Chatham, NJ

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Chatham Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on August 26, 2026, to consider several applications. The most notable item is a long-pending request from the Minisink Club to convert two tennis courts into four pickleball courts, which has been carried over from previous meetings. The board will also review applications for variances on residential properties, including requests for setbacks, building coverage, and floor area ratio. The meeting will begin with the swearing-in of an alternate member and adoption of minutes from the July 22 meeting.

• Minisink Club Inc., 1 Princeton St.: conversion of two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts (Application ZB 25-011, carried from prior meetings)
• Jag Construction, 205 Hillside Ave.: five C variances (side yard, front yard, rear yard setbacks, max building coverage) and one D variance for floor area ratio (ZB 26-008)
• Patrick Regan, 43 North Summit Ave.: variances for maximum building coverage and maximum lot coverage (ZB 26-007)
• Krista Cowley, 25 N. Hillside Ave.: C variance for left side yard setback (ZB 26-011)
• Resolutions for applications ZB 26-003 (189 Watchung Ave.), ZB 26-004 (30 Coleman Ave. East), and ZB 26-002 (218 Washington Ave.)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Chatham Zoning Board of Adjustment is holding a special meeting to continue reviewing Application ZB 25-011 from Minisink Club Inc. to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton St. The board will consider updated engineer and planner reviews, as well as responses to prior comments, after a previous denial.

• Application ZB 25-011: conversion of two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton St.
• Updated engineer review dated 5-15-26 and planner review dated 5-13-26
• Drainage report signed 5.8.26
• Previous zoning denial letter on file

Board of Health

The Chatham Borough Board of Health is holding its regular meeting to review reports and discuss two items: an update on the food bank at the Methodist Church, and whether to post summer-specific health guidelines in the library, senior center, and possibly churches. The agenda is mostly routine, with reports and minutes adoption, but includes these two discussion items.

• Update on food bank at Methodist Church
• Discussion on posting summer health guidelines in library, senior center, possibly churches
• Adoption of meeting minutes
• Reports for April and May 2026

Mayor & Borough Council

The Chatham Borough Council will consider resolutions authorizing a $1,111,163.58 contribution to the Library of the Chathams capital campaign and an amended redevelopment agreement with BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC. The council will also hold first readings on ordinances to convey property to the housing partner and add parking restrictions on Chandler Road. The meeting includes proclamations, appointments, and a consent agenda with routine items. An executive session is scheduled to discuss attorney-client privileged advice on the library project and affordable housing.

• Resolution #26-268: $1,111,163.58 municipal contribution to Library of the Chathams capital campaign
• Resolution #26-267: Amended redevelopment agreement with BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC
• Ordinance #26-13: Conveyance of Block 121, Lot 10 to BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC
• Ordinance #26-14: Parking restrictions on Chandler Road
• Consent agenda includes contracts for a Sierra EV pickup truck, road resurfacing, and a bucket truck

Mayor & Borough Council

The Chatham Borough Council will hold a regular meeting with an executive session on attorney-client privileged matters related to the library project and affordable housing. The council will vote on an amended redevelopment agreement with BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC and introduce an ordinance to convey a portion of Block 121, Lot 10 to the same entity. Other business includes proclamations, appointments, and a consent agenda with routine resolutions.

• Resolution #26-267: Approve amended redevelopment agreement with BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC
• Ordinance #26-13: Conveyance of Block 121, Lot 10 to BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners LLC
• Ordinance #26-14: Add parking restrictions on Chandler Road
• Resolution #26-272: Award road resurfacing contract to Schifano Construction via Morris County Co-op
• Resolution #26-271: Award contract to Greenbrook GMC for Sierra EV pickup truck

Planning Board

The Chatham Planning Board will meet on August 5, 2026, to adopt minutes from prior meetings, review public comments, and consider applications for major site plan approvals and zoning changes. The meeting includes preliminary and final reviews for mixed-use developments and commercial rezoning requests.

