Maplewood public meetings in 2022

Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Board of Adjustment meets virtually to adopt previous minutes and vote on a variance for converting a home at 762 Valley Street to a two-family residence. The board also hears applications for similar conversions and other variances at 528 Irvington Avenue, 11 Warner Road, and 52 Courter Avenue. These cases involve requests for relief from lot coverage and setback requirements.

• Resolution to grant variance for lot coverage (49.5% proposed vs 40% permitted) for conversion of 762 Valley Street to a two-family residence
• Application for D-1 variance for conversion of 528 Irvington Avenue to a two-family residence with lot coverage variance
• Application for rear and side yard setback variances (1 ft proposed vs 25 ft/7 ft required) for an exterior ramp at 11 Warner Road
• Application for lot coverage variance (53.9% proposed vs 45% max) for a pool and patio at 52 Courter Avenue

Township Committee

The Township Committee is taking final action on an ordinance to register vacant properties and introducing seven new ordinances covering fee increases, zoning changes, and public health regulations. The meeting also includes a public hearing on purchasing an ADA-compliant jitney with CDBG funds and a consent agenda containing multiple financial resolutions, including a $2,905,000 note for water bank construction financing.

• Ordinance 3076-22 increases 2023 jitney pass fees from $125 to $150 and commuter parking from $275 to $330.
• Ordinance 3077-22 amends zoning districts R-1-7, R-1-5, and R-1-4 to allow 40-foot façade lengths adjacent to side lot lines.
• Ordinance 3080-22 requires landlords to provide hot water to tenants at specific times.
• Resolution 356-22 authorizes a note of up to $2,905,000 for the NJ Infrastructure Bank Water Bank Construction Financing Program.
• Public hearing on the purchase of an ADA-compliant jitney for Maplewood Senior Services using Essex County CDBG funds.

Community Board on Police

The Maplewood Community Board on Police met to approve November minutes and establish its 2023 areas of focus. The board outlined key topics including the civilian complaint function, data, training, and the role of police in schools. It also set a monthly schedule for 2023, starting with a Social Worker Report in January and an Annual Report in April.

• Approval of November minutes
• Establishment of 2023 Areas of Focus including Civilian Complaint Function and Use of Force
• Scheduling of monthly special topics: January Social Worker Report, February Neighborhood Watches, March Schools Data, April Annual Report
• Discussion of Public Safety Town Hall Recap
• Plan for department tour, ridealongs, and youth member recruitment

The Maplewood Community Board on Police approved November minutes and set 2023 focus areas including civilian complaints, data, training, social work, police in schools, and use of force. Neighborhood outreach was tabled due to lack of personnel. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

• Approved November meeting minutes
• Prioritized juvenile stops for data team
• Tabled neighborhood outreach due to lack of personnel
• Scheduled police department tour and ridealongs for Jan 25
• Set 2023 special topics: Jan social worker, Feb neighborhood watches, Mar schools data, Apr annual report

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board is meeting to grant preliminary and final major site plan approval for a four-story residential building with 46 units and 58 parking spaces at 7 Parker Avenue West. The board will also review Ordinance #3077-22, which proposes amending the zoning code to increase the required façade length adjacent to side lot lines from 30 feet to 40 feet in R-1-7, R-1-5, and R-1-4 zones. The meeting includes the adoption of minutes from November 9, 2022.

• Resolution for Case #PB22-02: Approval of a four-story, 46-unit residential building with 58 parking spaces at 7 Parker Avenue West.
• Review of Ordinance #3077-22: Amendment to zoning code increasing façade length adjacent to side lot lines from 30 feet to 40 feet in R-1-7, R-1-5, and R-1-4 zones.

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee will hold final votes on seven ordinances, including fee increases for jitney passes, commuter parking, and fire inspections, as well as zoning changes and new regulations on rodents, hot water, and food establishments. They will also hold a public hearing on a CDBG grant application for an ADA-compliant bus for seniors and consider a cannabis license for OGeez Brands NJ LLC.

