Samantha Cruz

The agenda for this meeting included the approval of minutes from the previous session held on February 5, 2026, and consideration of Resolutions, specifically Resolution #04-2026PB pertaining to Asim Javaid and Babar Boota. The remaining structure of the meeting covered correspondence, applications, other business, public comment, and adjournment.

The meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the consideration of the William Truxton application for a minor subdivision with a bulk variance request, which was ultimately adjourned to the April 13, 2026 meeting to allow the applicant to formulate an alternative subdivision plan. The Board also reviewed and passed resolutions concerning professional appointments, specifically designating John Knoop, P.E., and Michelle Nothaft, P.E., as consulting engineers for 2026, superseding a previous designation. Additionally, resolutions were passed regarding applications from Bulldog Investments, LLC (Resolution #04-2026PB) and Tetris Industrial (Resolution #05-2026PB). The Tetris Industrial resolution granted a 90-day extension, moving the deed recording deadline to April 22, 2026, citing diligence in resolving underground utility documentation issues.

The agenda for the meeting included the review of minutes from the previous meeting held on February 9, 2026, and the Professional Appointment of the Municipal Engineer. Resolutions were considered for Bulldog Investments (Res #04-2026PB) and Tetris Industrial (Res #05-2026PB). Application #01-2026PB, submitted by William Truxton, was adjourned to the April 13, 2026 meeting. The board reviewed Application #02-2026PB from Highland Development Group and an extension request for Application #16-2024PB from Tetris Industrial. The meeting concluded with Public Comment and Adjournment.

The meeting included the administration of oaths of office to the Planner and a new regular member. Key agenda items involved the resolution for the appointment of professionals, specifically designating the City of Millville Engineering Department as the Engineer following the retirement of the previous appointee. A significant discussion centered on Application #12-2025ZB by Asim Javaid and Babar Boota, seeking a use variance (D(2)) to expand a pre-existing convenience store use to include the sale of hot food (eat-in/take-out). Concerns were raised regarding the required ninth parking space, stormwater runoff impact, delivery truck maneuvering, and potential negative effects on nearby residential properties (odors, vermin). The Board also addressed public comments concerning a zoning violation related to keeping backyard chickens. Ultimately, the application for the use variance was denied by a vote of 4-3, rendering associated bulk variance and site plan requests moot.

The meeting addressed several agenda items including the memorialization of Resolution #04-2026ZB concerning Highland Development. The primary focus was Application #12-2025ZB by Asim Javaid and Babar Boota, seeking a D(2) Variance relief to incorporate an eat-in/take-out food service into a former convenience store location. Concerns were raised regarding the proposal's impact on parking, stormwater runoff due to potential impervious coverage expansion, delivery truck maneuverability, and compliance with window coverage regulations. Conditions were proposed regarding signage replacement and ADA compliance for the restroom. A separate public comment session addressed a resident's inquiry regarding the interpretation of the City Ordinance concerning backyard chickens.