Paulsboro LUB approves bulk variance for 264 Thomson Avenue after residents raise drainage concerns

The Borough of Paulsboro Land Use Board approved a bulk-variance application on Nov. 6 permitting construction of a single-family dwelling at 264 Thomson Avenue (Block 110, Lot 1), concluding an extended discussion about existing drainage and stormwater infrastructure in the neighborhood. Applicant Marco Girelli told the board an excavation found what he called a capped storm drain and described plans to elevate the rear yard and direct rooftop runoff and driveway flow toward Thomson Avenue rather than into the rear alley or neighboring Huff Avenue. He said the rear drainage area measures roughly 60 feet by 30 feet and noted about a 2-foot elevation change from Huff Avenue to Thomson Avenue.

Borough Engineer Steve Cosaboon said his conversations with Public Works confirm drainage problems in the rear area that may stem from a damaged pipeline; he stated correcting that pipeline would be difficult because it lies behind private properties. Planner Chris Dochney described the lot as undersized and a hardship that supports a bulk variance. Residents, including James Lutz of 209 Huff Avenue and Fredrick Burnett of 1723 Dayton Avenue, raised concerns about recurring flooding on Huff Avenue; a written correspondence from a 209 Huff Avenue resident was entered into the record and attested to by Lutz. The board required the applicant to submit final grounding and grading plans with the building permit and made a condition that downspouts be piped into a drainage system to limit runoff toward Huff Avenue. John Giovannitti moved the motion to approve and Jack Henderson seconded; the roll call recorded ayes from Robert DeAngelo, John Giovannitti, Jack Henderson, Kathy McCann, Ben Mento, Alice Williams and Phillip Neff; there were no nays. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

The board and residents were explicit that resolving broader pipeline or municipal drainage infrastructure is a separate borough responsibility; the engineer recommended the applicant’s mitigation steps while noting that larger repairs are outside the applicant’s scope.