Chatham boards weigh water rates, Washington Ave grants, and 100-unit River Road plan
Council: Water/sewer rates and grant applications on the table
The Borough Council's July 13 meeting agenda included Resolution 26-239, which would amend the water and sewer fee schedule, and two New Jersey Department of Transportation grant applications for Washington Avenue improvements. Resolution 26-240 covers the segment from Watchung Avenue to Fairview Avenue, and Resolution 26-241 covers Fairview Avenue to Longwood Avenue.
The agenda also listed Resolution 26-242, which would establish a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) deferred compensation plan, and an executive session to discuss the Library project and affordable housing litigation. The Environmental Commission was scheduled to present a "Skip the Stuff" discussion item.
Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so the outcomes of these resolutions are not yet confirmed in the record.
Zoning Board: Residential variances and tennis-to-pickleball conversion
The Zoning Board of Adjustment met July 14 to consider several residential variance requests:
- **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.
- **Minisink Club Inc. (1 Princeton St.)** — request to convert two Har-Tru tennis courts into four pickleball courts. This item was scheduled to be carried to August 18.
The agenda also included resolutions for Melanie & Tom Edwards (58 North Summit) and 54 Ridgeview LLC (215 Main St.). Minutes have not yet been published, so decisions on these applications are not yet confirmed.
Planning Board: Four-story, 100-unit River Road proposal
A special Planning Board meeting was held July 17 to review Application #26-101, a preliminary and final major site plan for a proposed four-story mixed-use building at 29-39 River Road. The project, submitted by AJDM Chatham LLC, includes 100 residential units and ground-floor retail space.
The agenda listed reviews of engineering reports, a Fire Safety Bureau memorandum, water and sewer review letters from H2M, and stormwater and flood compliance documents. Minutes have not yet been published, so no board action is confirmed in the record.
What this means for residents
- **Water and sewer rates:** Resolution 26-239, if adopted, would change the fee schedule residents pay for water and sewer service. The exact changes are not detailed in the available agenda.
- **Washington Avenue:** The two NJDOT grant applications, if approved and funded, would support road improvements along two segments of Washington Avenue.
- **River Road development:** The 100-unit mixed-use proposal at 29-39 River Road is the largest project on this week's agendas. Planning Board review is the first step in the approval process; no decision is confirmed.
Coming up
No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the Borough of Chatham website for newly posted agendas or schedule changes.