Proposed Building in Atlantic
After four hours of testimony, questions and answers before a filled council chambers, the Planning Board continued the hearing on the Kalian mixed use construction building until its regular meeting Aug. 3 at 7 p.m.
Two of the firm’s experts presented their testimony and information at last night’s special meeting, in which they are seeking numerous variances to build a four story mixed use apartment and retail complex on First Ave at E Garfield ave. The building would be immediately adjacent to the current Kalian apartment complex nearing completion and would be constructed on the property now housing a one-story building.
The two local businesses in that building, Mike’s Deli and Scenic Liquors, would be gone as the building will be demolished and everything on the site cleared away.
Doug Rohmeyer, the borough engineer from CME, had numerous questions and comments for the plan, which is seeking both preliminary and site plan review to build the structure to house 30-, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on the second, third and fourth floor, and retail on the first level, along with some undersized parking spaces. The original plan called for no three-bedroom units, but professionals last night indicated there are now two planned for the fourth floor.
The firm had met with the planning board for a concept hearing last year and incorporated feedback from that meeting into these plans. Some of the changes included the three-bedroom units as well as angling one side of the building for increased visibility for both motorists and pedestrians.
Architect Richard Gabber of Jersey City presented testimony through a 31-page PowerPoint presentation available both on ZOOM and on the screen in borough hall. At the request of resident Mark Fisher, PowerPoint is now available on the borough’s website.
Gabber said the plans now call for 11 one-bedroom units, 17 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units for a total of 30 units. One of the one bedroom, six of the two bedroom and both of the three-bedroom units would be for affordable housing he said for a total of nine affordable housing units in the complex.
The 48 parking stalls in the plan would require an ordinance since they do not meet size requirements. Gabber said given the number of citizens who now purchase smaller cars, the spot size is adequate.
The roof is planned to be flat with access by the residents for personal use, he said, along with its two towers for both stairs and elevator to access the top level.
The building, which would be taller than the adjacent Kalian complex, is in keeping with other buildings in the area, Gabber said, citing both the complex still under construction which the planning board had approved, as well as Carton Brewery, both flat top buildings.
The meeting was stopped several times during Gabber’s testimony when Secretary Nancy Tran indicated she did not have confidence it was being properly recorded.
When the recording was posted on the borough page, it will be a compilation of both what was recorded and include recordings from the ZOOM portion as well as the secretary’s own phone, secretary Nancy Tran said today, indicating she feel confident the recording on the borough is would be thorough and complete.
Gabber presented his explanations and responded to numerous questions from Rohmeyer for nearly 90 minutes before chairman David McGoldrick opened the session to the public.
Rohmeyer indicates several areas in which he did not feel comfortable, with Gabber saying the firm will look into his suggestions, Among several areas, the borough engineer questioned the proximity of two balconies which Gabber said would be open and useable to the tenants of those apartments, to utility poles and wires, as well as the drainage plans for the flat roof. He questioned landscaping, drainage, utility connections and made several suggestions, all of which Gabber said the company would review. Board members also had several questions for the architect.
Patrick Ward, a partner in InSite Engineering of Manasquan, and a project engineer for ten years, presented testimony on the building setbacks, drainage, permeability rate of the soil which ensures drainage, and lighting around the building as well as information on utility connections, ADA sidewalks and several other areas of concern. Rohmeyer pointed out the broad variety of plans that would require variances and areas where he has specific concerns.
With the meeting running close to 11 p.m.., board attorney Michael Steib recommended that rather than open the meeting to hear some questions from the public , the meeting be adjourned and all professionals be present for the regular meeting on Aug. 3 when questions to Ward from the public will be first on the agenda and Kalian can present the rest of its professionals, including its traffic engineer for more descriptions of the proposed complex.
McGoldrick had advised residents during the meeting that while the professionals are making their presentations, the public will have the right to ask questions and ascertain more information. Once all the information is complete and before the planning board takes any action, the public will once again have the right to speak and voice their opinions on how they feel about the new building.
