Borough of Point Pleasant Beach March 14, 2019
The March 15 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Adjustment opened at 7:30pm. The clerk read the notice of compliance with the "Open public meetings act." Present were Board members: Mr. Kelly, Vice Chair Reynolds, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Schneider, Mr. LePore, Mr. McGee and Chairman Struncius
Absent – Spader, Davis, De Polo and Crasper
Also present – Kerry Morgan, Charlie Cunliffe and Karen Mills
Denise Sweet – court Reporter
Motion by Mr. Kelly, second by Mr. Schneider to memorialize the minutes of February 7, 2019 minutes –
In favor: Kelly, Dixon, Reynolds, Struncius, Schneider and LePore
Opposed: None
Memorialize Resolutions
Motion by Mr. Schneider, second by Mr. Kelly to memorialize the action and vote approving application 2019-01 of Agnes Stass – 210 Harvard –In favor: Kelly, Schneider, LePore and Struncius
Motion by Mr. LePore, second by Mr. Schneider to memorialize the action and vote approving application 2019-04 – John/Ruthann Boyle – 4 Harvard – BL, HS and LK
In favor: Schneider, LePore and Kelly
Opposed: None
AGENDA
Application #2019-15 – Jenkinson’s South Inc. – 604 Ocean Avenue – Block 83.01 ;Lot 1.01 – Applicant wishes to relocate existing restroom facility; replace existing roller coaster with new roller coaster; relocate existing Ride (Himalaya) and erect new ride.
Jillian McLeer, reviewed application and variances requested. Jeff Carr, PE/PP, credentials accepted, stated that it is a relatively easy application since they are just changing out and rearranging some rides. It is a conditional use which requires a D3 variances since they do not meet all the conditions. It also includes set back requirements – the rides are being replaced basically where they exist. Roller coaster will be replaced roughly in the same footprint. What is somewhat unique in this corner (Trenton/Ocean Avenue) – retaining wall which elevates boardwalk. Existing ramp on Ocean Avenue will be removed and filled in with retaining wall to match existing. Retaining wall will also be extended up Trenton Avenue. Requested setback requirements – Not meeting setbacks now – Arnold Ave .6 feet off of property line; not changing character of boardwalk – Himalaya will be replaced with circular ride; updated newer rides; restroom will function better – right now tucked behind the Himalaya- Will have more open space walking up Trenton Avenue. Bathroom will be rotated 90 degrees and on slab but still be portable and parking area on Trenton will be eliminated. Loosing 4 parking spaces and gaining one on street parking space. There is a shuttle that is provided for employees for off-site parking.
Jillian McLeer commented that this will be safer because the access ramp on Ocean Avenue will be eliminated and hopefully more pedestrians will cross in the cross walk at Trenton Avenue. Jeff Carr stated that the lights are directed into the amusement area. Jeff Carr does not believe there is any negative criteria – we are a conditional use variance. This is an allowed use – only difference is a D3 variance that does not meet all conditions. The test is relatively simple – does the granting of the variance cause any harm or detriment to the surrounding community- and the answer is no. We have no adjacent properties and are bordered by a county road. Chairman Struncius questioned the new circular ride and if it is closer to Trenton? Jeff Carr replied it has approximately a 40 foot by 90 foot footprint. Setback is about 2 foot setback from property line. Charlie Cunliffe Board Engineer stated that it is not a walled building – it will have light and air passing through. Vice Chair Reynolds questioned if the new roller coaster is louder or quieter. Jeff Carr does not know – but believes it would be quieter because it is new. The applicant has not chosen the exact ride yet but it will stay in the approved box. Ride will not exceed 35 feet and it will be a spinning ride. Chairman Struncius questioned 7 & 8 of Engineers letter and wanted to make sure they were answered. Jeff Carr said they are not requesting waivers – not changing number of rides – current roller coaster decreased in size. Shifting one ride and replacing one. Charlie Cunliffe questioned height of light poles (40 feet) – Jeff Carr replied that is the height of existing poles. Jeff Carr said one pole might be eliminated. Charlie Cunliffe stated that a light intensity plan should be submitted as a condition of approval and curbing will be replaced where the ramp is removed – retaining wall will match existing.
Deliberations
Kelly – Congratulations – well thought out plan – always concerned with that ramp on Ocean – always worried someone would get hit – – fixing the curb and parking a car – someone will get the message that it is not an entrance. We are going to get that fixed and the people will realize that you are doing it and that will be a plus. The rides might be a little tight but I hope that will be fixed.
Dixon – What we have is an amusement park that has been here for decades. All they want are newer ides and update the area. I like that the bathroom will be relocated – that is a plus. Eliminating the ramp helps the town out and the danger. It isn’t going to be quiet – it is an amusement park – do not see anything negative.
Reynolds – Agree with a lot of what has been said – tourism is a big part of Point Pleasant Beach – Jenkinson’s has been a good neighbor for years – do not see any detriment.
Schneider – Definitely an increased safety factor – Trenton Avenue will look better – anything the Storino’s does is first class.
Do not see any negatives – only see positives
LePore – I agree with everyone and what they have said –it is a wonderful thing
McGee – It is an upgrade – So what we have will be even better – gaining a parking space. High traffic area – aesthetically pleasing – in favor
Struncius – Everything has been stated- conditional use – setback issues exist already – exchange for a little different layout – upgrade
Conditions
- The new ride shall be within a 60 ft. footprint and will be no higher than 35 ft. and is subject to the approval of the building department.
- The new ride shall only be a spinning ride.
- The applicant shall submit a light intensity plan to the Board’s Engineer for his review and approval.
- The applicant shall match the sidewalk, curbing, fencing, paving, and retaining wall.
Motion by Vice Chair Reynolds, second by Mr. McGee to approve Application #2019-15 – Jenkinson’s South Inc. – 604 Ocean Avenue – Block 83.01; Lot 1.01 – with conditions
In favor: Kelly, Dixon, Reynolds, Schneider, LePore, McGee and Struncius
Opposed: None
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm
Attest: Karen L. Mills, LUA
Clerk of the Board
