Planning Board Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
The Planning Board approved a time extension for Rocco Paternostro's minor subdivision at 74 Morning Glory Road, with every member recorded in favor and none opposed. It heard testimony on the Jewish Community Foundation's four-lot subdivision on Old Stirling Road, where Helen Street residents raised runoff and frontage concerns, then carried the case to May 27.
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What happened
The Planning Board met at 7:30 p.m. in the Susie B. Boyce Meeting Room, 44 Mountain Boulevard. Mr. DiBianca was excused. The presiding officer’s statement said notice was sent to the Courier News and Echoes Sentinel and published February 19, 2026.
Citizen hearing
Judy Sullivan, 8 Lara Place, asked whether the Bardy and Paul’s Firewood properties would be bought by the township as part of the affordable housing plan, and said the nearby properties at 67 A & B Mountain Boulevard would add traffic. Township Planner Katherine Sarmad confirmed the properties are privately owned and not being purchased by the township, and said 67 A/B Mountain Boulevard are no longer part of the plan. Ms. Sullivan described existing traffic and flooding near Top of the World Way, and asked for more notice to residents about these topics. Deputy Mayor Kian described the township app and its push notifications. Mr. Lindner described topographical and wildlife constraints on alternative affordable housing sites. Board Attorney Steve Warner said each site will return to the board with an application, where residents can ask questions and comment, and that township departments and outside agencies will review each one. Ms. Sarmad said the traffic study will be comprehensive.
Planning Board 23-04: extension granted
Rocco Paternostro, owner of Block 65 Lot 9 at 74 Morning Glory Road, requested an extension of time for a minor subdivision. Mr. Lippitt made the motion, and Mr. Esposito seconded it. The minutes list the following in favor: Mr. Lindner, Deputy Mayor Kian, Mr. Scuderi, Mr. Esposito, Mr. Ganta, Mr. Lippitt, Mr. Lindner a second time, Mr. Puglisi, and Mr. Argiro. There were no votes in opposition.
Planning Board 25-06: Jewish Community Foundation hearing
Ron Shimanowitz, Esq., representing Hutt, Shimanowitz and Plocker, P.C., presented on behalf of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Metrowest North Jersey. The property is Block 95 Lots 2 and 25 on Old Stirling Road. The request was for a preliminary major subdivision. The town’s professionals, the applicant’s engineer Cathy Mueller, and planner T.J. Ricci were sworn in.
Ms. Mueller described a plan revised on January 20, 2026. This plan divides the parcel into four buildable lots. She testified that the Old Church Road right of way shown on the plans will remain. She also stated that the applicant has obtained Department of Environmental Protection permits and buffers. Wetlands and conservation easements will only cover the two northern lots. The right of way will be updated to 50 feet. The lots will still meet the minimum lot area of three acres. She said the homes will be located near the front of the lots, so little earth movement is expected. A half cul-de-sac shown on the plans is needed for frontage. She confirmed with Township Engineer Christian Kastrud that it would be dedicated, not paved.
Ms. Mueller said that proposed Lot 2.01 will meet major development stormwater standards. She added that existing swales will collect stormwater from the hill. She confirmed that improvements will not drain toward Helen Street, which she described as a problem area. She also stated that a berm or swale may be built where the Old Church Road right of way is shown to prevent downhill neighbors from receiving additional runoff. Mr. Kastrud said the applicant had responded to his comments. He also said that the three lots along the road would meet township stormwater requirements. These lots would discharge at a lower elevation than Helen Street.
Mr. Ricci testified that the 51 feet of frontage is a pre-existing condition. He stated it is a better planning alternative. He also said that 50-foot setbacks along Old Stirling Road would create usable rear yard area. Mr. Warner said the board found no substantial detriment and nothing substantially out of character. Ms. Sarmad asked why both lots had exactly 50-foot front setbacks. She noted there was no specific landscaping plan. Mr. Shimanowitz agreed to stipulate to a landscape plan.
Public comment
- Carl Radcliffe, 17 Helen Street, brought four photographs taken by a neighbor during the July 2025 storm, and said water and sewer came up, rocks washed across the street and manhole covers lifted, and that it happened again in snow. He said he believes the DEP should redo the wetlands map because the wetlands have spread, and that any disturbance will cause more runoff. Mr. Shimanowitz said the applicant had already received DEP permits.
- Barbara Radcliffe, 17 Helen Street, objected and said their yards will be ruined by runoff.
- Ned George, 15 Helen Street, asked the engineer to explain the frontage and said his and his neighbor’s properties meet in the front. Ms. Mueller showed Tax Map page 107. He asked whether the swale in the current Old Church Road right of way will remain, and Ms. Mueller said it will. He asked that the applicant not clear cut the site and leave mature trees.
- John Zofel, 21 Helen Street, asked whether the township could work with the applicant to redesign drainage so the road is not damaged. Mr. Kastrud said he would raise it with the Township Committee and the Department of Public Works. Mr. Zofel suggested four lots on Old Stirling Road and none on Helen Street; Ms. Mueller described constraints that she said make that impossible. Mr. Zofel also said JCP&L lines are in the right of way from Old Stirling Road and not on the property.
- Tom Techek, 18 Helen Street, commented on water and debris damage during storms and asked about the 51 feet of frontage on an unimproved street.
Mr. Lindner asked the board and professionals to continue past the planned 10:00 p.m. adjournment until 10:20 p.m. All agreed.
After public comment, Mr. Shimanowitz restated that the 51 feet of frontage includes the Old Church right of way on the tax map. Mr. Warner asked for proof of ownership. Ms. Sarmad said the 51-foot description does not accurately describe the property. She said it would be 18 feet of frontage on an unimproved right of way. She pointed to the ordinance that “no lot shall have less than 65’ of frontage.” Mr. Lindner suggested carrying the case until more information on the right of way is available. He suggested staggered front yard setbacks for Lots 2.03 and 2.04. Mr. Shimanowitz agreed to carry the hearing to May 27. He also agreed to send a letter extending the time to act.
PB 25-08, Parkside Villas, LLC, Block 90 Lot 2, 30 Mountain Boulevard, was carried to May 13 without further notice.
The next meeting is May 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Scuderi moved to adjourn, and Mr. Argiro seconded. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 10:32 p.m.