Zoning board tables enforcement at 891 Manhattan, approves two resolutions and opposes state four-unit mandate

The Township of Washington Zoning Board on Dec. 16 tabled enforcement for a recently completed project at 891 Manhattan Avenue, approved two site-specific resolutions with conditions, voted to oppose proposed state changes to the Municipal Land Use Law, and agreed to keep meeting recordings posted on YouTube.

891 Manhattan Avenue: enforcement and tabled action The board heard that an as-built inspection revealed two accessory structures and possible deficiencies in a recently completed driveway and curb. Board members said the zoning officer and township engineer had tried to contact the property owner without success. The board directed staff to give the zoning director time to serve the applicant and to follow up; members then voted to table the item to January so the applicant can appear and additional escrow can be collected if required. One board member summarized the enforcement approach as an administrative matter and suggested certified mail and fines as possible next steps.

Resolutions approved and votes at a glance The board considered several resolutions and applications. • ZB25-19 (637 Valley Court, Jessica Lemeski): After finding several required documents (soil movement, stormwater calculations and a topographical survey) were missing from the packet, members debated holding the memorializing resolution. The board ultimately approved the resolution as corrected and directed the engineer to confirm compliance; roll call indicated approval. • ZB25-20 (754 Cottage Peak, Christopher and Kimberly Bendick): The resolution included conditions (height calculation, revised plans, soil movement and stormwater calculations, and impervious coverage adjustments). The board approved the resolution; Missus Osman voted No.

State bill opposition Board members reviewed a draft resolution opposing state bills identified in the packet as S4736 and A4471, which the draft described as requiring municipalities to permit four residential units on every lot. Members expressed concern and voted to send an opposing statement to the council/clerks. As one member stated plainly during the roll call, "I'm opposing it." The board directed staff to forward the board’s position.

YouTube recordings and public access Members reviewed YouTube view counts and confirmed there is no additional cost to post recordings. The board voted to continue posting meetings indefinitely unless the board later votes to change the practice; members discussed bringing the topic up semiannually for review.

Next steps: the 891 Manhattan item will return to the January agenda for follow-up; staff will circulate the board’s opposing resolution on S4736/A4471 to the Council; the board will send the approved resolutions to be memorialized and publish them per standard procedure.