Township of Mahwah

The meeting commenced with the approval of bills, specifically for legal counsel attendance fees. The public hearing section included Docket #1561-24 concerning an application for variances related to outdoor storage and fencing, which was adjourned to May 6, 2026. For Docket #25-1602, an application for a variance to construct an accessory structure greater than 1,000 square feet was reviewed; the applicant presented revised plans reducing the structure's size and removing asphalt, focusing on aesthetic improvement through screening. During the work session, the Board discussed the merits of the application for Docket #25-1602, ultimately approving the variance with a majority vote, contingent on the applicant obtaining a Soil Movement Permit and updating plans. The session also included a discussion regarding the permissibility of Board Members using external internet sources for research on applications.

The agenda items discussed included authorization for a Sanitary Sewer Connection Agreement for the property at 84 Ramapo Avenue, Suffern, NY (item #106-26). Additionally, a resolution was authorized for the submission of a Grant Application and Contract for the Division of Community Affairs LRIG FY26 Grant related to CSF Sound Safety and Seating (item #107-26). The document also notes an amendment dated February 4, 2026.

The Reorganization Meeting included the swearing in of reappointed Board of Adjustment Members for four-year terms through December 2029, with one member rescheduled for the next meeting. Officer nominations resulted in the election of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. Resolutions were passed to publish the appointment of the Board of Adjustment Engineer and other Board professionals for 2026, specifically appointing Michael J. Kelly as Engineer, John Conte as Attorney, and Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc. as Planner without competitive bidding. A resolution regarding meeting notification procedures was also approved before adjournment. The subsequent combined public/work session meeting focused on the approval of bills, specifically for Ms. Sophy Sedarat, Esq., and the approval of minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. Memorializing Resolutions were approved for DOCKET #25-1598A to amend a previous condition, and for DOCKET #25-1610 to grant a "C" Variance for constructing an open front porch. A public hearing for DOCKET #25-1611 concerning setback variances was carried over to the next meeting due to the lack of exact dimensional measurements. The work session included discussion on the Annual Report, where the Board suggested more rigid language regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

The meeting included the reorganization of the Commission membership for 2026, appointing Miles Luo and Frank Pallotta as new members, and reassigning roles. Richard Wolf was reaffirmed as Chair and Jack Pfister as Vice Chair, with Janet Ariemma serving as the Council Liaison. Updates were provided on the Sustainable Jersey certification efforts. The Commission discussed its involvement in addressing concerns regarding the proposed communication tower in the Ramapo Reservation, with the Chair planning to send a finalized letter detailing concerns. Members congratulated Richard Wolf for winning the 2025 Mahwah Township Volunteer of the Year Award. Victoria Galow announced her promotion on the Planning Board and new role as its liaison. Planning for 2026 events, including the Green Fair, Spring Renewal Day (April 25th), and Mahwah Day (early October), was discussed. Site plan reviews resulted in one approval with comments (Docket # EPS-25-3758), one rejection with comments (Docket # EPS-25-3761), one deferral (Docket # EPS-26-3763), and one approval with no comments (Docket # EPS-26-3765). Three tenant applications were reviewed and approved.

The agenda for the regularly scheduled meeting includes the approval of the December 10th minutes. Key new business items involve site plan reviews and soil movement permit applications, specifically addressing a driveway expansion at 181 E. Crescent Ave. & 4 Squire Ct. and leveling/re-graveling a yard at 26 Murray Ave. Additions to the agenda include a request for the addition of a mudroom, three-car garage, office, and gym at 15 Eileen Drive, as well as utility infrastructure work by Rockland Electric Company involving SESC measures and excavation near transmission lines. The session will also cover tenant applications for various businesses and correspondence review.