BOROUGH OF WEST CAPE MAY
PLANNING-ZONING BOARD
WORK SESSION – March 10, 2009
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 Mulligan 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
Paul Mulligan present Alternates:
Kevin O’Neill present Mark Kulkowitz present
Diane Rea absent Archie Garnett absent
Also Present: Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
Bill Natale, P.E., Board Engineer
Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary
Commercial District Proposed Improvement Presentation by NJ Office of Smart Growth: Presentation given by: Benjamin Spinelli, Executive Director of the State Office of Smart Growth (OSG), Kate Meade, principal planner for Cape May County with OSG, Heather McCall and Jeff Bueller of New Jersey Main Street.
Ben Spinelli applauded West Cape May for achieving plan endorsement and commended the leadership and planning board for actively planning for future growth and development, as well as providing affordable housing. Mr. Spinelli explained that smart growth is comprised of mixed use development, a range of affordable housing with job opportunities, walkable neighborhoods with useable amenities, distinctive communities that offer a sense of place, active and passive open space, a variety of transportation alternatives, blending new communities into the existing neighborhoods. Commercial zoning is part of this vision. He went on to explain the process of plan endorsement as well as the recommendations of the Rhodeside and Harwell study. The benefits of sound commercial zoning are increased foot traffic, increased tax revenue, reduced residential burden, aesthetics, sustainability, and affordable housing. Mr. Spinelli strongly supported the proposed commercial zoning being considered by the Borough and again commended the Borough on its excellent planning efforts. Mr. Spinelli opened to questions.
Jim Labrusciano asked if apartments over stores would only be for affordable housing. Mr. Spinelli explained it would be up to the developer, but he envisioned a mix. Kate Meade further explained that if the developer put in affordable units, they could build a third floor.
Mark Lukas wanted to know if the Borough took into consideration the residential property owners who don’t want to live in a busy city-like atmosphere. He expressed concern over noise and lighting and parking. Kate Meade explained the West Cape May plans are modest in terms of scale. Pam Kaithern explained the area Mr. Lukas lives in is already zoned commercial and doesn’t have the same level of protection as the proposed plans would give to historic buildings and the character of the community.
Peter Burke explained that the Borough would like to relax parking for low-density businesses and to allow historic buildings to keep their character – it’s a delicate balance between providing parking and keeping the character of the buildings and community.
An unidentified man asked if the board could deny a building based on appearance, feeling the board should have more power. Kate Meade explained that would be form based zoning, which is encouraged and requires specific design standards to be set. Pam Kaithern explained that the Borough will work on that, but the commercial zoning needs to be handled first.
Paul Mulligan explained that by offering incentives to commercial property owners to put in second and third floor apartments, they would pay more property taxes which will help reduce the burden on residential property owners. The rest of the plan is to help preserve historic buildings and yards by reducing parking restrictions.
Doug Carnes felt the business district has been weak for the 17 years that he’s been in business in West Cape May and felt it’s partly due to parking requirements. He feels the changes don’t go far enough. Pam Kaithern explained that they borough is trying o balance between the two extremes.
When no one else wished to speak, the question period was closed and the State representatives left at 8:51 PM.
MINUTES: On motion of Chris Wood, seconded by Chris Shriver, the minutes for the February 10, 2009 Regular Meeting were approved on roll call vote as follows: Jacobsen, Joblin Mulligan and Kulkowitz abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
RESOLUTIONS:
ADM 04-09 Commercial Zone Changes
On motion of Pam Kaithern, seconded by Kevin O’Neill, the resolution was approved on roll call vote as follows: Mulligan and Wood abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
ADM 05-09 Ordinance 421-09
On motion of Chris Wood, seconded by Dick Rigby, the resolution was approved on roll call vote as follows: Jacobsen, Joblin, Mulligan and Kulkowitz abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
ADM 06-09 Ordinance 422-09
On motion of Chris Shriver, seconded by Chris Wood, the resolution was approved on roll call vote as follows: Jacobsen, Joblin, Mulligan and Kulkowitz abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
APP 02-09 Irene Hober Application
On motion of Chris Wood, seconded by Chris Shriver, the resolution was approved on roll call vote as follows: Jacobsen, Joblin, Mulligan and Kulkowitz abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
Schedule change: Cancel May 12th meeting and change May 26th to Regular Meeting
On motion of Pam Kaithern, seconded by Chris Wood, the schedule change was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned on unanimous voice vote at 8:17 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary
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