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Hamilton zoning board approves changes to legitimize two‑family use, imposes deed restriction
Summary
The board unanimously approved heldover Application No. 24-06-023 for property at 131 Edgebrook Rd, allowing additions and a 32' x 34' garage while requiring a deed restriction limiting the property to two-family use and several site modifications; an objector withdrew after the agreement.
The Hamilton Township Zoning Board on Feb. 17, 2026, approved heldover Application No. 24-06-023 from Mary Ann and William Strachan (and Rosario & Rosa Pollina) to legitimize a preexisting nonconforming two-family use and permit construction of a 32' x 34' attached garage and other modifications, subject to conditions recorded in the hearing.
Attorney Ryan Murphy said the application had been previously heard in June 2025 and described changes since that hearing. Applicants Mary Strachan and her father, Sam (Rosario) Polina, said they purchased the property believing it could house extended family due to health and caregiving needs.
Engineer Donna Bullock reviewed submitted changes: Unit A would receive a 10'x30' addition, a 14'x30' patio and a 25'x36' garage; Unit B would receive an L-shaped covered patio and an 18'x40' garage. The applicant agreed to reassign several accessory structures (one to be used as a home office, another stripped for storage only, and one moved to the rear as a garage). The proposal includes paving the first 50' of the existing gravel driveway and extending access to the new rear garage but, following discussions with objectors, the board recorded that the second driveway will not be paved and will not extend beyond the primary dwelling.
Township planner John Taikina and Engineer Samantha Brown reviewed the revisions and confirmed conditions on the record. The applicant agreed to remove rear asphalt, demolish certain accessory structures as discussed, and submit any required approvals including a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection letter of interpretation (LOI) if needed. The board noted the relief still sought includes a waiver for the second gravel driveway, a D2 variance to expand a nonconforming use and a C variance for a side-yard setback for Unit A; several bulk variances were eliminated by the revised plan.
Stuart Lieberman, counsel for Save Hamilton Open Space, said his client withdrew its objection after the applicant made the changes and agreed to the deed restriction limiting the property to two-family use. The board unanimously approved the application on a motion by James Kochenour, seconded by Sean Carter. Township professionals stated that, once the deed restriction is recorded, work may begin on Unit A with Unit B to follow.
The hearing record also notes that the minutes from this meeting were certified by the zoning board secretary and later adopted at the April 14, 2026 meeting.