• Preliminary and final major site plan approval for 4-story mixed-use building at 29, 33, 37, & 39 River Road with 100 residential units and retail space
• Change of use from residential to commercial at 548 Main Street (PB Application #26-02), with two parking and signage variances requested
• Preliminary and final major site plan approval for 17, 23 & 33 South Passaic Avenue (PB Application #26-04)
• Adoption of minutes from July 1 and July 16, 2026 meetings

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The board will continue its review of an application by Minisink Club Inc. to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton Street. The agenda includes updated engineer and planner reviews, as well as a response letter from the applicant. A prior denial letter is also part of the record.

• Application ZB 25-011: Minisink Club Inc. proposes converting two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton St.
• Board will consider updated engineer review, planner review, and applicant's response to prior comments.
• Previous denial letter is included in the agenda materials.

Planning Board

The Chatham Planning Board will consider two major site plan applications: a 4-story mixed-use building with 100 units and retail space at 29-39 River Road, and a preliminary/final major site plan for 17-33 South Passaic Avenue. The board will also vote on a change-of-use application for 548 Main Street requiring two variances for parking and signage. Minutes from previous meetings will be adopted.

• Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan for a 4-story mixed-use building with 100 units and retail at 29, 33, 37, & 39 River Road
• Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan for 17, 23 & 33 South Passaic Avenue
• Change of use from Residential to Commercial at 548 Main Street with two variances for parking and signage
• Adoption of minutes from July 1 and July 16, 2026 meetings

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider several residential variance applications regarding setbacks and lot coverage. The board is also addressing a request to convert tennis courts to pickleball courts, though that item is scheduled to be carried to August.

• Minisink Club Inc. (1 Princeton St.): Request to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts (carried to August 18)
• Matthew & Kathleen Mitchell (189 Watchung Ave.): Request for left side yard setback, building coverage, and Floor Area Ratio variances
• Katherine & Robert Magrane (30 Coleman Ave. East): Request for two C variances for side yard and front yard setbacks
• Richard & Regina Nelson (218 Washington Ave.): Request for building coverage and lot coverage variances
• Resolutions for Melanie & Tom Edwards (58 North Summit) and 54 Ridgeview LLC (215 Main St.)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment is holding a regular meeting to consider several variance applications and adopt minutes. The Minisink Club's proposal to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts, previously continued, will be carried to a special meeting on August 18, 2026. Other applications include variance requests for setbacks, building coverage, and lot coverage at various addresses.

• Minisink Club Inc., 1 Princeton St. – proposal to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts, carried to special meeting of August 18, 2026
• Matthew & Kathleen Mitchell, 189 Watchung Ave. – variances for left side yard setback, building coverage, and Floor Area Ratio
• Katherine & Robert Magrane, 30 Coleman Ave. East – two C variances for side yard setback and front yard setback
• Richard & Regina Nelson, 218 Washington Ave. – variances for building coverage and lot coverage
• Resolutions on Applications ZB 25-024 (Edwards, 58 North Summit) and ZB 25-021 (54 Ridgeview LLC, 215 Main St.)

Planning Board Special Meeting

The Chatham Planning Board will review Application #26‑01, a preliminary and final major site plan for a proposed four‑story mixed‑use building at 29‑39 River Road. The project includes 100 residential units and ground‑floor retail space. Board members will discuss the submitted plans, engineering reviews, and related compliance documents.

• Application #26‑01 for 4‑story mixed‑use building at 29‑39 River Road (100 units, retail)
• Review of engineering reports from AJDM Chatham LLC
• Fire Safety Bureau memorandum for River Road plans
• Water and sewer review letters from H2M
• Stormwater and flood compliance documents

Mayor & Borough Council

The council will vote on a resolution amending water and sewer rates (Resolution 26-239) and approve grant applications for Washington Avenue improvements in two segments. They will also hear a presentation on 'Skip the Stuff' from the Environmental Commission and consider a consent agenda covering contracts, grants, and personnel items.

