Metuchen planning board approves borough subdivision to enable Forum Theater redevelopment

The Metuchen Planning Board voted to approve a minor subdivision and associated C-variance for property associated with the Forum Theater on Amboy Avenue.

The applicant's presenter summarized a report (dated 08/18/2026) and said the subdivision is intended to create contiguous frontage among the theater, a borough-owned gas station and an intervening walkway. The presenter argued the request meets the flexible C(2) variance criteria and cited NJSA 40:55D-2. "There's no impacts whatsoever to the public," the presenter said, adding that no construction is proposed and the subdivision will be filed by deed.

Board members asked whether University Radiology would be displaced; redevelopment counsel Jim Malley and the presenter said the radiology building will remain and that the property owner is cooperating to facilitate the larger redevelopment. Resident Nino LaStella raised questions about parcel inclusion and notice; the applicant and staff explained that a subdivision requires including the entire mother parcel and that notices go to owners within 200 feet.

A motion to approve the variance and subdivision was made by the presenter (speaker S1) and seconded by a board member (S6). The secretary (S5) conducted a roll call; Miss Clarkson, Mister Delia, Miss Galber, Mister Lifton, Mister Westrick and Mister Erickson recorded 'Yes' votes and the motion carried.