BOROUGH OF WEST CAPE MAY
PLANNING-ZONING BOARD
WORK SESSION – June 24, 2008
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 absent
Art Joblin absent 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 present
Also Present: Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
Ray Roberts, P.E., Board Engineer
Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary
COMMERCIAL ZONE DISCUSSION: Elizabeth Terenik once again joined the Board to discuss her suggested revisions to the commercial zoning regulations. She clarified several points including the height limit of 40 feet which would allow 3 stories for commercial properties in all 3 commercial zones. There was also discussion on reducing parking requirements for businesses in the C-2 Broadway/Historic Mixed Use zone so bed and breakfast conversions would not have to sacrifice their lawns and gardens in order to provide parking. Ms. Terenik suggested lessening or eliminating parking requirements, which could be reinstated if parking became a problem. There was also a suggestion to give a one for one bonus on lot coverage in compensation for having a green roof up to a 10% bonus. Ms. Terenik will create a new category of business that will encompass a Bed and Breakfast, Tourist/Guesthouse and boutique hotel and eliminate those other categories. She’ll also write some sidewalk café regulations, which currently don’t exist, but would be a good fit for the vision of the commercial district.
Joe Gilmartin suggested no change in parking regulations for bed and breakfasts.
Bud McDonough also expressed concerns for homeowners in the C-2 district who will be more inconvenienced if commercial properties don’t have to provide their own parking. He finds there is already a problem at his Third Avenue property.
Ms. Terenik also asked the Board how they would like to treat existing commercial properties on the north end of Broadway that is currently in the commercial zone but will not be in the new code. Brock Russell explained that, under MLUL, existing businesses will be permitted to continue in their present state, but could not be changed. Repairs and restoration would be permitted but no expansion without applying to the Board.
SIGN REGULATIONS: Elizabeth Terenik provided comprehensive draft sign regulations (attached hereto), which she reviewed with the Board. There was general discussion about the provisions of the draft. In particular, the board determined it would be best to have a deadline for all properties to come into compliance with the sign ordinance, most likely 3 years to allow businesses to recoup their costs for a reasonable time.
The next step in the commercial zoning and sign regulations is to have input from the business community and general public before taking a rough draft and the matrix before the governing body for consideration.
FAR/TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION: Chris Wood reported on the subcommittee meeting with the Taxpayers Association. The group suggested a compromise between the FAR and the original Taxpayers request to allow a FAR of .50 (vs. .45 existing) plus the 200 square foot porch bonus. Chris Wood made a motion, seconded by Gary Novak, to recommend to the governing body a change in the FAR to .50 in the R1 zone, keeping the porch bonus. The motion was carried on roll call vote as follows: Kaithern abstaining, the remaining members present voting in the affirmative.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: No one from the public wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT: On motion of Mark Kulkowitz, seconded by Kevin O’Neill, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary
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