Borough of Point Pleasant Beach OCTOBER 11, 2018 BOA MINUTES
The October 11, 2018 Special 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. Spader, Mr. Kelly, Secretary Reynolds, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Dixon and Mr. McGee
Absent – Struncius, Reilly, DePolo, Davis and Crasper
Also present – Karen Mills, Clerk and Dennis Galvin, Board attorney
Court Reporter – Denise Sweet
Memorialize minutes
Motion by Mr. Dixon, second by Secretary Reynolds to memorialize the minutes of September 6, 2018
In favor: Kelly, Reynolds, Schneider, Spader and Dixon
Opposed: None
Resolution
Motion by Secretary Reynolds, second by Mr. Spader to memorialize Resolution 2018-09(2) Amended of Steven Lefkowitz – 106 South Baltimore – with conditions
In favor: Kelly, Reynolds, Schneider, Spader and McGee
Motion by Mr. Spader, second by Mr. Dixon to memorialize that action and vote denying application #2018-22 of Leon/Lorri Watts – 3 Ventrini Lane
In favor: Spader and Dixon
Opposed: None
AGENDA
Application #2018- 05 – Point Pleasant Packing, Inc i/c/o – Daniel Cohen – 205 Channel Drive – Blocks 172/173 : Lots 1,5, & 5.01/1, 2 & 2.01 – Applicant wishes to reconstruct existing fishery and make 2 stories and erect a new 109 room hotel/restaurant and banquet facility supported by parking and associated site amenities.
Carried without notice from September 6, 2018
John Jackson requested to recall Tim Lurie, engineer to review revised Boat/Pedestrian plan entered as A-15. Tim Lurie reviewed plan and explained how it would function. Tim Lurie stated that the applicant has an 18 foot travel Lane for the forklifts and a permanent 4 foot high fence to separate pedestrian area from commercial area.
Tim Lurie believes this is an adequate and safe situation.
Audience questions
John Paul Doyle, attorney for interested party questioned the difference between the original plan and A-15.John Paul Doyle inquired if the handicap ramp was original there (yes) It has been relocated.
Edward James Doherty, expert in field of hospitality, sworn, gave his credentials and background experience. 40 plus years in hospitality, chef, for 20 plus years, manager in private sector, COO for large catering company and owner of restaurant.
John Doyle questioned his academic training. Edward Doherty stated he studied in France and was head chef at a restaurant in Paris as also head chef in many restaurants. John Doyle questioned his hotel training. Ed Doherty helped to develop concept at Olive restaurant and then he worked for Hooligan’s. Then he owned Union Trust in Philadelphia. He was head executive chef at Viscount Hotel in Philadelphia. Ed Doherty was born and bred in Cherry Hill. Spent summers in Ocean City and LBI. Ed Doherty did a feasibility study on this property 5 years ago.
John Doyle objects to this witness because he is not a hotel expert. John Jackson said he can testify to the restaurant aspect. Dennis Galvin said it is better to error by letting testimony into the record then excluding it. John Jackson stated his questions will be about the banquet/restaurants facilities and how they all relate. Edward Doherty stated that he has expertise with wedding venues; he spent years working on hotel projects with Chescafe events, he was COO and lead consultant. He said that they even shuttled people from venue to hotels by trolley and the owner said that we have to get a hotel. Up north in New Hampshire/Massachusetts It is a natural to have a commercial fishery near tourism and hospitality. I am a part time resident of Port Smith New Hampshire – commercial fishing goes hand in hand and it is part of the show. I live, eat and play in a city that has both elements in close proximity. Truly believes that this is kind of New Englandy; you have a commercial fishery and restaurants. Ed Doherty referenced Exhibit A-17 and the different venues up north that have something similar. His opinion is that it would be an amazing addition to the area; it would elevate the area. As a consultant that has worked in the industry for 48 years and have developed concepts that some are now public companies; this is a good concept. Mr. Spader has had concerns about the 109 rooms; no one has said what major chain is interested; he does not know who would be interested in this. John Jackson said that Mr. Cohen has talked to major hotels but does not have a deal with someone at this time. John Jackson questioned the demand of a hotel at weddings venues. Ed Doherty stated he know many well know management groups that would be interested for this site. The synergy between a venue and a hotel belong together. A lot of this came out of the strict DWI laws; people will not go to a venue without a hotel so they do not have to worry about driving.
Audience questions
John Paul Doyle questioned what studies Ed Doherty has done. Ed Doherty stated that he did the feasibility study 5 years ago and his confidence in this project comes from that study. He felt there was a real need for a quality operation of this magnitude to draw people to Point Pleasant Beach. Secretary Reynolds said he needs hear if this fits in this area.
John Doyle said his concern is that it might be built and not work. Dennis Galvin said we do not rule on whether something might work; that is an economic question. Mr. Dixon said if the guy is spending millions of Dollars he is not going to put a bum in there to run it; If it doesn’t work in a couple of years someone else will run it. Dennis Galvin said this is a use variance where the clam facility if permitted and the hotel is not. We have to determine by Medici the planning question of “is this use appropriate for this location”.
Frank Miskovich, Professional Engineer/traffic expert, has previously appeared before Spring Lake, Long Branch and Asbury Park, credentials accepted. Exhibit A-16 traffic report entered. Frank Miskovich reviewed his report.
Audience questions
John Paul Doyle questioned the witness in regards to traffic and cars on site and his testimony.
Motion by, second by to carry Application #2018- 05 – Point Pleasant Packing, Inc i/c/o – Daniel Cohen – 205 Channel Drive – Blocks 172/173 : Lots 1,5, & 5.01/1, 2 & 2.01 without notice to December 6, 2018.
In favor: Spader, Kelly, Dixon, Schneider, McGee and Reynolds
Opposed: None
Application carried
John Jackson waived the time of the application to be heard.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40pm
Attest: Karen L. Mills, LUA
Clerk of the Board
