Trenton public meetings in 2023

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on December 20, 2023, to hear seven appeals and applications for variances and site plan approvals. Most involve converting or expanding residential and commercial uses in Residential B zones, with requests for exceptions to use, bulk, and parking requirements. Staff comments are included for two cases, recommending approval for one and requiring more testimony for another.

• 23-Z-215SP: Convert commercial space with one apartment to two residential units at 215 Spring Street (Raicu Investments LLC).
• 23-Z-905LI: Install cooking hood fire suppression system at 905-909 Liberty Street (Rebecca Vicente and Luis Guerra).
• 23-Z-1424W: Demolish two semi-attached homes and build a four-family structure at 1424-1426 W State Street (Salvatore Vetri Executive Properties LLC).
• 23-Z-1552S: Expand deli and add two apartments at 1552 S Clinton Avenue (Jose Torres).
• 23-Z-43NST: Construct 3-story multifamily building with two apartments at 43 N Stockton Street (Isles Inc.).

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on November 15, 2023, to hear appeals from the Building Inspector's permit refusals. The agenda includes five cases: an amended site plan for a youth camp at 1212 Edgewood Avenue, a use change to retail at 530-552 Lalor Street, a use variance at 1428 Brunswick Avenue, a residential conversion at 508 Stuyvesant Avenue, and a multi-service business at 550 Second Street. The board will decide on these requests for variances and site plan approvals.

• 1212 Edgewood Avenue: HomeWorks Trenton seeks amended site plan approval to add ~593 SF for an apartment for the Assistant Housing Director; staff recommends approval.
• 530-552 Lalor Street: Maymay Properties LLC proposes converting a former warehouse to retail use with additional parking, dumpster, and concrete pad.
• 1428 Brunswick Avenue: 45-34 Court Square Realty Holding Corp requests a use variance and site plan approval for a split-zoned property in Business and Residential B zones.
• 508 Stuyvesant Avenue: VASSJM, LLC seeks to change a commercial take-out restaurant into a residential studio unit (~234 SF).
• 550 Second Street: Applicants propose changing a vacant office into a multi-service entity (notary, document prep, computer/print station) with no change to existing residential units.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on October 18, 2023, to hear five appeals and applications. These include a church's request to build a 36-space parking lot, conversion of a commercial space to residential, installation of a cooking hood fire suppression system, demolition and construction of a four-family dwelling, and final site plan approval for a restaurant with an apartment. The agenda includes staff comments and recommendations for one case (23-Z-215SP), which recommends approval.

• 23-Z-99FRA: Union Baptist Church proposes 36-space parking lot at 99 Frazier Street & 324-330 Reservoir Street
• 23-Z-215SP: Raicu Investments LLC seeks to convert hair salon/barber shop with apartment into two residential units at 215 Spring Street
• 23-Z-905LI: Cooking hood fire suppression system for hot meals at 905-909 Liberty Street
• 23-Z-1424W: Demolish two semi-attached homes and build four-family detached structure at 1424-1426 W State Street
• 23-Z-112BU: Final site plan for restaurant with upstairs apartment at 112 Butler Street

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider recommending the Donnelly Homes study area as a Condemnation Redevelopment Area under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. The board will review a study by Wallace, Roberts and Todd, LLC and may adopt a resolution with a recommendation to the City Council. Community members can ask questions and comment on the proposed designation.

• Public hearing on Donnelly Homes Area in Need of Redevelopment Study
• Study area bounded by Calhoun Street, Trent Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Southard Street, Beakes Street, and Rossell Avenue
• Report by Wallace, Roberts and Todd, LLC dated July 15, 2023, revised September 27, 2023
• Over 45% of developable land in study area is vacant or abandoned
• Population in study area declined 6.8% from 2016 to 2021; 28.3% below poverty level

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board is holding a public hearing to review a proposed update to the city's cannabis ordinance, which includes amendments to the Land Development Ordinance and several redevelopment area plans, for consistency with the Trenton250 Master Plan. The board will also hear a presentation on draft Transit-Oriented Development Redevelopment Area Plans for areas around the train and light rail stations, funded by a DVRPC grant, with a public comment period open until October 13, 2023.

