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Board approves D‑1 use variance to convert vacant second-floor office to one-bedroom apartment at 3384 Route 9
Summary
The board granted a D‑1 use variance and associated site-plan relief to allow conversion of a vacant second-floor office at 3384 Route 9 into a one‑bedroom residential unit, finding the change supports master-plan goals and addresses long-term vacancy. Several professionals testified in support.
On July 16 the Old Bridge Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a D‑1 use variance and related bulk relief to convert a vacant second‑floor office at 3384 Route 9 into a one‑bedroom apartment.
Attorney David Hillman presented the application for Sherardi Property Group LLC. Owner Nisha Chaudhary testified that the upstairs unit has been vacant since 2022 despite marketing efforts. Real‑estate witness Jacob Khodakov said the layout is better suited to residential use and the property has attracted few commercial tenants in recent marketing efforts. Engineer Joseph Kosuba told the board there are no building‑footprint changes, no new impervious surface proposed, and that the proposal improves striping, lighting and landscaping; he noted the proposal would reduce parking demand by one stall versus full office use and requested limited waivers for existing stall dimensions.
Planner Colleen McGurk reviewed municipal master-plan guidance and testified the small lot (about 8,708 sq ft) sits adjacent to residential neighborhoods and that permitting a modest residential unit better aligns with shifting market demand and the township's planning goals to diversify housing stock. She concluded the change would not substantially impair the zone plan and that any negative criteria could be satisfied given the site's history and proposed mitigation (landscaping, screening).
Board member Izzo moved for approval, Miss Andrews seconded, and the motion passed in a roll call of the six seated members. The board noted conditions and compliance items (landscaping revisions, verification of fence ownership/location, and standard resolution compliance tasks).
