Township of Mount Laurel

The meeting addressed several petitions requiring variances and approvals. For Petition 1 (ML Extended Stay, ZB25-C-19), the Board considered a variance request to allow a façade sign to be 89.04 square feet (where 40 sq ft is allowed) and a height of 6 feet (where 3 feet is permitted), necessary for improved hotel identification due to site constraints. Testimony focused on wayfinding benefits and compatibility. Petition 2 (ND XXVI LLC, ZB25-D-20) involved a site plan approval to convert 1,217 square feet into flex space, requiring a variance for parking due to the reduction of spaces to accommodate a loading dock. The variance was approved contingent on compliance with planner and engineer recommendations, including updating plans for impervious coverage and confirming parking space removal. Several resolutions (R-2026-ZB01 through R-2026-ZB04) were also approved, with two members abstaining.

The agenda for the Regular Council Meeting included several key items. Discussions covered the approval of the bill list and the proclamation of Deck The House Contest winners. A significant portion of the meeting involved the presentation and authorization of numerous resolutions (26-R-56 through 26-R-72), addressing property tax refunds/cancellations, pre-payment of bills for 2026, contract awards for the Laurel House roof, agreements for mosquito control and shared services, appointments of special law enforcement officers and a police chaplain, auctioning of abandoned vehicles, and participation in a federal grant program. The meeting also included the introduction of several ordinances (2026-3 through 2026-12) for a first reading, focusing on repealing/replacing dumping codes, restricting shopping carts, amending noise and soil removal chapters, and addressing affordable housing obligations through zoning overlays. One resolution (26-R-73) required a public hearing concerning a Community Development Block Grant application. Two ordinances (2026-1 and 2026-2) were scheduled for a second reading and public hearing.

This reorganization meeting included administering Oaths of Office to reappointed and new board members. Elections were held for the 2026 Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary. Resolutions were approved concerning the Regular Meeting schedule for 2026, the Designation of Official Newspapers, and the Setting of Fees for requests for Schedule & Notices. Furthermore, the resolution adopting the Zoning Board of Adjustment By-Laws for 2026 was approved. Appointments for Board Professionals for 2026 were confirmed, including the Board Solicitor (Campbell Rocco Law), Board Engineer (The Alaimo Group), Planner (Turek Consulting LLC.), Traffic Engineer (Turek Consulting LLC.), and Conflict Engineer (ERI). The Finding of Facts annual report for 2026 was approved, with a noted recommendation to change the proposed language regarding the duration of Temporary Use Permits.

The regular meeting of the Planning Board included an opening moment of silence for the recently deceased planning board solicitor. The meeting proceeded with the approval of the regular meeting minutes from November 13, 2025. A resolution was passed authorizing the board to enter a closed session to discuss litigation and personal matters protected by attorney-client privilege. The primary agenda item addressed was the public hearing for PB2531, a minor subdivision and lot line adjustment for MAT Properties LLC, involving a land swap between two adjacent lots to regularize their shape and cure an existing sideyard variance. The applicant agreed to comply with all professional recommendations, including a Phase I environmental assessment and a sidewalk contribution of $4,200 in lieu of installing sidewalks along Hannesport Mount Laurel Road due to tree removal constraints. Two other resolutions were tabled and continued to the January meeting. The board professionals also swore in planning board professionals regarding testimony for two pending applications (Matt Properties and Orleans Conservatory Group Partners).

The meeting involved the adoption of Resolution R-2025-15 for adopting a Redevelopment Plan for Rancocas Woods Redevelopment, following the swearing in of professionals. Key public hearings addressed two major applications. The first was an amended preliminary and final site plan for a mixed-use project on Route 38, which refined the previously approved plan by reducing the Brightview Senior Living units slightly, confirming tenants (Turning Point restaurant and Tim Horton's), and proposing a cross-access driveway. Discussions focused on signage height variances, with the applicant agreeing to proposed reductions. The second hearing concerned the relocation and demolition for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant requiring several bulk variances related to parking, drive aisle widths, and signage. Board professionals reviewed compliance with engineering, traffic, and fire safety comments, with the applicant agreeing to address all noted issues, including construction safety fencing.