Borough of Point Pleasant Beach May 28, 2020 BOA minutes
The May 28, 2020 Special Virtual Meeting of the Board of Adjustment opened at 7:00pm. The clerk read the notice of compliance with the “Open public meetings act.” Present were Board members: Mr. Kelly, Vice Chair Reynolds, Mr. Dixon, Secretary Schneider, Mr. Pasola, Mr. Loder, Mr. McGee, Mr. Davis and Chairman Struncius
Absent – Spader and Crapser
Also, present –Dennis Galvin, Ray Savacool and Karen Mills
Denise Sweet – court Reporter
Agenda
Application #2020-14 – Godwin Family Properties, LLC – 1 St. Louis Avenue – Block 174; Lot 1.01 – Applicant wishes to update outdoor seating area.
Ray Bogan attorney for applicant reviewed application. Albert Varosi, Professional Engineer/Planner, sworn, credentials accepted. John Godwin, applicant, sworn.
John Godwin reviewed how the multi-faceted business functions. Ray Bogan reviewed prior approvals for the property. The application involves the prior approval of outdoor dining. Applicant wishes to be able to enclose the outdoor dining for inclement weather. Current temporary enclosure consists of canvas awning and plastic roll down windows. The canvas tears when there is a bad storm. If there is any type of southerly or easterly wind the conditions are not favorable for patrons. Hours of operation vary with the seasons.
Currently have 28 seats – not requesting an increase. Property also includes an apartment and home. Has an agreement with neighbor (Southside marina) for overflow parking. This area accommodates employee parking. There are 10 on premise employees and 10 employees driving delivery trucks. It will have a tin roof with pressure treated wood. Ray Savacool questioned the dimensions of the awning – stated it appears a little larger than previous approval.
No audience questions
Albert Varosi stated that there will be a slight increase in the size of the deck to account for handy-cap ramp and structure supports. There will also be garage like doors. There will be a variety of seating. All seating will be temporary and removable. John Godwin stated that many customers walk up from the hotels and ride their bikes. Albert Varosi believes that this will be an aesthetic improvement. Building will be clad with pressure treated wood with tin roof; 3 flood vents with removable windows. There is no request to change the residential component or the main structure.
Ray Savacool brought up the seating area between buildings. John Godwin stated that it is a temporary seating area; Chairman Struncius stated it would be a good idea to add it to the plan; it fits well with the site. John Godwin commented that there are 4 picnic tables and a handy-cap table; and a counter with bar stools (total 28 seats). That is a total of 56 seats. Mr. Kelly inquired about the garbage pick-up. Dumpster service closest to the fishing boats.
Mr. Dixon questioned the construction because now it will be permanent – he is worried about the safety of patrons being so close to the street. Would like to see a block wall the whole length of the restaurant area. John Godwin stated he would install bollards which would aesthetically fit in with the theme. Ray Bogan replied that the bollards would be enclosed with something nautical.
Deliberations
Kelly – Thinks this is a positive; aesthetically better than what is there now. Concerned with pick up of garbage which will be picked up at end of street. It will expand the season which is a positive.
Dixon – Main concern is safety and that was addressed. Business has been there awhile and is a well-run establishment. This will help the business all year round.
Schneider – I think it is a dramatic improvement to the existing structure. There is another structure right down the road on the street; I am all for it.
Reynolds – again a unique area/restaurant – great improvement to the area; slowly but surely seeing the area improved.
Loder – No issues with the plan – I like the plan and you are adding the ramp to make it more handy-cap compliant.
Pasola – Definitely enhances Channel Drive on that corner and it helps a small business owner; I like the plan.
McGee – It is a great improvement – the awnings will be rectified with a hard-tin roof. No real change and better for security on the property. No change – just an improvement.
Davis – The improvements proposed are enhancements to the zone. Commends the applicant for the proposed safety features.
Struncius – In agreements for all that has been said – this business will operate as it has been for years. Mr. Godwin has employees assist in the street for safety. The business has been operating for years.
Conditions
- The applicant shall continue to comply with all the conditions listed in Resolution #2016-08 except as herein modified.
- No more than 28 seats are permitted in the enclosed area as was previously approved
- The plan shall show the temporary seating with a maximum of 18 seats between the retail fish market and the dwelling, as follows: 4 picnic tables (4 people maximum) and one handicap table (2 person maximum). All of the temporary seating is to be removable.
- The actual layout of all temporary structures are to be shown on the plan, which is to be reviewed and approved by the Board’s Engineer.
- The plan shall be revised to provide for protective bollards between the proposed seating and the roadway/parking area. The Bollards must have a nautical treatment.
Motion by Mr. Pasola second by Mr. Loder to approve Application #2020-14 – Godwin Family Properties, LLC – 1 St. Louis Avenue – Block 174; Lot 1.01 –
In favor: Kelly, Dixon, Schneider, Reynolds, Loder, Pasola and Struncius
Opposed: None
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm
Attest: Karen L. Mills, Clerk of the Board