• Public hearing on cannabis ordinance amendments affecting Coalport, Marine Terminal, Pennington Avenue, Route One Industrial, Roebling Complex, Train Station, and New York Avenue redevelopment plans
• Presentation on draft Transit-Oriented Development Redevelopment Area Plans around Trenton train and light rail stations
• Public comment period for draft transit ordinances ends October 13, 2023
• Plans available at trentonnj.org/743/Trenton-Transit-District-Plans

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on September 20, 2023, to hear seven appeals for zoning variances and site plan approvals. The agenda includes converting a former dry cleaner into a banquet hall, adding a church parking lot, and several residential conversions and demolitions. The board will also consider a staff recommendation to approve a two-family conversion at 215 Spring Street.

• 22-Z-726CA: Convert former dry cleaner at 726 Calhoun Street into a banquet hall with 80 seats; requests parking exception (15 spaces vs. 30 required).
• 22-Z-530LA: Change former warehouse at 530-552 Lalor Street to retail use; requests bulk and parking exceptions.
• 23-Z-99FRA: Build 36-space parking lot for Union Baptist Church at 99 Frazier Street; requests conditional use and site plan approval.
• 23-Z-215SP: Convert hair salon with apartment at 215 Spring Street into two residential units; staff recommends approval.
• 23-Z-1424W: Demolish two semi-attached homes at 1424-1426 W State Street and build a four-family structure; requests use and bulk exceptions.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on August 16, 2023, to hear appeals and applications for zoning relief. The agenda includes a proposed settlement for a new charter school, several requests to convert or expand existing structures, and a parking lot for a church. The board will also consider waivers and variances for these projects.

• 23-Z-1289P: Proposed settlement for Paul Robeson Charter School at 1289 Princeton Ave, seeking variances for a 3-story school (25,804 sq ft) with conditions including one-way street designation and paving of Pritchard Street
• 23-Z-106WA: Appeal to re-occupy 106 Walnut Ave as a 3-family dwelling, requesting waiver of site plan review and exception to abandonment rules
• 23-Z-657OH: Application to convert a garage at 657 Ohio Ave into a residential unit, requesting bulk variances (min lot area 2,500 vs 4,000 sq ft required)
• 23-Z-1270E: Request to place a 14x44 ft prefab shed at 1270 E State St for banquet hall/storage/outreach, seeking conditional use exception for churches
• 23-Z-1727O: Expansion of International Muslim Brotherhood house of worship at 17-27 Oxford St, adding third floor and new addition, requesting use and bulk variances

The Board approved a settlement for a three-story charter school at 1289 Princeton Avenue and granted a use variance for a three-family dwelling at 106 Walnut Avenue. A request to convert a garage to a residential structure at 657 Ohio Avenue was carried to a future date. The hearing for 1270 E State Street was not concluded in the provided text.

• Approved Memorialize Resolution 2023-11 regarding 221 East Hanover LLC
• Approved Memorialize Resolution 2023-12 regarding 313 Calhoun St
• Approved amended plans and settlement for Paul Robeson Charter School at 1289 Princeton Ave (Resolution 2023-13)
• Approved use variance and waived site plan for three-family dwelling at 106 Walnut Avenue
• Carried matter for 657 Ohio Avenue to a date not certain pending further documentation

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote public hearing on July 19, 2023, to consider five zoning appeals. These include requests to convert a vacant dry cleaner into a banquet hall, a warehouse to retail, a building to a 23-unit apartment, a vacant structure to a three-family dwelling, and to re-occupy a non-conforming three-family unit. The board will also review staff comments and recommendations on these cases.

• 726 Calhoun Street: convert vacant dry cleaner to banquet hall (80 seats), use variance and sign variance, 15 parking spaces vs. 30 required
• 530-552 Lalor Street: change warehouse to retail, additional parking, new dumpster for existing restaurant
• 221 E Hanover Street: demolish existing building, construct 6-story, 23-unit apartment building, density and bulk variances
• 313 Calhoun Street: convert vacant structure to three-family rental dwelling, use and bulk variances
• 106 Walnut Avenue: re-occupy as three-family dwelling, waiver of site plan review

The Board approved a site plan and restoration permit for a six-story residential building at 221 E Hanover Street. Two other applications for properties on Calhoun and Lalor Streets were carried to the September meeting. A request to convert 313 Calhoun Street into a three-family dwelling was approved.