• Resolution 26-239 amending water and sewer fee schedule
• Resolution 26-240: NJDOT grant for Washington Ave (Watching to Fairview) improvements
• Resolution 26-241: NJDOT grant for Washington Ave (Fairview to Longwood) improvements
• Resolution 26-242 establishing a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) deferred compensation plan
• Discussion item: 'Skip the Stuff' presentation by the Environmental Commission

The Borough Council approved a resolution amending the water and sewer fee schedule, increasing various connection, tapping, and meter fees. It also approved two grant applications to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for Washington Avenue improvements, and established a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer firefighters. All resolutions passed unanimously.

• Amended water and sewer fee schedule, increasing multiple fees (unanimous)
• Approved NJDOT grant application for Washington Avenue (Watchung to Fairview) improvements (unanimous)
• Approved NJDOT grant application for Washington Avenue (Fairview to Longwood) improvements (unanimous)
• Established Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) deferred compensation plan for volunteer firefighters (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda including contracts, grants, and personnel actions (unanimous)

Mayor & Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider several resolutions including amendments to the water and sewer fee schedule. The meeting also includes proposals for NJDOT grant applications regarding Washington Avenue improvements.

• Amendment of water and sewer rate fee schedule
• NJDOT grant application for Washington Avenue (Watchung Ave to Fairview Ave) project
• NJDOT grant application for Washington Avenue (Fairview Ave to Longwood Ave) project
• Establishment of a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) deferred compensation plan
• Executive session discussion regarding the Library project and affordable housing litigation

Environmental Commission Cancelled

Planning Board

The Chatham Planning Board will not vote on the proposed 4‑story mixed‑use development at 29‑39 River Road during this regular meeting. Instead, Application #26‑01, filed May 6, 2026, is being carried to a special meeting on July 16, 2026 for further consideration. The board also approved the minutes from the June 5, 2026 meeting (Resolution #PB 2026‑23).

• Application #26‑01 for a 4‑story mixed‑use building with 100 residential units and retail space at 29, 33, 37 & 39 River Road.
• The application was originally filed May 6, 2026, carried to June 3, 2026, and now carried to a July 16, 2026 special meeting.
• Preliminary and final major site plan approval is pending for the River Road project.
• Supporting documents include stormwater report, traffic impact analysis, wetland inspection letter, and flood damage compliance letter.
• Resolution #PB 2026‑23 approves the minutes from the June 5, 2026 Planning Board meeting.

Environmental Commission

The commission will discuss several environmental initiatives, including the Community Energy Plan, River Road Redevelopment Plan, and grant awards for the Borough Biodiversity Garden. They will also receive updates on a Sustainable Jersey Summit and public EV chargers. No formal votes are scheduled; the meeting focuses on reports and pending business.

• Community Energy Plan update
• River Road Redevelopment Plan discussion
• Borough Biodiversity Garden Inc. Grant Awards
• Public EV Chargers initiative
• Quiet Summer Initiative update

Shade Tree Commission

The Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss ongoing projects and new business. Items include a draft ordinance, a DEP grant application, tree planting locations, and educational signage. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the May 28, 2026, meeting.

• Discussion on tree planting locations
• DEP grant application update
• Draft ordinance discussion
• Educational signage and community engagement conversation
• Annual report and progress on CFMP (Community Forestry Management Plan)

Environmental Commission

The Chatham Environmental Commission will hear updates on several initiatives, including the Master Plan, library construction, the Community Energy Plan, and the Borough Biodiversity Garden. Members will discuss the River Road Redevelopment Plan, the Gas Leaf Blower Sub‑Committee, and public electric‑vehicle charging options. The meeting also includes a wrap‑up of Earth Month events and upcoming sustainability activities.

