Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Permit Extension topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board grants one-year extension for Essex Building project; applicant cites COVID, financing and illness delays
Summary
The planning board approved a requested extension so the Essex Building applicant can preserve site-plan benefits and protection from incremental zoning changes while seeking financing; applicant counsel told the board illnesses and pandemic-related vacancy delayed construction.
The Bernardsville Planning Board heard an applicant request to extend site‑plan protections for the Essex Building (a mixed‑use project including 27 residential units with five low/moderate‑income units). Applicant counsel said the principals experienced illnesses and pandemic‑era vacancy that interfered with financing and asked the board to protect the project's zoning rights while they seek funding to start construction.
A board member moved to grant the extension and several members supported the motion. Board discussion included questions about permit and financing status; one member asked how much additional time the extension provided and another asked whether permits are in place. The board approved a one‑year extension to protect the applicant's development rights through January 2027, with the board noting the extension does not change substantive municipal review requirements or substitute for required permits.
