularly on Sunset Boulevard and the intersection with Broadway. He and Gary Novak are going to the State Office of Smart Growth to discuss possible funding for making the proposal a reality. The corner property owners are interested in making the changes necessary to realize the vision. Pam Kaithern suggested having the Planning/Zoning board pass a resolution recommending the Borough adopt the plan as a guideline for future development. The members agreed and Brock Russell will prepare a resolution to that effect. On motion of Kevin O’Neill, seconded by Chris Shriver, the board unanimously approved of adopting the report as a guideline for future planning.

FAR: Pam Kaithern distributed a chart based on the Taxpayers Association proposed alternative to the existing residential zoning regulations. The board reviewed the figures and discussed the desire to find out how the Borough’s regulations compare to neighboring towns. Currently, the Zoning Officer says that only non-conforming lots are having trouble meeting the existing FAR regulations.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: There were no comments from the public.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion of Dick Rigby, seconded by Kevin O’Neill, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary

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