• Approved preliminary and final site plan, density and bulk variances, and restoration permit for 23-unit building at 221 E Hanover Street
• Approved $11,500 payment in lieu of open space for 221 E Hanover Street
• Approved D1 variance to convert 313 Calhoun Street from mixed-use to residential
• Memorialized Resolution 2023-8 for 40 Cuyler LLC
• Memorialized Resolution for Figueroa LLC
• Carried application for 726 Calhoun Street to September 20, 2023
• Carried application for 530-552 Lalor Street to September 20, 2023

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board is holding a virtual conference session and public hearing. The main item is a presentation on the draft Land Development Ordinance, which proposes to modernize zoning regulations and align them with the Trenton250 Master Plan. The Planning Department will review public comments received on the draft and discuss potential changes, with an opportunity for public comment.

• Presentation and public comment on the draft Land Development Ordinance
• Review of comments received on the March 2023 second draft
• Discussion of potential changes to the draft ordinance
• Approval of minutes and memorialization of resolutions

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote special session to hear an appeal for a proposed three-story charter school building at 1289 Princeton Avenue. The applicant, Friends of Paul Robeson Charter School, Inc., seeks variances from bulk requirements, loading space rules, and a design waiver. The board is also addressing remote meeting protocols due to COVID-19.

• Appeal 23-Z-1289P for 1289 Princeton Ave (Block 9407, Lot 1)
• Requested relief from minimum lot coverage, front yard setback, and fencing requirements
• Waiver for no street trees on Prichard Street
• Proposed school to serve 675 additional students and 75 staff
• Meeting held remotely via Microsoft Teams or dial-in

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a single application: a request by Nubia Sandoval and Margarita Escabar for a waiver of site plan review to convert a single-family home at 620 Whittaker Avenue into a mixed-use building with an ice cream stand and a retail clothing shop. The proposal includes adding a handicap ramp and does not change the building's footprint. Staff recommends approval, noting the use is permitted in the Business B zone and no variances are required.

• Waiver of preliminary and final major site plan for 620 Whittaker Avenue (Block 16404, Lot 12)
• Proposed conversion of single-family home to ice creamery and clothing retail
• No change to building footprint; handicap ramp to be added
• No variances required; use is permitted in Business B zone
• Staff recommends approval

The Board approved the May 25, 2023 minutes and memorialized Resolution 2023-11 for 148 East State Street LLC. Two members were appointed as liaisons to NJ Future for the Front Street parking garage project. One public hearing matter was referred for administrative approval.

• Approved May 25, 2023 minutes with amendments
• Memorialized Resolution 2023-11 for 148 East State Street LLC with amended language
• Appointed Randy Baum and Jonathan Connor as liaisons to NJ Future for Front Street parking garage planning
• Referred 23-P-620WH (620 Whittaker Avenue) for administrative approval

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on June 21, 2023, to hear appeals for zoning variances. Cases include converting a vacant school into 44 apartments, a warehouse to retail, and several residential conversions. The board will also consider staff recommendations and public testimony.

• 23-Z-40CUY: Convert vacant school at 40 Cuyler Ave into 44-unit multifamily building; requires use, height, bulk, and parking variances.
• 22-Z-530LA: Change former warehouse at 536 Lalor St to retail use; add parking, dumpster, and landscaping.
• 23-Z-221EH: Demolish existing building and construct 6-story, 23-unit apartment at 221 E Hanover St; in Canal Banks Redevelopment Area.
• 22-Z-657OH: Convert garage at 657 Ohio Ave into residential unit; variances for lot area, width, side yard, and habitable floor area.
• 22-Z-1109S: Convert two-family dwelling at 1109-1111 W State St into three units; parking variance (4 spaces provided, 5 needed).

The Board approved use and height variances to convert a vacant school at 40 Cuyler Avenue into a multi-family residential building. It also approved the conversion of a property at 1109-1111 W State Street into three residential units. Several other applications were adjourned.

• Approved D1 Use Variance for 40 Cuyler Avenue (7-0)
• Approved D6 Height Variance for 40 Cuyler Avenue (7-0)
• Approved C Variance for parking, coverage, and stories at 40 Cuyler Avenue (7-0)
• Approved conversion of 1109-1111 W State Street to three units and waived Site Plan (7-0)
• Memorialized Resolution 2023-7 for Use Variance at 200 Mott St (6-0)
• Adjourned 552 Lalor Street application to July 19, 2023
• Adjourned 221 E Hanover Street application to July 19, 2023
• Adjourned 657 Ohio Avenue application to August 16, 2023

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to demolish a vacant building at 148 East State Street and replace it with a six-story mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial space and ten residential units. The applicant seeks variances for lot area, width, and coverage, plus waivers for parking and open space. Staff recommends approval, citing alignment with the Canal Banks Redevelopment Plan.

• Demolition of vacant building at 148 East State Street and construction of six-story mixed-use building
• Ten residential units (five 1-bedroom, five 2-bedroom) with ground-floor commercial space
• Variances requested: minimum lot area (4000 SF required, 2762 SF proposed), lot width (40 ft required, 21 ft proposed), lot coverage (60% max, 78% proposed)
• Parking waiver: 13 spaces required, 0 provided; open space waiver: 1228 SF required, 530 SF proposed
• Staff recommends approval

The Planning Board approved preliminary and final major site plan approval for a six-story mixed-use building. The project includes ground floor commercial space and ten residential units, replacing a vacant building.

• Approved preliminary and final major site plan for 148 East State Street (6-0)
• Approved bulk (c) variances for lot coverage, lot area, and lot width (6-0)
• Approved waivers for vehicle parking and open space (6-0)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on May 17, 2023, to hear four zoning appeals. These include a request to convert a vacant school at 40 Cuyler Avenue into a 44-unit multifamily building, a proposal for a 23-unit apartment building at 221 E Hanover Street, a retail conversion at 536 Lalor Street, and a three-family conversion at 313 Calhoun Street. The board will also consider staff recommendations and conditions for the Cuyler Avenue project.

• 40 Cuyler Ave: Convert vacant school to 44-unit multifamily; requires use, height, bulk, and parking variances; staff recommends approval.
• 221 E Hanover St: Demolish existing residential building and construct six-story, 23-unit apartment building; requests density, bulk, and parking variances.
• 536 Lalor St: Change former warehouse to retail use with additional parking; requests use and bulk variances.
• 313 Calhoun St: Convert vacant structure to three-family rental; requests use and bulk variances.
• Meeting held remotely via Microsoft Teams; dial-in: 609-453-2732, conference ID 678758581#.

The Board memorialized resolutions for the denial of conditional use, loading zone, sign, and fence relief for the Paul Robeson School. Four other development applications were carried to future dates at the applicants' requests. The Board decided to return to in-person hearings in September.

• Memorialized resolution for denial of conditional use relief at 1289 Princeton Avenue (Paul Robeson School)
• Memorialized resolution for denial of loading zone relief at 1289 Princeton Avenue
• Memorialized resolution for denial of sign relief at 1289 Princeton Avenue
• Memorialized resolution for denial of fence relief at 1289 Princeton Avenue
• Carried application for 530-552 Lalor Street to June 21, 2023
• Carried application for 221 E Hanover Street to June 21, 2023
• Carried application for 40 Cuyler Avenue to June 21, 2023
• Carried application for 313 Calhoun Street to July 19, 2023

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board is holding a conference session and public hearing. The main action is appointing a board member to the CHOICE/Donnelly Homes Redevelopment Steering Committee, which is investigating whether vacant, abandoned, and Trenton Housing Authority properties in the Donnelly Homes study area qualify for condemnation redevelopment. The board will also approve minutes, memorialize resolutions, and make announcements.

• Appointment of Planning Board representative to CHOICE/Donnelly Homes Redevelopment Steering Committee
• Investigation into whether Donnelly Homes study area properties qualify as an area in need of condemnation redevelopment
• Trenton Housing Authority consultant Wallace, Roberts, and Todd, LLC conducting the investigation
• Approval of minutes and memorialization of resolutions

The Planning Board appointed a member to the Steering Committee for the CHOICE/Donnelly Homes Redevelopment project. The board also memorialized a resolution for 1030 Elmer Street with amended wording. The board decided to continue meeting virtually through July.

