PLANNING BOARD MEETING

                                                       DECEMBER 18, 2003

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Roll call:  Mr. Beninati, Mr. Rappa, Mr. Vitale, Mr. Schultz, Mr. Tripodi, Mr. LoForte, Mr. Lepore, and Mr. Canderella.  Absent:  Mr. Westbrook, Mr. David, Mr. Rica, Mr. Pugliese, Mr. Capizzano, and Mr. Benintente.

A motion to accept the November minutes and to pay the Secretary and Attorney fees was made by Mr. Schultz, 2^nd by Mr. Rappa.  All in favor.

Communications:  Mr. Beninati said Madden Properties (application # 03-003) asked to be postponed until January 22, 2004 because the Engineering Studies must be reviewed by this applicant.

A letter from Richard Snyder, attorney for Verizon wireless (application # 279) requested this use variance be carried to January 22, 2004, (so that the new planning board members become familiar with this application).  The applicant would respectfully request a special meeting (at the applicants cost).  If the date changes to a date prior to January 22, they will be responsible for re-noticing area residents.  They consent to an extension of time through February 27, 2004.

  Area residents (within 200’ of this application) were present.  If this application continues to the January 22 meeting, they will not be re-notified of this hearing.  Re-notification will only occur if a special meeting is scheduled to review the Verizon Wireless application.  Mr. Lane said a certified letter should be sent to the area residents ten days prior to a special scheduled meeting. 

Resolution:  Application #281, Z. K. Associates, 718 Jefferson Avenue, for a site plan & variance for an Office/warehouse.  A motion to approve the resolution was made by Mr. Beninati, 2^nd by Mr. Schultz.  All in favor: Mr. Beninati, Mr.Vitale, Mr. Schultz, Mr. LoForte, and Mr. Candarella.  Resolution approved.

New Business:  Application #283 & #13-05, Tabor Associates, 38-40 Boright Avenue, for a Warehouse & Distribution Center.  Frances Panzini is the attorney for Tabor Associates.  Sworn in:  Todd Tripucka, president and owner of Tabor (a distributor of flooring supplies), presently located at 40 Lafayette Place in Kenilworth.

 Tabor Associates has been in business in Kenilworth for fifteen years.  It is necessary to re-locate because of loss of lease.  Ninety-five percent of the business is distribution to area carpet centers. Five percent is direct wholesale (picked up by customers).  The former address consisted of 10,000 square feet, with eight to ten parking spaces.  Five spaces are needed for employees. There was never a problem with parking or noise.

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 The area at 38 Boright Avenue is about 10,600 square feet with the same number of employees.  There will be no change of business usage.  The prior use was manufacturing at this location, and, because of ceiling height, can no longer be used for that use. There will be no exterior building changes.  Delivery trucks will generally park at one of three docks.  Mr. Beninati pointed out that a few years ago, wholesale sales were allowed in an industrial area, and it grew to be a problem to the town. Carpet supplies, such as moldings, glue, padding, patch, strips, vinyl and wood tiles may be sold wholesale, but Mr. Tripucka assured the board this would be a very small percentage of the overall business.  He does not want to compete with retail stores.  This is a “lateral move”.  The amount of traffic on Boright Avenue will not change from the previous area on Lafayette (a short distance away).  The bay doors are on Lafayette Avenue.  The current 1 ˝ ft. sign will be on the new site, located on the building.  He told Mr. Lane the sixteen parking spaces are dedicated to Tabor Associates, and that the Unified Resources & Display (located at this area) has other parking spaces for their employees.  Mr. Vitale spoke in favor of Tabor Associates in helping out our recreation department.  A motion to approve was made by Mr. Rappa, 2^nd by Mr. Lepore.  All in favor:  Mr. Rappa, Mr. Vitale, Mr. Schultz, Mr. LoForte, Mr. Lepore, Mr. Candarella.  Opposed:  Mr. Beninati.  Application approved. 

Other Business:  The re-organization meeting for 2004 will be held on January 8, 2004, at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Beninati thanked all current board members for their time and dedication.  Mr. Vitale and Mr. LoForte wished all a happy New Year.  A move to adjourn was made by Mr. Schultz, 2^nd by Mr. Rappa.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet M. Murphy,

Planning Board Recording Secretary