• River Road Redevelopment Plan
• Public EV Chargers
• Community Energy Plan
• Borough Biodiversity Garden
• Gas Leaf Blower Sub‑Committee

Historic Preservation Commission

The Chatham Borough Historic Preservation Commission will discuss a preliminary and final major site plan application for properties at 17, 23 & 33 South Passaic Avenue. The commission will also vote on adopting minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting. No other decisions are scheduled.

• Planning Board Application #26-04 for 17, 23 & 33 South Passaic Ave (Block 121, Lots 10, 12 & 13) — Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will hold a regular meeting with public comments, approval of April 23 minutes, and discussion of several items. Key topics include a resident request to remove a shade tree at 302 Hillside Ave, acceptance of a $1,000 Jaycee Grant, and updates on the NJDEP Inventory Grant application and fall tree planting prep.

• Request to remove a shade tree at 302 Hillside Ave
• Jaycee Grant of $1,000 awarded to the commission
• NJDEP Inventory Grant application due June 12
• Fall Tree Planting preparation coordination with DPW and nursery
• Collaboration updates with Environmental Commission and Planning Board

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board will hold public hearings on several variance applications, including a proposal to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton Street (Minisink Club). Other items include a C variance for a side yard setback at 58 North Summit Avenue and a variance for a cafe at 215 Main Street. The board will also memorialize prior decisions and carry two applications to the July 22 meeting.

• Application ZB 25-011: Minisink Club Inc. seeks to convert two tennis courts to four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton St.
• Application ZB 25-024: Melanie & Tom Edwards request a C variance for left side yard setback at 58 North Summit Ave.
• Application ZB 25-021: 54 Ridgeview LLC (Play Cafe) seeks variance at 215 Main St.; hearing continues.
• Application ZB 26-003: Matthew & Kathleen Mitchell request variances for side yard setback, building coverage, and FAR at 189 Watchung Ave. (carried to July 22).
• Application ZB 26-004: Katherine & Robert Magrane request two C variances for side and front yard setbacks at 30 Coleman Ave. East (carried to July 22).

Mayor & Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a special meeting beginning with an executive session to discuss attorney-client privileged advice on the Draft Gateway I and Gateway II Redevelopment Plan and pending affordable housing litigation, including terms of a consent order compliance certification. After reconvening in open session, the Council will discuss the Draft Gateway I and Gateway II Redevelopment Plan and consider a resolution to renew liquor licenses for the 2026-2027 licensing term.

• Executive session to discuss Draft Gateway I and Gateway II Redevelopment Plan
• Executive session to discuss pending affordable housing litigation and consent order compliance certification
• Discussion of Draft Gateway I and Gateway II Redevelopment Plan in open session
• Resolution #26-235: Renewal of liquor licenses for 2026-2027 term

The Borough Council voted to stop the Gateway I and Gateway II redevelopment plan. Additionally, the Council authorized a consent order for affordable housing compliance and approved liquor license renewals.

• Approved Resolution #26-234 to enter executive session (unanimous)
• Authorized Jonathan Drill to sign an affordable housing consent order (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Directed professionals not to move forward with Gateway I and II redevelopment plan (4-1)
• Approved renewal of liquor licenses for Scalini Fedeli and Charley’s Aunt (5-0)

Mayor & Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a regular meeting including a public hearing for the annual audit presentation and a vote to certify it. The council will also adjourn into closed session to receive attorney-client privileged advice regarding a library referendum. Routine items on the consent agenda include bills, a tax appeal for One Main Street, a bond return for 54 Hedges Avenue, summer pool staff appointments, and liquor license renewals.

• Governing Body Certification of the Annual Audit (Resolution #26-228)
• Executive session for attorney-client privileged advice on Library referendum
• Tax appeal resolution for One Main Street (Resolution #26-230)
• Cash performance bond return to Ana Steber for work at 54 Hedges Avenue (Resolution #26-231)
• 2026-2027 liquor license renewals (Resolution #26-233)

The Council approved resolutions commemorating Flag Day, Juneteenth, and Disability Pride Month. They also approved the previous meeting's minutes and adjourned into executive session to discuss legal matters.