• Memorialized Resolution HX II for 1030 Elmer Street with amended wording
• Appointed Patricia Ni’ma-Mohammed to the CHOICE/Donnelly Homes Redevelopment Steering Committee
• Decided to continue meeting virtually through July

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on April 19, 2023, to hear appeals for zoning variances and site plan approvals. The main item is a proposal by the Friends of Paul Robeson Charter School to build a new K-8 school for 675 additional students at 1289 Princeton Avenue, requiring bulk variances. Other cases include a warehouse-to-retail conversion on Lalor Street, a shed and porch enclosure on Walnut Avenue, and a facial massage business on Mott Street. The agenda is substantive with multiple public hearings.

• 23-Z-1289P: Charter school at 1289 Princeton Ave, 3-story, 25,804 sq ft, variances for front yard setback (10.5 ft vs 20 ft required) and lot coverage (66.9% vs 60% max)
• 22-Z-530LA: Maymay Properties LLC seeks to convert former warehouse at 530-552 Lalor St to retail, with parking and site improvements
• 22-Z-278WA: Diego Barros proposes rear shed (11'4" x 20') and front porch enclosure at 278 Walnut Ave
• 23-Z-200MO: Facial massage services business use and sign variance at 200 Mott St, with waiver of site plan review
• Staff recommends approval for the charter school, citing it as an inherently beneficial use

The Board approved multiple variances for the construction of a three-story charter school at 1289 Princeton Avenue. The project will serve 675 students and 75 staff. An application for retail use at 530-552 Lalor Street was adjourned to May 17.

• Elected Trina McClendon as Chairperson of the Zoning Board
• Elected Fred Costanzo as Vice Chairperson of the Zoning Board
• Approved variance for lot coverage and setback relief at 1289 Princeton Ave
• Approved variance for sign and portrait size at 1289 Princeton Ave
• Approved variance to construct site without a loading zone at 1289 Princeton Ave
• Approved variance for 6 ft. fence height at 1289 Princeton Ave
• Adjourned application for 530-552 Lalor Street to May 17

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on whether to authorize a preliminary investigation of the Donnelly Homes area for condemnation redevelopment, as part of the North Trenton/Battle Monument CHOICE Neighborhood Plan. The board will also receive presentations on the Vision Zero traffic safety plan, a citywide bike plan, and the Trenton Trails Plan, with opportunities for public comment.

• Redevelopment investigation for Donnelly Homes area
• Vision Zero presentation: 31 traffic deaths 2016-2020, 13 in 2021, 11 in 2022
• Bike plan 'Our Streets' with public meetings April 25 and May 7
• Trenton Trails Plan draft presentation

The Planning Board approved an investigation to determine if properties within the Donnelly Homes study area qualify as an area in need of condemnation. The board also adopted a resolution supporting the Trenton Vision Zero Action Plan. Presentations were held regarding the Trenton Bike Plan and the Trenton Trails Plan.

• Approved investigation of Donnelly Homes study area for redevelopment (5-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting Trenton Vision Zero Action Plan (5-0)
• Approved March 9, 2023 minutes
• Approved March 23, 2023 minutes
• Memorialized resolution for 226 South Broad Street Project# 2023-9 22-P-226 SB

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on an application to amend the previously approved final site plan for the Roebling Block 3 redevelopment. The applicant proposes to add a new residential building (Building 103) with 30 units, convert Building 102 from mixed-use to 100% residential with 30 units, increase retail space in Buildings 104 and 105 by about 2,000 square feet while reducing residential units by 2, and reduce surface parking by 11 spaces with changes to traffic circulation. The board will also consider staff recommendations and conditions for approval.

• New Building 103 with 30 loft apartments on lot 1.04
• Building 102 converted to 100% residential with 30 units
• Retail space increased by ~2,000 sq ft in Buildings 104 and 105
• Parking reduced by 11 spaces and traffic circulation changes on lot 1.02
• Site located at 10 Elmer St., 41-55 Clark St., and 30 Elmer St., Block 15901, Lots 1.02, 1.04 & 1.05

The Planning Board approved an amended site plan for Block 3 Urban Renewal, LLC to add a residential building and modify existing units. The approval includes several variances for setbacks, loading spaces, and facades.