• Ordinance 3076-22: Jitney pass fee from $125 to $150, commuter parking from $275 to $330, combo from $300 to $360, daily fee from $2 to $3
• Ordinance 3077-22: Increases allowed façade length adjacent to side lot lines from 30 to 40 feet in zones R-1-7, R-1-5, R-1-4
• Ordinance 3078-22: Fire inspection fee for non-life hazard use (M-2) from $60 to $120
• Resolution 374-22: Approving a cannabis license for OGeez Brands NJ LLC
• Resolution 368-22: Applying for CDBG funds for an electric-powered ADA-compliant bus for seniors

Township Committee

The Township Committee is voting on final passage of ordinances regarding cannabis business spacing, public bathing facility licensing, and zoning map revisions. The body will also approve a resolution to designate Noire Dispensary as a retail cannabis location and discuss proposed fee increases for 2023 jitney passes and commuter parking. Additionally, the committee will review the October 2022 budget report and approve various administrative resolutions including a roof replacement change order for the Senior Center.

• Ordinance 3072-22 reduces distance between cannabis microbusinesses in the Village Special Improvement District to 100 feet
• Resolution 346-22 approves Noire Dispensary as a retail cannabis dispensary in Maplewood/DD
• Ordinance 3074-22 revises the zoning map of the Township of Maplewood
• Discussion of recommendation to increase 2023 Jitney Passes and Commuter Parking Fees
• Resolution 340-22 authorizes change order for partial roof replacement at the Maplewood Senior Center

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board is holding a special meeting to consider a minor subdivision with site plan and variances at 95 Tiffany Place, and to continue reviewing a proposal for a 30-unit apartment building at 1722-1744 Springfield Avenue. The board will also adopt minutes from a previous meeting and hear public comments.

• Case PB 22-01: Minor subdivision with variances at 95 Tiffany Place (Block 43.03, Lot 233) for lot width, curb cut length, front façade width, and front yard paving
• Case PB 21-10: Continued application for 4-story, 30-unit apartment building with amenity space and ground-floor parking at 1722-1744 Springfield Avenue
• Adoption of May 10, 2022 Planning Board minutes

Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Board of Adjustment held a virtual meeting to vote on two pending zoning variances and review two new applications. The body considered requests for relief from setback and fence rules at 596 Valley Street and 237 Wyoming Avenue. Additionally, the board reviewed applications for a fence variance at 54 Burroughs Way and a conversion of an office building into three residential units at 1 Lenox Place.

• Variance for pediments in the front yard at 596 Valley Street (Case #BOA 22-03).
• Variance for a 24.1 ft. front yard setback and multiple driveway access at 237 Wyoming Avenue (Case #BOA 22-01).
• Application for fence relief at 54 Burroughs Way (Case #BOA 22-04).
• Application to convert an office at 1 Lenox Place into three residential units (Case #BOA 22-02).

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board is meeting to adopt minutes and review a continued application for a new residential development. The primary item is a request to construct a 4-story, 30-unit apartment building with variances at 1722-1744 Springfield Ave. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as roll call and public comment.

• Adoption of minutes from the May 10, 2022 meeting
• Review of Case # PB21-10 for 1722-1744 Springfield Ave.
• Proposal for a 4-story, 30-unit apartment building with ground-floor parking
• Request for subdivision and site plan with variances in the PRB Zone

Community Board on Police

The Community Board on Police is reviewing its 2022 areas of focus, including the role of police in schools, car theft prevention, and training. The agenda includes the selection of new members and scheduling for administrative duties. The monthly MPD visit schedule is currently on hold.

• Review of 2022 Areas of Focus: Role of Police in Schools, Car theft prevention, Suspicious Persons, Marijuana Laws, and Training
• Selection of new board members
• Scheduling for department tour and ride-alongs
• Monthly MPD visit schedule is on hold

Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Board of Adjustment held a virtual meeting to review two specific zoning relief applications. The body considered granting a variance for a fence location at 54 Burroughs Way and a use conversion to create three residential units at 1 Lenox Place. The agenda also included the adoption of previous minutes and a public comment period.

