Planning board approves BLG West Windsor subdivision, grants three variances

The West Windsor Planning Board on May 20 approved application PB26-04 (BLG West Windsor LLC), an amended final subdivision that divides Lot 12.011 into two lots — proposed Lot 12.0111 for a restaurant adjacent to Route 1 and Lot 12.0112 for a hotel — primarily for financing and administrative purposes.

Applicant counsel Ron Shimanowicz told the board proof of publication and service was in order and that the board had jurisdiction. Planner Sean Delaney described the application as a two-lot subdivision that does not change previously approved site improvements; "this is just a... subdivision for financing purposes," he said. Delaney gave lot sizes as 1.065 acres for the restaurant lot and 2.523 acres for the hotel lot and identified three required variances: lot depth (184.2 feet proposed vs. 200 feet required), a restaurant side-yard setback (15.5 feet proposed vs. 20 feet required), and a hotel setback (5.1 feet proposed vs. 15 feet required). Delaney testified the variances meet the positive c(2) criteria and that there would be no substantial detriment to the public good because the approved site plan and improvements are unchanged.

Steven Scharf, senior vice president for development and asset management for the Briad Group, clarified operational questions from the board, saying the hotel's seating area is intended for breakfast only: "It's breakfast only." Board and staff members discussed addresses, hydrant and sprinkler approvals, and easement language; township professionals said the prior fire-safety approvals remain in place and that any updated easements or lot numbers will be coordinated with emergency services and recorded appropriately. Burgess Associates (report dated 05/13/2026) and Township Engineer Francis Guzik (memo dated 05/14/2026) both reviewed the submission and recommended several technical items be made conditions of approval, including corrections to lot numbering, consultant submittals, and GeoTREC review items.

Chairman Karp opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke. On a motion moved and seconded, the board approved application PB26-04 with the conditions discussed by counsel and professionals, including updating easements, correcting lot numbers on the plat, and satisfying the checklist and technical review memorandum items. Roll-call votes in favor were recorded from Mister Patel, Mister Pankov, Mister Baig, Miss Barre, Miss Applegate, Councilwoman Cheevers, Vice Chairman Hoberman and Chairman Karp. The motion carried.

Next steps: the plat must be filed with the clerk's office with the required county planning board signatures and the consultant and GeoTREC items completed as conditions of approval.