• Approved Roebling Block-3 Site Plan Amendment (22-P-ROEB3)
• Approved construction of one additional residential building (Building 103)
• Approved conversion of Building 102 from mixed-use to 100% residential (30 units)
• Approved increase of commercial/retail space by approx. 2,000 SQFT in Buildings 104 and 105
• Approved reduction of 11 surface parking spaces
• Granted variances for Building 102 setback and facades for Buildings 102 and 103
• Granted waiver from returning to Landmarks Commission
• Memorialized the Resolution for 40 Enterprise Avenue with one amendment

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on March 15, 2023, to hear six appeals from refusals of building permits. Cases include a proposed charter school expansion, a multi-services provider conversion, a veterans housing use, and several residential modifications. The board will also consider staff recommendations and conditions for each case.

• 23-Z-1289P: Paul Robeson Charter School seeks to build a 3-story K-8 school for 675 students and 75 staff at 1289 Princeton Ave.
• 23-Z-379HA: Change first-floor office to multi-services provider at 379 Hamilton Ave (Greenwood/Hamilton Historic District).
• 22-Z-278WA: Construct rear shed and close in front porch at 278 Walnut Ave.
• 22-Z-849WS: Use second/third floors for veterans housing at 849 W State St (Berkeley Square Historic District).
• 22-Z-530LA: Convert former warehouse to retail with parking at 530-552 Lalor St.

The Board approved a proposal to house veterans at 849 W State Street and two other property use changes on Hamilton Avenue. Two other applications were carried to April, and one was stalled due to inadequate public notice.

• Approved 22-Z-849WS 849 W State Street for use as housing for Veterans or State Disabled
• Approved 23-Z-379HA 379 Hamilton Avenue for a multi-services provider, contingent on Shade Tree Commission compliance
• Approved 23-Z-220HA 220 Hamilton Avenue to convert a single-family dwelling into two units, contingent on revised drawings and Landmarks Commission approval
• Carried 23-Z-1289P 1289 Princeton Ave (charter school construction) to April 19, 2023
• Carried 22-Z-530LA 530-552 Lalor Street (warehouse to retail conversion) to April 19, 2023
• Unable to proceed with 22-Z-278WA 278 Walnut Avenue due to inadequate public notice

Plannng Board

The Board approved a conditional use permit, three variances, and a preliminary and final site plan to convert a former bank into a medicinal and recreational cannabis dispensary. Approval is subject to several conditions, including restrictions on the drive-through and delivery hours.

• Approved preliminary and final site plan for 226 South Broad Street
• Approved conditional use permit for cannabis dispensary
• Approved 3 variances for the 226 South Broad Street project
• Mandated drive-through window be used for medicinal patients only
• Required deliveries to occur outside of normal business hours
• Required installation of 'no left turn' signage
• Required applicant to fix curbs and sidewalks
• Required applicant to resolve inconsistencies between engineering and architectural plans

Trenton Ethics Board

The Trenton Ethics Board is meeting to adopt minutes from its January 4, 2023 meeting and to enter executive session to discuss a complaint (TEB-2023-02-01). The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Executive session on complaint TEB-2023-02-01
• Adoption of minutes from January 4, 2023 meeting

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on updates to seven redevelopment area plans around the Trenton train and light rail stations. The updates aim to align with the Trenton250 Master Plan and the new Land Development Ordinance. The board and public will provide input on preferred development sites. The meeting is virtual via Microsoft Teams.

• Presentation on Transit-Oriented Development Redevelopment Area Plans
• Update of seven redevelopment area plans around Trenton train and light rail stations
• Alignment with Trenton250 Master Plan and Land Development Ordinance update
• Public input on key catalytic sites
• Upcoming in-person meetings for specific districts

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote meeting on February 15, 2023, to hear several appeals. These include a request to build a new charter school, a use variance for a multi-services provider, and proposals to convert or add residential units. The board will also consider requests to carry cases to future dates.

