BOROUGH OF WEST CAPE MAY
PLANNING-ZONING BOARD
WORK SESSION – September 25, 2007

The Regular Meeting 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           absent                Dick Rigby                 present
              Art Joblin                   absent                Chris Shriver             absent
              Pam Kaithern             present               Chris Wood               present
              Gary Novak               present             Alternates:                   
              Kevin O’Neill              present               Mark Kulkowitz          absent
              Diane Rea                 present               2nd Alternate            vacant
                                   
Also Present:                Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
                                    Ray Roberts, P.E., Board Engineer
                                    Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary

MINUTES:  On motion of Chris Wood, seconded by Kevin O’Neill, the minutes of September 11, 2007 were approved on roll call vote as follows:  Kaithern, Rea and Rigby abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.

ORDINANCE NO. 396-07:  Chairperson Novak explained the need to determine if this Borough ordinance is substantially consistent with the Land Use and Housing Elements of the Master Plan.  Solicitor Russell will prepare the resolution memorializing the decision for passage at the next meeting.  On motion of Kevin O’Neill, seconded by Chris Wood, Ordinance 396-07 was unanimously determined to be substantially consistent with the Land Use and Housing Elements of the Master Plan.

Housing Element and Fair Share Plan Amendment to the Master Plan:
Jeffrey Surenian, Esq. gave a brief overview of he recent history of the Borough’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.  After conducting a recent survey, it was discovered the units expected to meet the Borough’s COAH responsibility under the 2006 amendment were not viable, so a new plan was immediately drafted.  This new document is before the Board for approval.  Mr. Surenian also advised the Board COAH is under court order to revise their regulations, so another amendment will probably need to be made after those rules go into effect.  The Borough is currently involved in a builder’s remedy lawsuit and the outcome of litigation will determine if COAH can review the Borough’s Affordable Housing Plan.

Solicitor Russell swore in Kendra Lelie, the professional who drafted the plan being considered.  Ms. Lelie explained that if the Board approves the plan, it would then go to the governing body for approval before being submitted to the court and the State.  Ms. Lelie gave an overview of the plan, which is attached and made a part of this record.  She explained the way in which the Borough plans to meet its obligations under the COAH regulations for rounds 1, 2, and 3.  The plan is believed to be workable, but will need to be monitored and altered if it is not adequately meeting the needs of those of low and moderate income.  When asked if the plan was realistic, Ms. Lelie advised, based on the seasonal nature of the Borough, and the incentives the Borough will offer property owners for providing accessory apartments, the estimate was very realistic.  There was general discussion about ways to entice property owners to participate, including monetary incentives and special zoning regulations, as well as how the plan would be administered, marketed, and funded.

Chairperson Novak opened the hearing to the public.

Peter Burke, 238 Fourth Avenue, asked if there was a size requirement for an apartment.  Kendra Lelie advised the minimum size is 300 square fee for 2 people.

When no one else from the public wished to speak, Chairperson Novak closed the public hearing and asked the board to take action on the proposed amended plan.

Resolution ADM 14-07 Adopting an Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan of the West Cape May Master Plan.  On motion of Kevin O’Neill, seconded by Gary Novak, the resolution was approved unanimously on roll call vote.

The board took a break from 7:45 to 7:51 PM

Informal Meeting Alex and Anna Johnson, 306 Fourth Avenue, Block 44, Lot 16:
Solicitor Russell explained that this was only an informal meeting and no voting could take place, the Johnsons were only getting a feel for the Boards position.  Under the recently adopted zoning changes, Mr. Johnson is proposing to build two duplexes on his two lots, which were created by subdivision approved by the board in the fall of 2006.  In order to duild the duplexes, he would need a variance for frontage, but would adhere to all other zoning requirements.  Pam Kaithern stated the lots qualify for duplex in size, just not frontage, because they are oversized for their zone.  Mr. Johnson was advised to meet with the Zoning Officer and to have a plat plan and pencil drawing of his proposal at that time.

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

ADJOURNMENT:  On motion of Diane Rea, seconded by Kevin O’Neill, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary