Board OKs reconstruction after unauthorized foundation work; applicant told to address septic and stop-work issues

A reconstruction project that exceeded work authorized by a prior approval drew the Hopatcong Planning Board's attention on May 6 after contractors altered an existing foundation without prior reapproval.

Representatives for the applicant said the contractor "decided that it was necessary for us to reinforce" the old foundation and made changes that the designers said they had not expected. Architect James Cornejo and designer Juan Bonilla said the foundation work compromised the prior approval and triggered the need for board action. "We are we're basically asking for forgiveness because we basically did not tell the contractor to do this," a project representative told the board.

Board members characterized the work as essentially a knockdown-rebuild in the same location and said the project now triggers preexisting nonconformity review. The board and applicant confirmed the existing dwelling had been a two-bedroom one story and the proposed dwelling is now three bedrooms; the applicant confirmed they are "doing the septic." The board asked whether a stop-work order had been issued; the applicant confirmed the stop-work order was in place and said the approval would clear that issue for continued work under the approved plan.

After discussion, the board approved the application by roll call and granted the waivers requested, which board members said would allow the applicant to clear the stop-work order and proceed with the permitting process. Recorded votes included yes votes from Mr. Shirella; Mr. Diamond; Mr. Kadaman; Miss Crock; Miss Snow; Mr. Taylor; Mayor Galati; Chairman Wright; and Ms. Maslowski.

The board advised the applicant to submit required septic plans and final engineering drawings and to coordinate with the building department to ensure the work proceeds in compliance with the approvals granted at the meeting.