• Approved adjournment into executive session for legal advice (All present)
• Approved Flag Day proclamation and ceremony (All present)
• Approved Juneteenth day of celebration and reflection (All present)
• Approved July 2026 as Disability Pride Month (All present)
• Approved May 26, 2026 regular and executive meeting minutes (All present)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and consider preliminary and final major site plan approval for a proposed 4-story mixed-use residential building with 100 units and retail space at 29, 33, 37, and 39 River Road. The board will also adopt minutes from the previous meeting and address any pending or new business.

• PB Application #26-01: AJDM River Rd — Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan for a 4-story mixed-use building with 100 residential units and retail space at 29, 33, 37, and 39 River Road (carried from May 6, 2026)
• Adoption of meeting minutes from May 6, 2026 (Resolution #PB 2026-22)
• Public comment period for items on or off the agenda

The board adopted the minutes from the May 6, 2026 meeting (Resolution PB 2026-22). The main application (PB#26-0,1 for a 4-story mixed-use building at 29-39 River Road) was heard but no decision was made; the hearing was continued to July 1, 2026. Testimony covered engineering, architecture, parking, and design concerns.

• Approved minutes from May 6, 2026 meeting (unanimous, Williams abstained)
• Continued hearing for River Road mixed-use project to July 1, 2026 (no vote recorded on the application itself)

Historic Preservation Commission Cancelled

Environmental Commission

The Chatham Environmental Commission will hear reports and discuss several initiatives, including the River Road Redevelopment Plan, public electric‑vehicle charging options, the Community Energy Plan, a borough biodiversity garden, and the Sustainable Jersey Summit. No formal actions are listed; the agenda consists of updates and informational items.

• River Road Redevelopment Plan – discussion
• Public EV Chargers – discussion
• Community Energy Plan – discussion
• Borough Biodiversity Garden – update
• Sustainable Jersey Summit – announcement

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Chatham Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on May 27, 2026, to consider multiple applications, including a request by Minisink Club Inc. to convert two tennis courts into four pickleball courts. The board will also review variance applications for residential properties at 58 North Summit Ave, 215 Main St, 24 Lum Ave, and 189 Watchung Ave, as well as an extension request for a prior approval at 25 Edgehill Rd.

• Minisink Club Inc. requests conversion of two Har-Tru tennis courts to four pickleball courts at 1 Princeton St (ZB 25-011).
• Melanie & Tom Edwards seek a C variance for left side yard setback at 58 North Summit Ave (ZB 25-024).
• 54 Ridgeview LLC requests completeness hearing for 215 Main St (Honeycomb Cafe) with parking waivers (ZB 25-021).
• 24 Lum LLC seeks C variances for left and right side yard setbacks at 24 Lum Ave (ZB 25-026).
• Matthew & Kathleen Mitchell request variances for left side yard setback, building coverage, and floor area ratio at 189 Watchung Ave (ZB 26-003).

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved three applications and carried two others to the next meeting. The Edwards application was carried after a recused board member returned to the meeting. The Honeycomb Café application was deemed complete.

• Approved minutes for April 20, 2026 Special Meeting (5-0)
• Approved minutes for April 22, 2026 Regular Meeting (5-0)
• Approved Application # ZB 24-007A (5-0)
• Approved Application # ZB 25-25 (5-0)
• Approved Application # ZB 26-01 (5-0)
• Carried Application # ZB 25-024 to June 24, 2026 (5-0)
• Deemed Application # ZB 25-021 complete (5-0)
• Carried Application # ZB 25-011 to June ZBA Meeting

Mayor & Borough Council

The Borough Council will adopt the 2026 municipal budget after a public hearing, and vote on bond ordinances totaling over $2.9 million for public improvements, water utility equipment, and solid waste acquisitions. They will also discuss the library construction project and consider resolutions promoting gun violence awareness and LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Police Captain Daniel Walsh will be promoted and Stanislav Bloshko hired as a probationary police officer. The council will go into closed session to discuss affordable housing litigation and a library referendum.

