Cranford ZBA hears major site-plan changes, tree removals and stormwater, with fire department raising access concerns

The Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment on a continuing hearing reviewed a major site-plan application by Cranford Park PropCo LLC for 600 Lincoln Park East that would add a three‑story rear addition to an existing facility, remove dozens of on‑site trees, and install a subsurface stormwater basin under a new parking area.

The application seeks preliminary and final major site plan approval and multiple bulk variances, including a height variance for a structure proposed at about 41.6 feet where the ordinance permits 32 feet, increasing the number of stories to three where 2.5 is permitted, higher building coverage, and substantially greater impervious surface. The applicant’s design team described an underground infiltration/detention system beneath the proposed parking area and testified they adjusted landscaping and the location of a new hydrant in response to fire-department comments.

Why it matters: The proposal would remove a substantial number of mature trees along the rear and side of the property, increase impervious coverage in a neighborhood that has experienced flood events, and change vehicle access patterns needed for emergency responders. Neighbors and the board’s professionals pressed the applicant on stormwater calculations, tree preservation, and whether fire apparatus and ambulances can safely access all parts of the site.

Key facts and numbers

- Applicant: Cranford Park PropCo LLC, 600 Lincoln Park East (application ZBA‑24‑006). - Variances described in testimony: proposed building height ~41.6 ft (permitted 32 ft); proposed three stories (permitted 2.5). - Lot/coverage and impervious figures cited by the applicant’s engineer: allowed building coverage 25% (existing ~13%; proposed ~26.7%); lot impervious coverage permitted 35% (existing ~42.9%; proposed ~64.1%). - Trees: testimony said 45 trees would be removed; ordinance replacement calculation produced a figure of 81 replacement trees required; the applicant proposes planting 44 new…