Borough of Haddon Heights

The meeting addressed several applications under New Business. For CS#25-3-1HP, regarding Yandi Gonzalaz at 409 White Horse Pike, the board discussed the roof replacement material for an area covered by solar panels. A compromise was reached contingent upon inspection by Alper Enterprises to determine if existing slate could be reused or if a replacement shingle resembling slate should be used in areas where solar panels will be installed. For CS#25-4-1HP concerning 4 Seasons Landscaping & Lawn Care at 616 Station Avenue, the board approved signage on the glass windows but denied signage on the upper façade. For CS#25-4-2HP regarding Cindy & Vincent Warren at 311 Fourth Ave, approval was granted to replace the existing side porch enclosure, update windows, and remove the exterior door access to create a sun room, provided the replacement windows include the specified transom. A follow-up action item was set for the Clerk to review signage at 17 White Horse Pike.

The meeting addressed several applications requiring review and action. For the property at 204 Fourth Ave, approval was granted for the replacement of windows on the kitchen side to match existing specifications (white on the outside, with specific mullion configurations). For St Mary's Church, approval was granted for a proposed multi-family senior housing development, which included consolidating the footprint, adding a fourth floor, and widening the sidewalk on Atlantic, although the brick material had changed from previous concepts. For the property at 531 Station Ave Unit A, approval was granted for the removal of an existing AC unit, replacement of the window, and the addition of a flower box; however, the request to paint the brick façade was rejected. Finally, signage for the property at 504 Station Ave was approved, contingent upon the decal remaining on the window and the proposed oval signage being placed appropriately without neon elements and with neighbor communication.

The meeting involved the review and approval of several Certificate of Appropriateness (CS) applications. For CS#25-7-2HP (Amy Murphy), approved changes included removing a window box, adding an outdoor bench with planters, and raising hanging signage for ADA compliance. CS#25-8-1HP (Katie Cramp) was approved as submitted since alterations were not visible from the street. CS#25-8-2HP (Haddonfield School of Dance) was conditionally approved, requiring specific mounting methods for lighting and secondary signage into the mortar, and noting that the parking lot is staff-only with no stopping traffic on Station Avenue. CS#25-8-3HP (Studio A Medical aesthetics, LLC) was approved as submitted, noting existing paint on the brick exterior. The committee reviewed concepts for a painted mural at Gradwell House Recording and provided guidance regarding design guidelines and color palettes. Haddon Savings Bank's request to update signage was reviewed, confirming the property's location in the Historic District and directing them to the Municipal Code for replacing the White Horse Pike sign and adding a sign to the Station Ave side. The date for the next HCP meeting was rescheduled.

The new business portion of the meeting focused on application CS#25-6-1HP for 320 White Horse Pike, B-36, L-9, related to a property purchased in July 2024 with an impending court date for tenant removal. The applicant plans to occupy the upstairs three-bedroom unit and intends to make several exterior improvements, including correcting the porch slope, maintaining existing spindles, adding fencing and lattice, and replacing the front porch, side deck, and back deck with Trex decking and new railings/spindles. Additionally, the driveway is slated for replacement with concrete to address drainage, matching the nearby Optum driveway. The application was approved as submitted. Another topic discussed was a strong preference against allowing onsite parking in the historic district, particularly on Station Avenue.

The Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for Haddon Heights Borough outlines the municipality's strategy to meet its affordable housing obligations from 2025 to 2035. The plan addresses present need (rehabilitation share), prior round prospective need, third round gap and prospective need, and the current fourth round prospective need. It details compliance mechanisms through contextually appropriate redevelopment initiatives for rental and age-restricted units, site suitability analyses, and financial management via the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, all while ensuring adherence to the New Jersey Fair Housing Act and Mount Laurel doctrine.