Etra Minutes 20071120

Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) 2 Jake Garzio Drive Ewing, New Jersey 08628 Minutes: November 20, 2007 Submitted by: Tyrone Garrett Public Notice and Attendees a. The meeting of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) convened at 7:10 PM in the Municipal Court room with a statement on the “Sunshine Law” by Chairperson Robert Kull. b. Attendees: Chairperson Robert Kull, Vice Chairperson Daniel Brandt, Commissioners: David Rose, Phil Vecere, Janet McLaughlin, ETRA Legal Counsel Michael O’Donnell and members of the public (Excused was Commissioner Iman AQuddus) c. Upon the arrival of Commissioner Sandra at 7:35 PM, Chairperson Robert Kull announced her attendance for the record.

Approval of Minutes of October 17, 2007 Commissioner Vecere requested that the minutes be corrected to accurately reflect that “storage buildings” were approved for Tiger Scientific by the site review committee. Upon this revision the Board unanimously approved the Minutes of October 17, 2007. Legal Update DOT Livable Communities Grant update was offered by Michael O’Donnell. The consensus of the Board was that Mr. O’Donnell change the easement requirement to ensure that a temporary construction easement of an additional 4 feet is provided. MGI Site Pilot agreement update was offered by Michael O’Donnell and Tyrone Garrett. Both have attempted to reach Robert Ridolfi the legal representative for MGI to determine when and if the Pilot payment had been made. To date there was no response. It was suggested by the Board with a motion by Commissioner Rose that the Executive Director and Legal Counsel O’Donnell formally contact MGI advising that ETRA will request that Ewing Township take formal action to eliminate the Pilot Agreement due to a default based on non-payment. Commissioner McLaughlin asked that the correspondence be performed only by Mr. O’Donnell as he is an attorney and such circumstances should be handled between attorneys O’Donnell and Ridolfi. The members of the Board agreed. Site Plan Presentations 1. Ping Shih, 1605 Calhoun Street – It was noted that this application was a carryover from previous meetings. This presentation instinctively was directed at giving the Board a true sense of the parking lot ingress/egress, stall widths with a hard copy of the site plan. Commissioner McLaughlin requested that a landscaping plan be developed to improve the curb appeal of the site. Commissioner McCord felt that the parking lot configuration did not allow for 1

pedestrian traffic more specifically a lane for carts into the store. Understanding this, it was agreed that the parking area would have a designated lane to allow for carts and shoppers to travel to and from their vehicles into the store itself. Both Chairperson Kull and Commissioner Rose gave an explanation of the approval process for the plan with the next review being performed by the Site Review Committee with a recommendation from ETRA. Commissioner Rose noted again for the record that the owner should proactively investigate all permits required by the Health Department. A motion was made by Commissioner Vecere with a Second by Commissioners McLaughlin to move project to the Site Review Committee with a request that the Township Planner and Engineer review the plan for streetscape and an indoor market with no outdoor use. 2. PNC Bank 1800 North Olden Avenue – It is the intention of the PNC Bank at this location to expand to a fourth (4th) drive though lane. During the presentation it was understood that in order to remove parking spaces for such and expansion, variances must be approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Because of its location the neighboring property owners would be effected by an easement and the need for landscape buffering. It was the consensus of the Board that PNC proactively meet with these property owners to discuss the overall plan. Commissioner Rose noted the need to examine the lighting and volume of ATM machine so that neither would negatively affect the surrounding community. The representatives of PNC acknowledged the Board’s request that parking lot signage and striping be added o clearly assist vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Such improvements would include, but not be limited to landscaping amenities for foot traffic and the consideration of a 10 foot easement from Olden Avenue to potential underground utilities. A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners McLaughlin and Brandt respectively to support the PNC expansion with a request for enhanced streetscape and landscape buffer between the neighboring communities. There was a unanimous vote in favor by the ETRA Board. 3. Popeye’s Restaurant 1605 Olden Avenue North Extension -The ETRA Board was immediately made aware that the existing structure would be demolished to allow for the construction of a new building to house the restaurant. The interior of structure itself will be smaller to allow for more parking and driveway space; pedestrian walkway and landscaping. The owners noted for the Board that the rear driveway would only be utilized for deliveries and not customer traffic. Commissioner Vecere was concerned about the 10 foot easement already established with the adjoining property owner in the rear, but because the new owners are proposing a new building it must go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Commissioner McLaughlin expressed her concern that the landscaping improvements do not interfere with the view for drivers in and around the parking lot. Chairperson Kull added that the parking area should be painted with directional lines and arrows to assist with the flow of traffic. The motion was made by Commissioner Vecere and supported by the entire Board for the project to move to the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment with the support of ETRA.

2

Approval of Expenditures for the Month of October 2007 The members unanimously approved the expenditures for the Month of October 2007. Resolution 11-01-2007. These bills included invoices from Tyrone Garrett and Heyer Gruel & Associates for a total amount of $14,628.96.

Other Business / Correspondence / Code Enforcement / Site Review Updates At this time there were no updates on any Planning Board, Zoning Sire Review Committee and/or Code Enforcement issues. Tyrone Garrett advised the Board that the Olden Avenue Redevelopment Plan would be presented to the Township Council on December 17, 2007. Tyrone Garrett informed the Board that contact was made with M. L Perry to perform the FY 2007 Audit. The Audit is to begin January 21, 2008. Tyrone Garrett asked the Board to consider the creation of a standard set of questions for ETRA site plan reviews. Having no further business, the Board unanimously supported the motion to adjourn the meeting.

3