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Commission reviews preserved‑farm variance and EV‑charging station conversion at local sites
Summary
The commission had no environmental objection to a one‑acre building envelope on preserved farmland proposed as a future residence and reviewed an application to convert parking stalls to EV chargers (10 stalls, two ADA) with a 400‑kW transformer, discussing canopy and solar possibilities.
Commissioners reviewed two site plan matters: a preserved‑farm subdivision/variance and an application to convert parking stalls into EV charging stations at a commercial site.
On the preserved farm, staff described a recorded one‑acre exception created at the time of farmland preservation that the landowner seeks to use as a building envelope for a future family residence. The easement holder is the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board; staff said no trees are proposed for removal and recommended no environmental objection to the subdivision. Commissioners noted the parcel is surrounded by the owner's preserved acreage and that the county and township have previously negotiated similar exceptions.
Separately, an applicant (Iona LLC) proposed converting 13 parking stalls to 10 EV charging stations, two of which would be ADA‑accessible, and installing a utility transformer and a canopy. Commissioners discussed charger power (a 400‑kilowatt utility installation was referenced in the materials), the canopy's purpose (weather protection and possible solar capability), charging levels (level‑2 vs. fast chargers) and site orientation for potential solar canopy placement. Several members voiced support for the accessibility and siting benefits of additional public charging.
No formal environmental objections were recorded by the commission for either item; staff will file the commission comments with the planning board and forwarding documents as appropriate.