• Case BOA 22-04: Request for relief from fence setback rules at 54 Burroughs Way (R-1-7 Zone).
• Case BOA 22-02: Request to convert office space to three residential units at 1 Lenox Place (R-1-5 Zone).
• Adoption of the June 6, 2022 meeting minutes.

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board meets to adopt minutes from June 2022 and consider a resolution for a specific site plan application. The primary item is Case # PB21-10, involving architectural and site layout revisions for properties at 1722-1744 Springfield Ave. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as roll call and an invitation for public comment.

• Resolution for Case # PB21-10 at 1722-1744 Springfield Ave. (Block 30.04, Lots 127, 129, 135, 137, & 140)
• Applicant: 1722 Springfield Ave, LLC
• Adoption of June 2, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes
• Adoption of June 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

Community Board on Police

The Maplewood Community Board on Police met to approve July minutes and receive a special presentation from Crisis Intervention Social Worker Marthe Eustache. The board discussed updates on key topic areas, including the role of police in schools, communications, training, and the civilian complaint function. New business items included administrative duties and scheduling for department tours, while the monthly MPD visit schedule was noted as on hold.

• Special presentation by Crisis Intervention Social Worker Marthe Eustache
• Discussion on the role of police in schools
• Review of the civilian complaint function
• Monthly MPD visit schedule listed as ON HOLD
• Scheduling for department tour and ride-alongs

The Community Board on Police met on August 3, 2022, but could not vote on the July minutes due to lack of quorum. Members heard an update from social worker Marthe Eustache on her caseload and program impact, and discussed future expansion. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational.

• No vote on July minutes due to no quorum
• Discussed social worker program update (no action)
• Discussed annual retreat plans (no action)
• Discussed 2022 areas of focus (no action)

Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Board of Adjustment is meeting to decide on a single application for a zoning variance. The applicant seeks permission to convert an existing single-family residence into a two-family home, which requires a variance because the proposed lot coverage exceeds the permitted limit. The meeting also includes procedural items such as roll call and the adoption of previous minutes.

• Case # BOA 22-05: Application to convert 762 Valley Street (Block 20.03, Lots 351 & 352) from single-family to two-family residence.
• Request for variance for lot coverage: 49.5% proposed versus 40% permitted in the R-2-4 Zone.
• Adoption of minutes from the July 11, 2022 Zoning Board meeting.

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board will hold a regular meeting via Zoom on November 2, 2022. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items, including roll call and the adoption of minutes from the August 9, 2022 meeting. The only substantive item is an update from the Master Plan Steering Committee. No specific rezonings, contracts, or ordinances are listed for decision.

• Adoption of August 9, 2022 Planning Board meeting minutes
• Update from the Master Plan Steering committee

Township Committee

The Township Committee will introduce three ordinances: one reducing the distance between cannabis microbusinesses to 100 feet, one revising licensing for public recreational bathing facilities, and one revising the township zoning map. All three ordinances are scheduled for public hearings on November 14, 2022. The committee will also approve a consent agenda including a recycling contract with F. Basso Jr. Rubbish Removal, Inc. not to exceed $369,900.00 and a contract with Bayshore Recycling Corporation for recyclable materials disposal from 2023 to 2025.

• Ordinance 3072-22: Reduce distance between cannabis microbusinesses to 100 feet in Maplewood Village Special Improvement District
• Ordinance 3074-22: Revise the zoning map of the Township of Maplewood
• Resolution 326-22: Contract with F. Basso Jr. Rubbish Removal, INC. for recycling collection not to exceed $369,900.00
• Resolution 325-22: Contract with Bayshore recycling corporation for marketing and disposal of recyclable materials (Jan 2, 2023 - Dec 31, 2025)
• Ordinance 3073-22: Revise requirements for licensing of public recreational bathing facilities

Community Board on Police

The Maplewood Community Board on Police is meeting to discuss and set its 2023 areas of focus, which include the civilian complaint function, data, training, social work, the role of police in schools, CCR training, neighborhood outreach, and use of force. The board will also handle administrative items such as new protocols, monthly MPD visits, department tours and ride-alongs, youth member recruitment, and the 2023 schedule. Public comment is included on the agenda.

