BOROUGH OF CAPE MAY POINT

PLANNING BOARD

 

MINUTES April 9, 2008

 

The April 9, 2008 regular meeting of the Planning Board of the Borough of Cape May Point was called to order by Chairperson Ann Brecker.  The Open Public Meetings Act statement was read, this meeting has been advertised, and a notice of the meeting date has been posted on the Bulleting Board in the lobby of the Municipal Building on Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ.

 

ROLL CALL:

Members present: Ann Brecker, Tom Larkin, Carl Schupp, John Henderson, Kathy Hogarty, Joan Brown, and Charles Blackinton

Absent: John McGraw and Joe Westcott

Present: Attorney Kay and Secretary Davis

 

MINUTES of Meeting of February 13, 2008 (as amended)

Motion:   J. Henderson     Second:  C. Blackinton

Voting Yes: Ann Brecker, Tom Larkin, John Henderson, Joan Brown, and Chuck Blackinton

 

 

Environmental Report Update

Kathy Hogarty expressed concerns about the amount of concrete in Triangle Park.  Chairperson Brecker (liaison to Environmental Commission) discussed plantings, which will be shortly started; she discussed new planters that would be all around the concrete.  The Board discussed a swill type of ditch, which would allow water to be brought into the garden, and a drip system on the planting.  She stated that the Bike Rack would be removed, and someone will be giving a speech on environmental gardens to the Environmental Commission.  Ms. Hogarty questioned if the planters would be on top of the concrete, or if the concrete would be moved, and planters placed in the garden.  The Board discussed the original grant, which paid for the work at the park; Mr. Larkin stated the Triangle Park is insensitive to everything the Board is trying to do.   Commissioner Schupp felt the Council might be receptive to taking the concrete out of the Park.  At this time a motion was made by Tom Larkin and seconded by Kathy Hogarty to have the Planning Board attorney draft a letter to Borough Commissioners explaining how unhappy the Planning Board is with the amount of concrete in the Park, and asking them to eliminate or reduce the concrete in Triangle Park.  The County owns the Park, but the Borough has a 25-year lease and is responsible for maintenance.  All members present voting yes on roll call vote.  Attorney Kay stated he would prepare the letter.

 

MEETING HAND OUTS

Commissioner Schupp discussed the handouts in the packets.  He had received these at the Education Session he attended in March at VoTech with classes given by the New Jersey Planning Officials.  He felt it important that members go to meetings and attend class; these were excellent handouts from the sessions.  He also stated that one of planners, who was also a speaker at the Class, offered to come down and speak to the Planning Board on COAH.

 

PLAN ENDORSEMENT FOR VILLAGE DESIGNATION

Chairperson Brecker stated she thought our Plan was complete, however, the plan had to be submitted to every state agency for their review and input.   Commissioner Schupp discussed a meeting with Kathy Meade, from the State, S Sachs, Ann Brecker, Jim Smith to discuss this report.  They went over the report paragraph by paragraph. Members discussed the report, Mr. Henderson expressed concern and worry over the Beaches and Dunes section of this report.  He did not feel the community was being protected. Commissioner Schupp discussed the State Aid agreement; the Borough still has ownership, but not control.  He stated $68 million was spent for the most recent beach replenishment program.  The members asked if we could schedule a meeting with Jim Smith, County Planning Board Director.   The Secretary was asked to contact Mr. Smith to see if he could attend the May meeting of the Planning Board.  Commissioner Schupp discussed the Master Plan, and items required for the Smart Growth application. Mr. Henderson questioned the number of COAH required units.  Chairperson Brecker stated that things would be made clear at the meeting with Jim Smith, what Borough is required to do.  Commissioner Schupp expressed concern about a “Builders Remedy” lawsuit, which some towns are facing.

 

Public Portion

Linda Adams, Chairperson of the Zoning Board expressed support for the Board, and felt that K. Meade, State representative, who is working with the local municipalities on this, would be helpful.  She felt the Borough should get out in front of this project, that it is not too involved, be more discerning. She felt there was a great deal of items to do on this list, such as water Supply and build out (related to water available) amounts.  This would not be easy but could be accomplished.

 

A motion was made by Kathy Hogarty and seconded by Joan Brown to adjourn the meeting.  All members present voting yes.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jean Davis