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Resident John McPherson urges council to explain denial of electricity for nonconforming building
Summary
John McPherson told the Glassboro Mayor and Council his building was denied electrical service because it is a nonconforming structure; borough officials said the zoning officer's interpretation governs and advised an appeal or seeking a variance from the zoning board.
Resident John McPherson, who identified himself as living at 120 Grillot Street, told the Glassboro Mayor and Council that a building he owns near 301 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive was denied electrical service after he had the structure built.
"I just want to be treated right," McPherson said, describing personal and property concerns about moving items out of the building and losing use of the space.
Council and borough officials responded that the issue is governed by the borough ordinance and the zoning officer's interpretation. Mayor Wallace explained that the building is a nonconforming structure under the current ordinance and that the owner has two options: appeal the zoning officer's decision or petition the zoning board for a variance. The mayor offered to meet with McPherson after the meeting to further explain the process.
Officials emphasized that, in the current legal situation, borough staff cannot sign off on reconnecting electrical service to the building without an appeal or a variance. The mayor repeated that the borough was not singling out McPherson personally but was following the letter of the law.
What happens next McPherson may file an administrative appeal of the zoning officer's determination or apply to the zoning board for a variance. The mayor offered to stay after the meeting to discuss options with him.