• 2023 Areas of Focus: Civilian Complaint Function, Data, Training, Social Work, Role of Police in Schools, CCR Training, Neighborhood Outreach, Use of Force
• Admin items: New protocols, Monthly MPD visits, Department tour & ride-alongs, Youth member recruitment, 2023 schedule, Annual report, 2023 leadership
• Remembering Chief DeVaul
• Welcome new board member
• Approval of September minutes

The Community Board on Police discussed and set priorities for 2023, including civilian complaint handling, data collection, training, social work expansion, and police-in-schools initiatives. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made to move forward with data requests, training submissions, and scheduling of future meetings and events.

• Approved September minutes
• Data requests to be sent to AC Sally first, then Interim Township Administrator Gregg Schuster
• Sarah and Kasia to lead data gathering from MPD, with quarterly presentations planned
• Training background and cost info to be sent to AC Sally for inclusion in 2023 MPD budget
• Possibility of adding a second social worker to be evaluated, with potential cannabis revenue funding
• Ayo to reach out to Principal Sanchez to recruit a youth board member
• Board agreed to hybrid meetings for 2023, first Wednesdays
• Public comments to be moved to beginning of meetings, with 3-minute limit and 15-minute total cap

Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Board of Adjustment will hold a virtual public meeting to consider two applications seeking variances to convert existing single-family homes into two-family residences. The board will also vote on adopting the minutes from its July 11, 2022 meeting. Public comment will be accepted.

• Case BOA 22-05: 762 Valley Street, conversion to two-family with variance for lot coverage (40% permitted, 49.5% proposed)
• Case BOA 22-06: 528 Irvington Avenue, D-1 variance for conversion to two-family with lot coverage variance
• Adoption of July 11, 2022 Zoning Board meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board will review two ordinances: one reducing the distance between cannabis microbusinesses in the Village Special Improvement District to 100 feet, and another revising the Zoning Map. The board will also consider a major site plan application for a four-story, 46-unit residential building with 58 parking spaces at 7 Parker Avenue West. The meeting includes adoption of prior minutes and public comment.

• Ordinance #3072-22: reduce distance between cannabis microbusinesses to 100 feet in Village SID
• Ordinance #3074-22: revise Zoning Map
• Case #PB22-02: 7 Parker Avenue West - 4-story, 46-unit residential building with 58 parking spaces
• Public hearing on site plan application
• Adoption of October 11, 2022 minutes

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee is deciding on the adoption of the 2022 municipal budget and the introduction of special district budgets for the Maplewood Village Alliance and Springfield Avenue Partnership. The meeting includes the final passage of an ordinance regulating stormwater discharge from private property and the introduction of ordinances for a stop street designation and a redevelopment plan at 7 Parker Avenue West. Additionally, the committee will approve a consent agenda containing various contract awards, personnel appointments, and budget resolutions.

• Adoption of the 2022 Municipal Budget (Resolution 268-22)
• Final passage of Ordinance 3066-22 amending Chapter 223 to regulate stormwater discharge
• Introduction of Ordinance 3068-22 adopting a Redevelopment Plan for 7 Parker Avenue West
• Award of contract to Millennium Mechanical, LLC for Maplewood Municipal Building ductwork replacement
• Award of contract to Riverview Paving, Inc. for NJDOT FY 2022 Municipal Aid Program roadway improvements on Lexington Avenue

Community Board on Police

The Maplewood Community Board on Police met to discuss its annual retreat and 2022 areas of focus, including the role of police in schools, training, and the civilian complaint function. The agenda also covered new business items such as administrative responsibilities, monthly MPD visit schedules, and recruitment efforts. No specific ordinances, contracts, or fee changes were decided or proposed in the provided text.

