Woolwich JLUB approves lot variances, Summit subdivision phases and pedestrian easements

The Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board on July 18 approved a string of land‑use actions, including two bulk‑variance requests for undersized lots, a site‑plan resolution for Fair Share Housing LLC, and final approvals of multiple Summit Ventures subdivision sections that include conditions for buffering and pedestrian easements.

Minutes and procedural business opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m., after which the board approved the June 18, 2024 minutes (motion by Juliano, second by Grasso) with six yes votes and abstentions from Matthias and Trautz. The board then moved through the evening’s agenda, taking final action on applications and conditions described below.

The board adopted Res. #2024‑28 granting preliminary and final site‑plan approval to Fair Share Housing LLC for property on Kings Highway (Block 18, Lot 4.03). The motion to approve was made by Grasso and seconded by Juliano and carried by roll call vote with affirmative votes recorded from Grasso, Juliano, Morgan, Morris, Kauffman and Maugeri.

Two single‑lot bulk‑variance applications were approved. Applicant David Zizza (2439 Kings Highway, B31/L5) requested a C(1) hardship variance to build on a pre‑existing nonconforming lot of approximately 1.72 acres in an R2 zone (2.0 acres required). After testimony establishing that setback requirements will be met and that the lot’s undersized status stems from a 1970s subdivision, the board opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment and approved the variance (motion by Grasso; second by Trautz). The board similarly approved a C(1) hardship variance for Phil Guinto (106 Steeplebush, B25/L3.19), a lot created around 2005 that also falls short of the 2.0‑acre R1 minimum; the motion was made by Grasso and seconded by Trautz.

The board granted amended final major‑subdivision approval to Summit Ventures for Villages I (Sections 4.3–4.5) and separately approved Sections 2.3 & 2.4. For Sections 4.3–4.5 the approval included a condition of approval requiring installation of 3–6 foot variable berms where permitted along Kings Highway to provide buffering. Discussion of Sections 2.3 & 2.4 centered on sidewalks and pedestrian connectivity; board members reviewed the project’s planned sidewalk network that will link Weatherby to the Township Building and Auburn Road. The mayor requested an easement along Kings Highway to Rainey Road for a prospective pedestrian path and the applicant agreed to provide the easement. The board’s action on Sections 2.3 & 2.4 also included a directive to determine ownership of pipes under Rainey Road as part of implementation coordination.

The board later approved the final section of Villages II (Section 1.7) with an easement to the township for the segment of road on Kings Highway to Rainey Road where the developer’s sidewalk ends and directed the applicant to work with township planning staff on berm design. All Summit‑related approvals were moved and seconded and carried by roll call vote among the members recorded as present.

The meeting recessed briefly at approximately 8:40 p.m. and reconvened before the final approvals and adjournment. With no further business, Juliano moved to adjourn, Grasso seconded, and the JLUB adjourned at about 8:58 p.m. Minutes were recorded by Shannon Kilpatrick, Joint Land Use Secretary; the audio recording is noted to be on file.