Leonard Perre

The meeting included the review and acceptance of a resolution approving Ms. Wolfe as Board Attorney with her new company affiliation, effective January 26, 2026. A public hearing was held for the Toll Brothers, Inc. application regarding a site plan and bulk variance for a 104-unit multi-family inclusionary townhome development. Testimony focused heavily on parking concerns, specifically the usability and safety of standard versus substandard parking spaces in the proposed driveways, and the implications of these spaces on pedestrian access. The Board also discussed variances required, including those for building height due to site topography and deviations from zoning requirements related to site disturbance and loading spaces. Conditions of approval were discussed extensively, covering items such as Title 39 enforcement, landscaping jurisdiction retention, prohibition of garage conversion to living space, and HOA bylaw requirements regarding parking and potential future amendments. The Board ultimately voted to approve the application with stated conditions, recognizing the effort made by the developer to address concerns related to the borough's affordable housing mandate.

The Planning Board conducted a public meeting where a public hearing was scheduled for February 3, 2026, regarding the Our House, Inc. application for a change of use and site plan waiver to lease space for an educational facility. The Board heard testimony detailing the operational plans and security measures for the new location. Key discussion points in 'Other Business' included reviewing inconsistencies and suggesting changes to the affordable housing overlay zones based on recent developer applications, the status of revisiting building height changes in the Central Commercial District, updates on renovations at 36 South Street, the status of 15 South Street and 630 Central Avenue, the delayed submission of plans for 64 South Street, and confirming interest from Buffalo Wild Wings regarding the 1275 Springfield Avenue location.

The regular meeting of the Borough Council included a Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Key actions included the approval of appointments to the Municipal Alliance, Nisha Kotecha and Amy Lepre. Council business involved the authorization of contracts with Govpilot LLC and Civic Plus for one-year terms. Resolutions were passed to approve the New Providence Sustainability Advisory Committee's community events calendar for 2026 and to authorize a mediation agreement resolving challenges to the Borough's Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. Contracts for multi-sports programs were awarded, and an escrow return to Dutly Associates LLC was authorized. Engineering approvals covered professional services for NJDOT FY2025 and FY2026 Union Avenue Improvements. Finance resolutions included the refunding of tax overpayments and authorizing a payment of $4,248,960.57 for bills payable. Public safety actions involved approving a requisition for a Keyscan Access System upgrade at the DeCorso Center and reviewing raffle and limousine applications. A contract was approved for grass and garden waste disposal services for 2026, and a requisition for replacement hatch systems at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was approved. An agreement with Sage Eldercare, Inc. for 2026 services was authorized. Discussions were held regarding the Police Department's adherence to the NJ Attorney General's Immigrant Trust Directive, with suggestions made to republish related joint memos. Committee reports provided updates on various ongoing initiatives, including the review of employee handbooks, planning for community events, and the status of the Toll Brothers application.

The Board reviewed and adopted a resolution approving Amanda Wolfe as the Board attorney with her new firm affiliation. Several applications for construction additions required variances related to front-yard setbacks, side-yard setbacks, and building coverage, all of which received approval. The Board also granted a request for an extension of time for the Spring Grove Property LLC application concerning an amendment to the site plan and conditional use approval for a nursing home addition. A public hearing for the Carlos E. Ruiz Application was carried over to the next meeting date. Communication items included discussion regarding a prior application (158 Pearl Street) where jurisdiction was lacking, notification that the gas station application (1778 Springfield Avenue) would be presented at the next meeting, and discussion concerning the age restrictions for the NP Mountain Developers, LLC planned adult community.

The meeting focused on the reorganization agenda, including the presentation of credentials for appointed and re-appointed board members and the subsequent election of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Attorney to the Board, and Secretary to the Board. Key resolutions reviewed and approved included fixing the calendar of meetings for 2026, approving attorney services for Amanda Wolfe, and adopting amended bylaws to change the meeting start time to 7:30 p.m. A resolution was approved granting an Amended Minor Site Plan for Everest Real Estate New Providence, LLC, concerning site improvements at 64 South Street. A public hearing was held regarding NP Mountain Developers, LLC's application for a 297-unit age-restricted residential development at 70 Ryder Way, which involved extensive testimony regarding building plans, ADA accessibility, power outages, and public safety concerns, including generator installation for clubhouses. The Board ultimately approved the application with numerous conditions attached, subject to variances and waivers.