• Discussion of 2022 Areas of Focus including Role of Police in Schools and Training
• Review of Civilian Complaint Function and Data Analysis
• New Business: Administrative Responsibilities and Monthly MPD visit schedule
• New Business: Department tour and ride-along scheduling
• New Business: Recruitment efforts

The Maplewood Community Board on Police approved minutes from the prior meeting and voted to cancel the October 5 meeting due to the upcoming retreat. Members discussed the civilian complaint function, police department visits, ride-along scheduling, and recruitment of new members, including a youth member. No formal policy decisions were made.

• Approved prior meeting minutes
• Cancelled October 5 meeting (motion by Kasia, seconded by Erin)

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee will vote on final passage of two ordinances: one designating Harvard Avenue at Rutgers Street as a stop street and another adopting a redevelopment plan for 7 Parker Avenue West. The body will also introduce a new ordinance to revise employee job classifications and salary ranges, with a public hearing scheduled for October 3, 2022. Additionally, the committee will review and confirm the 2022 budgets and assessments for the Maplewood Village Alliance and Springfield Avenue Partnership special improvement districts.

• Ordinance 3067-22: Designate Harvard Avenue at the intersection of Rutgers Street as a Stop Street.
• Ordinance 3068-22: Adopt redevelopment plan for the site at 7 Parker Avenue West.
• Ordinance 3069-22: Amend classification of employment positions and establish salary ranges (introduction only).
• Resolution 292-22 and 293-22: Read and confirm 2022 budget and assessments for Maplewood Village Alliance.
• Resolution 294-22 and 295-22: Read and confirm 2022 budget and assessments for Springfield Avenue Partnership.

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee is holding a final passage vote on an ordinance to revise employee salary ranges. The body will also introduce ordinances for an emergency property revaluation and a $1,525,000 bond for flood mitigation. Additionally, the committee will approve several contract awards for infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements on Dunnell Road and Maple Terrace.

• Final passage of Ordinance 3069-22 to amend employment position classifications and salary ranges.
• Introduction of Ordinance 3071-22 authorizing $1,525,000 in bonds for the JMEUC Flood Mitigation Facilities project.
• Introduction of Ordinance 3070-22 for an emergency appropriation for real property revaluation.
• Consent agenda approval of Resolution 312-22 awarding a contract to AJM Contractors for Dunnell Road Sidewalk and Drainage Upgrades.
• Consent agenda approval of Resolution 310-22 for professional engineering services for Maple Terrace Drainage Improvements.

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee is meeting to consider final passage of two ordinances, including a $1.525 million bond for flood mitigation and an emergency appropriation for a property revaluation. The agenda also includes proclamations, public comment, and a consent agenda with multiple contract awards and purchases. Several items are routine or procedural, such as roll call and reports.

• Ordinance 3071-22: $1,525,000 bond for Phase I of the Flood Mitigation Facilities Project (Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties)
• Ordinance 3070-22: Emergency appropriation for a complete program of revaluation of real property (mandated by Essex County Board of Taxation)
• Resolution 315-22: Award contract to Dynamic Traffic, LLC for traffic safety evaluation and design at Lexington Avenue and Wellesley Street
• Resolution 316-22: Award contract to T.R. Weniger, Inc for drainage improvements in Virginia Road right-of-way at Woodland Road
• Resolution 323-22: Purchase of two police vehicles from Nielson Ford

2022 Municipal Budget Workshop

The Maplewood, NJ municipal body met to discuss an amendment to the 2022 Municipal Budget. The agenda consisted primarily of procedural items, including roll call and the mayor's introduction. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to a special session scheduled for August 16, 2022.

