Woodland board declines Certificate of Non‑Conformity for 11 Prince Street; item carried to next agenda

The Woodland Township Land Development Board considered application 2024-4 on Nov. 12, 2024, a request related to 11 Prince Street for a Certificate of Non‑Conformity. Albert Anderson (owner), Jason Anderson (representative) and George Nieves were sworn in to describe the property. Jason Anderson explained there are two buildings on one lot with a shared septic and well and separate electric service, and that the smaller structure had historically served as a post office, deli and, at times, a rental.

A prospective buyer, identified in the minutes as Mr. Jauss, was sworn in and said, "I want to use the small building as an in‑law suite, not a rental." Board member Thomas Getz said he was concerned the smaller building could become a rental in the future.

The board discussed whether to grant a Certificate of Non‑Conformity (which recognizes a historic, continuous use) or to require the applicant to seek a use variance. Because several members were absent, and given the split in support among members present, the motion to approve the Certificate of Non‑Conformity (moved by Donna Mull and seconded by Thomas Getz) failed on roll call (Getz – yes; Herndon – yes; Meeks – no; Mull – yes; Daniels – no; Stopero – no). The minutes record the motion as denied and note the item will carry to a future agenda without further advertising.

The minutes also instruct the board secretary to contact members to determine if an additional meeting can be scheduled so absent members can participate; the minutes refer to a proposed meeting date in the transcript. The minutes direct absent members Mike Huber and Jessie Estlow to review the meeting transcript so they can be sworn in having listened to it at the next meeting.

No final use variance was granted during this session; the board left open the option of pursuing a use variance if the applicant wishes to proceed.