Bonnie Anne Kelly

The meeting commenced with the Chairman reading the Open Public Meetings Act and related guidelines. Key agenda items involved a Public Hearing for the Redevelopment Study of Block 230, Lot 18.01, where it was recommended that the area be declared a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment, followed by a motion to approve Resolution 2025-29 concerning this designation. The board conducted Completeness Reviews for two applications: a minor subdivision/lot line adjustment for Block 130, Lot 7 (Application 2025-13) and a variance relief request for Block 55, Lot 31 (Application 2025-24). The board also approved Resolution #2025-26 for major site plan approval for Conquip Holdings, LLC, Resolution #2025-27 for subdivision and site plan approval for Crossroads Realty Partners Urban Renewal, LLC, and Resolution # 2025-28 granting variance and site plan approvals for Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. The session concluded with the continuation of the preliminary investigation report regarding the DuPont/Chemours Study Area, which requires further testimony to be held in February 2026. The technical hearing for Roman Pantry was postponed to January 13, 2026.

The Re-Organization portion of the meeting involved the swearing-in of appointed members by the Attorney and the subsequent election of the Board Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2026. The Secretary for 2026 was also nominated and appointed. The Board appointed professional service providers for the year, designating the law firm Aimino & Dennen, LLC as Attorney, Sickels & Associates Inc. as Engineering Firm, and Bach Associates as Planning Group. The South Jersey Times and Elmer Times were designated as the primary and secondary newspapers, respectively. The 2026 meeting schedule was also approved. The subsequent business portion of the meeting included the approval of six Re-Organization Resolutions (RO-01 through RO-06) and Resolution 2026-07, adopting the Annual Report for Variances approved for 2025. Technical reviews were conducted for two applications: Application #2025-13 for a minor sub-division/lot line adjustment, which was approved, and Application #2025-14 for variance relief, which was postponed. A technical hearing was held for Application #2025-11 seeking a waiver of site plan requirements to construct a small addition for office space, which was subsequently approved.

The meeting addressed several resolutions and completeness reviews for applications. Resolution #2025-22 concerning minor site plan and Bulk Variance approvals for property at 266 North Virginia Ave was approved. Resolution #2025-23 regarding use variance approvals for Twin Bridges Holdings, LLC, at properties on Central Schoolhouse Road was also approved. The Board reviewed the completeness of Application #2025-09 for Conquip Holdings, LLC, concerning a major site plan at 517 Pennsville-Auburn Road, which included technical hearing discussions on proposed changes such as expanding the stone vehicle storage area and adding a generator; this application was conditionally approved. Completeness review for Crossroads Realty Partners Urban Renewal, LLC, for an application at 411 Shell Road, proposing two warehouse buildings, was approved after clarifications on phasing and tax assessor numbers. This application proceeded to technical review and was ultimately approved with conditions, including a variance for lot width. Application #2025-12 for Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc., seeking variance relief and minor site plan approval for a distribution facility at 270 Shell Road, was approved for completeness and then technically approved with conditions, including variances for parking and front yard setback. Finally, the Board reviewed Township Ordinance 2025-1074 concerning amendments to zoning regarding Medical Cannabis and Adult Use Cannabis, determining it not inconsistent with the Master Plan and recommending adoption. Resolution 2025-25 regarding a recommendation for a Redevelopment Plan for 350 & 420 Georgetown Road was also approved, along with the associated Ordinance 2025-1078 recommendation.

The meeting commenced with adherence to the Open Public Meetings Act, noting that the session was being conducted via video teleconference and in person, and included the swearing-in of appointees for various classes. Key reorganization actions included the nomination and appointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary for 2026, as well as the appointment of the Law Firm (Aimino Law, LLC), Engineering Firm (Sickels & Associates Inc.), and Planning Firm (Bach Associates) for the year. The agenda for the business portion included the review of minutes from the October 28, 2025, and November 25, 2025, meetings. Memorializing Resolutions for the 2026 appointments and schedules were noted. The board also addressed the Annual Report for Variances approved in 2025. Technical reviews were conducted for Applications #2025-13 (Steven Sparks, minor subdivision) and #2025-14 (Mem Family, LLC, variance relief), though the latter was held until further notice. Technical review also began for Application #2025-11 (Roman Pantry Real Estate, LLC, waiver of site plan).

The meeting focused extensively on the preliminary investigation report to determine if the DuPont/Chemours study area qualifies as a condemnation area in need of redevelopment. Testimony was heard from the redevelopment planners regarding the findings, noting that while environmental cleanup actions have occurred since the area was first designated in 2001, the site's overall character, economic impact, and community blight have not substantially improved. A key discussion point involved the recommendation to designate most of the area for condemnation redevelopment, but to designate the 26-acre Cogen facility parcel as a non-condemnation redevelopment area to incentivize short-term redevelopment opportunities, such as a potential battery storage facility. The hearing concerning this site was interrupted due to time constraints and rescheduled for December 9, 2025. Subsequently, the Board held completeness and technical hearings for John Crapse's (Iron Butterfly Inc.) application for variance relief and a minor site plan for a proposed retail furniture store.