• Discussion of an amendment to the 2022 Municipal Budget
• Adjournment to Special Session on Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Special Township Committee Meeting

The Township Committee met to consider Resolution 265-22, which amends the introduced 2022 Municipal Budget. The agenda consisted primarily of procedural items, including roll call and public comment limited to agenda items. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to reconvene on September 6, 2022.

• Resolution 265-22: Amending the Introduced 2022 Municipal Budget

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board will consider a redevelopment plan for 7 Parker Avenue West, referred by Resolution 240-22. The board will also adopt minutes from the July 12, 2022 meeting and hear public comments.

• Review of Redevelopment Plan for 7 Parker Avenue West (Resolution 240-22)
• Adoption of July 12, 2022 Planning Board minutes
• Public comment period

Township Committee

The Township Committee is voting on a consent agenda that includes a $16,600,000 bond sale and a contract for roadway improvements on Jacoby Street and 44th Street. The body is also introducing Ordinance 3066-22, which regulates stormwater discharge from private property, with a public hearing scheduled for September 6, 2022. Additionally, the Local ABC is holding a hearing to approve the transfer of a retail distribution license to Lum's Cellars, Inc.

• Resolution 256-22: Accepting report on $16,600,000 bond sale
• Resolution 248-22: Award of contract for Jacoby Street and 44th Street roadway improvements to Your Way Construction, INC.
• Ordinance 3066-22: Amends Chapter 223 to regulate stormwater discharge from private property
• Local ABC Hearing: Transfer of Plenary Retail Distribution License to Lum's Cellars, Inc. at 1718 Springfield Avenue
• Resolution 263-22: Appointing Nisivoccia for Financial and Audit Services

Township Committee

The Township Committee is scheduled to take final passage on a $2,750,000 bond ordinance for Phase III of the Flood Mitigation Facilities Project. The body will also hold a hearing on the 2022 Municipal Budget, with a motion to table the adoption resolution. Additionally, the committee will discuss adopting a sump pump ordinance and canceling the August 16, 2022 meeting.

• Final passage of Ordinance No. 3065-22 appropriating $2,750,000 for Flood Mitigation Facilities
• Hearing on the 2022 Municipal Budget with a motion to table Resolution 242-22
• Discussion on adopting a sump pump ordinance
• Consent agenda item referring the Redevelopment Plan for 7 Parker Avenue West to the Planning Board
• Resolution 244-22 authorizing Affordable Housing Tax Adjustments

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee will hold a final vote on Ordinance 3063-22, which raises ambulance and emergency medical service fees, and will introduce the 2022 municipal budget. The committee will also introduce a cap bank ordinance and consider a consent agenda with numerous contracts and appointments. Public comment is scheduled for agenda items and general subjects.

• Final passage of Ordinance 3063-22 raising ambulance/EMS user fees
• Introduction of 2022 Municipal Budget (Resolution 225-22)
• Introduction of Ordinance 3064-22 to establish a Cap Bank
• Consent agenda includes contracts for Juneteenth fireworks, Hilton Library improvements, and a vehicle purchase
• Discussion on updating Emergency Operations Plan and liquor license

Township Committee

The Township Committee is introducing an ordinance to increase user fees for ambulance and emergency medical services, with a public hearing scheduled for June 21, 2022. The body also votes on a consent agenda containing numerous resolutions for road resurfacing, park maintenance, and police equipment purchases. Additionally, the committee discusses the 2024 property revaluation and township anti-discrimination policies.

• Ordinance No. 3063-22 to raise ambulance and EMS user fees (hearing June 21, 2022)
• Resolution No. 181-22 to apply for a NJDOT grant to resurface Springfield Avenue from Millburn Avenue to Jacoby Street
• Resolution No. 199-22 awarding FY 2022 Roadway Improvements contract to DLS Contracting, Inc.
• Resolution No. 200-22 authorizing the purchase of four police vehicles from Beyer Ford
• Resolution No. 197-22 awarding the Dehart Park Sand Slit Drainage project to JRL Equity LLC.