BOROUGH OF WEST CAPE MAY
PLANNING-ZONING BOARD
WORK SESSION – May 27, 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                present
              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                 absent                Archie Garnett          absent
                                   
Also Present:               Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
                                    Ray Roberts, P.E., Board Engineer
                                    Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary

Chairperson Novak advised the Board that the Borough has received notice from the County Agriculture Department that they have received an application for a winery on Stevens Street.  The County claims to have control over the application under the Right to Farm Act.  Ray Roberts is looking into who has control over site-plan approval.  Pam Kaithern suggested checking with County Planner Jim Smith.  Chairperson Novak also discussed the property behind BellaVida which was given variances based on installation of a green roof.  Ms. Hoen (?) stated that she is definitely installing a green roof, but has run into some time difficulties because of the LEED certification, and the asphalt shingle roof must be installed first.  Brock Russell explained that as long as she’s in compliance with the conditions of her approval, nothing further needs to be done.  Construction Official Bill Callahan has to follow up and be satisfied that the work is being done according to her approvals.

Chris Shriver/Chris Wood R-1 Readout:  Chris Wood first asked the Chairperson if he and Chris Shriver could meet with 2 members of the Taxpayers Association to form a subcommittee to try and work out a mutually agreeable compromise on the issue of FAR in the R1 district.  The subcommittee will report back at the next work session and the Board can decide whether or not to recommend a change to the governing body.

Elizabeth Terenik, PP, AICP Discussion on Commercial Zoning:
The Board and Ms. Terenik reviewed the handout she created (copy attached hereto) as a starting point for the discussion on amendments to the commercial zoning code.  Ms. Terenik explained that originally the Board was hoping to collapse the existing commercial zone, but upon further research and input from the Rhodeside and Harwell report, it seemed more beneficial to have three types of commercial zone as outlined in her handout.  The Board went through the recommendations for the C1-Commerical/Mixed Use, C2-Broadway/Historic Mixed Use, and C3-Park Avenue/Neighborhood Commercial districts.  There was some concern over not permitting duplexes in the proposed C2 zone.  Pam Kaithern and Elizabeth Terenik will do a little more research into the number of properties that would be effected.  Pam Kaithern also asked there be some consideration to having residential over commercial in the proposed C3 district, stating it might be some incentive to have the business make residential apartments that could be used to meet the Borough’s affordable housing goals.  Elizabeth Terenik suggested the members think about the changes discussed tonight and email her with any comments.  Then she could attend the next work session and discuss in more detail.

Chairperson Novak asked for public comments.

Mike Bean, asked if there could be commercial over commercial on Perry Street.  Ms. Terenik explained that was already permitted, but not specifically outlined in her handout.

Joe Gilmartin asked if the Historic Preservation Commission had control over the inside of the houses in the Historic District.  Mayor Kaithern explained that the HPC only has control over the outside of a property.

Yearly Planning Board Report: The Board members briefly discussed the report and are ready to vote on it, as amended, at the next meeting.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:  No one wished to comment

ADJOURNMENT:  On motion of Dick Rigby, seconded by Chris Shriver, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary