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Metuchen planning board discusses reviving TRC as zoning officer departs
Summary
Board members flagged the recent departure of zoning officer D. Martino and urged consideration of bringing back a citizen Technical Review Committee (TRC) or adding a board liaison to the current Development Review Committee (DRC) to improve application readiness.
The Metuchen Planning Board discussed whether to restore a citizen-level Technical Review Committee (TRC) or adopt a liaison role to the current Development Review Committee (DRC) after the board learned the borough zoning officer had left for the private sector.
Chair announced that "our zoning officer, Mr. D. Martino, is no longer with us and he has moved on to a private firm." Several board members said that when board members participated in TRC reviews, applicants produced more complete submissions and the full-board hearings were more efficient. Miss Clarkson and other members urged staff to consider options before the next meeting so the board can decide whether to resuscitate a TRC, appoint liaisons, or pursue other approaches.
Board members acknowledged the DRC provides thorough technical review, but argued the presence of lay board members at early review stages helped catch issues not visible in strictly technical reviews and reduced back-and-forth revisions. The chair asked staff (Bo) to explore options and, if appropriate, place the item on a future agenda for fuller consideration; members said any formal change would be discussed later and depend on upcoming agendas.
The board also noted an upcoming meeting on the 18th with a substantial application expected; members said they did not want to rush a decision but wanted ideas to consider at the next meeting.
The public portion produced no comments, and the meeting adjourned after routine business.
