City of Cape May

The meeting resulted in the adoption of several resolutions identified by numbers 05-26-2022: 1, 2, and 3, pertaining to various property addresses. The application submitted by John and Rebecca Adams for 339 Congress Street received approval for variances related to lot size, rear yard setbacks, and nonconforming structures, subject to specific revisions and compliance with conditions from the Board Engineer and Shade Tree Commission. The application filed by Paul and Nancy Valentine for 1312 Maryland Avenue was adjourned to the subsequent meeting. Additionally, the Board discussed reports summarizing their 2019, 2020, and 2021 Decisions to be transmitted to the Planning Board.

Discussions centered on the Public Works Report, which included coordination with the County Engineer regarding improvements on Madison Street at Michigan and Columbia Avenues, and the ordering of an additional 75 bike racks. The committee received an update on the $200K Action Plan Grant RFP, and members agreed to review the Bike Walk Cape May Technical Memorandum and provide feedback. The Police Report detailed plans for National Night Out, the implementation of a 'ghost police car' on Elmira, and proactive enforcement regarding electric vehicle regulations and helmet use. Requirements for nighttime bicycle lighting were reviewed. The City Manager reported on the installation of two additional stop signs on Elmira at Venice, resulting in a three-way stop with generally positive feedback, and clarified that no traffic study was needed for the ACE sub-station work. New business included a request for an OPRA concerning sidewalk issues and an introduction to the new City Engineer who will coordinate paving efforts on Venice and Elmira.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including public discussion regarding planting barriers (Leyland cypress trees) near property lines and whether the city's definition of a fence should be reviewed. A resolution concerning Fences in R-4 Ordinance No. 408-2020 proposed by City Council was adopted. The board also reheard an application from Pella, LLC (c/o Velvento Holdings, LLC) to ensure compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act due to a failed livestream during the prior meeting; the request to extend the approval for this subdivision application was granted after confirming street, utility, and stormwater improvements were completed. Furthermore, there was a discussion with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chairperson regarding HPC Standards for Flood Adaptation, specifically concerning vents, parking under structures, and garage doors in the Historic District, leading to a decision for key personnel to collaborate on clarifying the language. The status of HPC surveys, pending City Council adoption, was also discussed, noting the approval of additional surveys via a recent grant.

The meeting included the approval of Resolution #2021-02 for Walchak at 834 Lafayette Street. Several applications for property improvements were approved in review, covering items such as sheds, fences, roofs, siding, and columns/concrete for various addresses. Old business involved the approval of a revised application for Laufman at 1125 New York Avenue, with conditions related to trim material and cut sheets for windows, fence, and garage doors. The Harrison application for an addition/garage/shed at 1000 New York Avenue was approved with conditions regarding elevation, fence material, roofing, and window specifications, contingent on further site visits for some windows. New business included the conditional approval of a dormer addition and porch renovation for Carey at 279 Windsor Avenue, final approval for fencing replacement at Swain's Property Management LLC (305 Jackson Street) using black vinyl coated chain link, and final approval for Waugaman at 278 Windsor Avenue to replace siding with Hardie plank. A decision on window replacement at Carter (800 Washington Street) was deferred pending a site visit for further inspection of specific windows. The Neligan application for a metal roof at 701 Benton Avenue was approved with conditions regarding dormer siding and metal roof seam caps. Discussions also covered a grant application to enhance the National Historic Landmark status recognizing the contributions of the African American community to Cape May.

The meeting included the adoption of three resolutions pertaining to properties at 1350 Texas Avenue, 314 Claghorn Place, and 112 Madison Avenue. The Board heard an application from Alan and Amanda Fisher seeking variances for lot size, side yard setback, lot coverage, and parking to convert a two-family dwelling to a single-family dwelling, which involved discussions on parking increases and an encroaching driveway easement. A second application by Mark Aitken sought variances for lot coverage, an outdoor shower attached to a detached garage, and shower height/width to enclose a covered porch; this case involved discussions regarding lot coverage calculations and drainage improvements. The third application, from Timothy and Elizabeth Fahl, sought a use variance to convert attic space to an office in a semi-detached dwelling, which included internal changes and the addition of a window. The Board also addressed the payment of bills.