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Bernards Township zoning board approves extension and several variances, carries one application to April 8
Summary
At its March 4 meeting in Basking Ridge, the Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a one-year extension for a prior approval, approved multiple bulk variances (including a 19.23% lot-coverage variance and a backyard pool), deemed several applications complete, and carried a large site plan to April 8 for more detailed plans.
Bernards Township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment met March 4 in Basking Ridge and took action on a slate of land‑use items, approving a one‑year extension, several bulk variances and multiple completeness determinations while carrying one application for additional review.
The board granted a one‑year extension for property at Colts Glen Lane after the new owner, Carmelo Latorre, told the panel he was requesting extra time “just out of caution” while preparing plan submissions. The motion to extend the prior approval until May 2027 passed unanimously, with the board noting the applicant must comply with township engineering and resolution conditions.
On a larger application, the board heard a completeness package and waiver requests from CIG Mount Airy LLC for a major subdivision on Mount Airy Road. Attorney Harold P. Cook III and project engineer Olivia Kononiuk told the board the filing seeks waivers for wetlands LOI verification, environmental-impact assessment and a fire‑service plan because no new construction is proposed; the board granted partial waivers and accepted a narrative in lieu of final maintenance easements for a shared detention basin, deeming the application complete for hearing with conditions.
The board also took evidence, then approved a lot‑coverage variance for the Callanan property at 53469 Valley Road after the applicants submitted an updated survey and stormwater mitigation plan. Architect Matthew Smith said the revised survey reduced the proposed impervious coverage to about 19.2% from an earlier 19.8%. The board approved 19.23% coverage under C‑1/C‑2 hardship findings and required the applicant to size a dry well to capture the excess impervious area (the board directed the dry well to offset the difference between the grandfathered coverage and the proposed coverage). “We provided an updated survey” and “it is reduced to 19.2%,” Smith told the board.
A separately noticed site‑plan application for 131 Morristown Road was deemed complete based on submitted memoranda and prior waivers; no representative attended the hearing in person. The board’s completeness vote allows that application to proceed to substantive review.
Counsel for Michael and Jaslyn Vesuvio asked the board to carry their Century Court application to allow time for revised, sealed hard‑copy plans and reports. The board agreed and formally carried the Vesuvio matter to the April 8 meeting with no further notice required.
During a continuation for the Hodgkins family at 10 Colonial Drive, applicants Andrew and Lindsay Hodgkins sought variances to install an 18‑by‑38‑foot in‑ground pool, patio and associated site work on an undersized R‑4 lot. Engineer Jeff Egarian and the applicants described an oversized stormwater‑detention approach and agreed to the planning and engineering conditions in the board’s memos; the board voted to memorialize the relief, requiring a landscaping/screening plan and compliance with the environmental‑commission recommendations. “We want our kids to be on grass,” one applicant said, describing the family’s preference for a modest, Hampton‑style pool and grass‑dominated yard.
Later in the evening, Robert Fallone presented a demolition‑and‑rebuild proposal for 79 Culberson Road that requires two existing‑condition bulk variances: a modest lot‑width shortfall and a shortfall in minimum lot area. His engineer, James Mance, described driveway, grading and stormwater plans; the board deemed the filing complete and voted to draft a resolution memorializing C‑1/C‑2 relief with standard engineering and planning conditions.
Where the board approved variances, members generally conditioned their votes on compliance with the township planner’s and engineer’s memos and on specific stormwater or screening requirements noted during testimony. Several approvals were unanimous.
The board closed with reminders about required training for new members and annual stormwater education and adjourned the meeting.
Votes at a glance: the panel voted unanimously to grant the Latorre one‑year extension; deemed CIG Mount Airy and 131 Morristown Road complete; approved the Callanan lot‑coverage variance (19.23%) subject to a dry‑well/stormwater condition; carried Vesuvio to April 8; memorialized the Hodgkins pool variance with required screening and stormwater conditions; and deemed Fallone’s demolition/rebuild application complete and eligible for a resolution to grant C‑1/C‑2 relief.
What comes next: several applications will return for final conditions and resolution drafting; the Vesuvio matter is scheduled for April 8. The board also announced a special work session for new members and training resources for appointed members.
