Planning board recommends council approve retrospective soil-movement permit for 7 Puddingstone Road

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board on Feb. 10 voted to recommend that the township council approve a major soil-movement application for 7 Puddingstone Road, an application the board described as a “housekeeping” matter after site work was completed without having the permit on file.

The applicant, who identified himself as Jalal Anthony, told the board the soil was moved only within the property to form a backyard and that the work was completed and inspected by his engineer. Board professionals said the township engineer’s January 2025 report raised no objection and that municipal fees have been paid. The board’s recommendation to council is intended to clear the outstanding permit requirement so the applicant can obtain a certificate of occupancy.

Board engineer Gordon Cangiano said the work already done means the board’s review was limited: the soil-moving application was needed on file for the certificate of occupancy but the engineer had no objection. The applicant confirmed he would “work with him to wrap everything up and comply with all of his comments.”

Neighbors at the hearing raised concerns about stormwater runoff. Carmen Depasquale, who said she lives at 9 Puddingstone Road, told the board residents on the block were seeing increased runoff that she believes has worsened since the landscaping and site work. Tony Damato, who lives at 6 Puddingstone Road, said his neighbor’s garage has taken on water and asked the board what would be done to address runoff on Puddingstone Road. Board members and staff responded that single-family site plans are reviewed primarily by the township engineer and building department, and they urged residents to contact the township engineering department to get their drainage concerns examined.

The board clarified that its role on a single-family soil-movement application is limited: the planning board makes a recommendation to the council when town ordinances require it, but Cangiano noted that council approval is necessary for the soil-movement totals submitted. The board recorded a roll-call recommendation in favor of forwarding the permit to council; the board’s recommendation included a commitment that the applicant will address outstanding engineer comments.

The board closed the evidentiary portion after hearing from the public and recorded its vote recommending council approval. The applicant and neighbors were told to follow up with the township engineer for further drainage follow-up and that any remaining engineering comments must be addressed before final municipal approvals are issued.