• Adoption of 2026 municipal budget after public hearing (Resolution #26-216)
• Bond Ordinance #26-10: $2,628,570 for public improvements and equipment
• Bond Ordinance #26-11: $305,000 for water utility improvements
• Promotion of Daniel Walsh to Police Captain (Resolution #26-210)
• Appointment of Stanislav Bloshko as probationary police officer (Resolution #26-211)

The Borough Council approved several personnel actions for the police department and passed two community proclamations. The council also authorized an executive session to discuss affordable housing litigation and a library referendum.

• Approved adjournment into executive session (unanimous)
• Declared June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day (unanimous)
• Proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (unanimous)
• Appointed Daniel Walsh as Police Captain with an annual salary of $189,728.26 (unanimous)
• Employed Stanislav Bloshko as a Probationary Police Officer at $59,447.23 (unanimous)
• Approved May 11, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Mayor & Borough Council

The council will vote on resolutions authorizing a temporary capital budget, estimated tax bills, and fee schedule changes for returned checks and Memorial Pool. They will also introduce bond ordinances totaling over $2.9 million for public improvements, water utility upgrades, and solid waste equipment. An executive session will discuss pending affordable housing litigation and a library referendum.

• Resolution #26-194 authorizing estimated tax bills for 2026
• Bond Ordinance #26-10 appropriating $2,628,570 for public improvements, equipment, and vehicles
• Bond Ordinance #26-11 appropriating $305,000 for water utility improvements
• Resolution #26-196 amending Memorial Pool fees
• Ordinance #26-12 appropriating $18,000 for solid waste utility acquisitions

The Mayor and Borough Council adopted a temporary capital budget of $836,300 for curb/sidewalk replacements, road micro-surfacing, and resurfacing programs (Resolution 26-193, unanimous 6-0). The council also adopted minutes from April 27, 2026, and approved proclamations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Period Poverty Awareness Week.

• Adopted 2026 Temporary Capital Budget for infrastructure improvements ($836,300) (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-193 authorizing curb/sidewalk replacement, micro-surfacing, and road resurfacing
• Adopted minutes from April 27, 2026 regular and executive sessions (unanimous)
• Approved Proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (unanimous)
• Approved Proclamation for Period Poverty Awareness Week (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Chatham Planning Board will adopt the minutes from its April 1, 2026 meeting. It will review Application PB26‑03 for Corefire Chatham, LLC at 246 Main Street (units B57, L17 & L19). The board will also consider Application PB26‑01 for a preliminary and final major site‑plan approval of a proposed four‑story mixed‑use residential building with about 100 units and retail space at 29, 33, 37, and 39 River Road. Additional agenda items include public comment, pending business, and new business.

• Adopt minutes from April 1, 2026 meeting (Resolution # PB 2026‑21).
• Review Corefire Chatham, LLC application (PB26‑03) for 246 Main Street, units B57, L17 & L19.
• Consider AJDM River Rd application (PB26‑01) for a 4‑story mixed‑use building with ~100 units and retail at 29‑39 River Road.
• Public comment limited to four minutes per speaker.
• Pending business and new business items on the agenda.

The board approved a resolution for Corefire Chatham, LLC's application at 246 Main Street (6-0) and approved the April 1 meeting minutes. They also carried over Application #26-01 for 29-39 River Road to the June 3 meeting. A discussion was held on adding an environmental checklist and pre-application meetings, but no formal action was taken.

• Approved Resolution PB 2026-21 – minutes of April 1 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Application PB 26-03, Corefire Chatham, LLC, 246 Main Street (6-0)
• Carried over Application PB 26-01, AJDM River Road (29-39 River Road) to June 3, 2026