• Appeal to construct a three-story charter school at 1289 Princeton Ave for 675 additional students and 75 staff (case 23-Z-1289P)
• Use variance to change first-floor office to multi-services provider at 379 Hamilton Ave (case 23-Z-379HA)
• Appeal to add a rear shed and close in front porch at 278 Walnut Ave (case 22-Z-278WA)
• Appeal to house veterans or disabled individuals at 849 W State St (case 22-Z-849WS)
• Appeal to convert single-family home to two units at 220 Hamilton Ave (case 23-Z-220HA)

The Zoning Board of Adjustment did not grant any approvals or denials during this meeting. All five scheduled appeals were adjourned to future dates due to applicant requests or notice issues.

• Adjourned appeal for 379 Hamilton Avenue to March 15, 2023
• Adjourned appeal for 1289 Princeton Ave to March 15, 2023 due to improper notice
• Adjourned appeal for 278 Walnut Avenue to a future date
• Adjourned appeal for 849 W State Street to March 15, 2023
• Adjourned appeal for 220 Hamilton Avenue to March 15, 2023

Plannng Board

The Board approved the preliminary and final major site plan and a bulk variance for fencing to construct a new warehouse. The approval is subject to several conditions regarding landscaping, signage, and traffic movements. A separate site plan amendment for Roebling Block-3 was carried to a future meeting.

• Approved preliminary and final major site plan and bulk variance for fencing at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Required additional trees and evergreen shrubbery at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Required removal of privacy slats from the first 150 feet of fencing at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Required vertical patterning instead of diamond patterning for fencing at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Required directional signage for trucks at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Required benches or picnic tables on the Trenton grass slab at 40 Enterprise Avenue
• Prohibited guardhouses and driveway gates without returning to the Board
• Carried Roebling Block-3 Site Plan Amendment (22-P-ROEB3) to March 23rd

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board is holding a conference session and public hearing. The main item is a presentation on updating seven redevelopment area plans around the Trenton train and light rail stations, funded by a DVRPC grant. The board and public will provide input on key catalytic sites, with future in-person meetings to be announced.

• Presentation on Transit-Oriented Development Redevelopment Area Plans
• Update of seven redevelopment area plans near Trenton train and light rail stations
• Grant from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• Alignment with Trenton250 Master Plan and Transit-Oriented Development Strategic Plan
• Public input on key catalytic sites

Plannng Board

The Trenton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit to convert a vacant retail store at 28 South Warren Street into a cannabis dispensary. The applicant, Moja Life LLC, seeks no variances, and staff recommends approval. The Board will also receive a legal update on New Jersey land use law changes.

• Conditional use permit for cannabis dispensary at 28 South Warren Street (Block 102, Lot 5) by Moja Life LLC
• No variances required; building footprint and upstairs residential uses unchanged
• Property located in Downtown zone, Centre City South redevelopment area, and South Warren Historic District
• Planning Board attorney to provide update on recent New Jersey land use law changes
• Staff recommends approval with conditions including binding testimony and Landmarks Commission consultation

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Trenton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a remote hearing on three zoning appeals. The most consequential case is a request to convert 849 W State Street into housing for veterans or state-disabled persons, which requires a use variance; planning staff recommends denial, saying the applicant does not meet the criteria for a community residence. The board will also hear two other appeals: converting a single-family home at 220 Hamilton Avenue into a two-family dwelling, and changing a first-floor office at 379 Hamilton Avenue into a multi-services provider. The meeting is held remotely due to COVID-19 protocols.

• 849 W State St: use variance to house veterans/state-disabled; staff recommends denial
• 220 Hamilton Ave: convert single-family to two-family dwelling
• 379 Hamilton Ave: change office to multi-services provider, sign exception
• Remote meeting via Microsoft Teams; dial-in 609-453-2732, conference ID 678758581#
• Plans available by appointment only; call 609-989-3507

The Zoning Board of Adjustment memorialized Resolutions #2023-1 and #2022-2. Three other applications were adjourned due to requests for postponement, lack of statutory notice, or insufficient member attendance to secure required votes.

• Memorialized Resolution #2023-1 for 22-Z-3HEWI
• Memorialized Resolution #2022-2 for 22-Z-415NM
• Adjourned appeal for 849 W State Street (22-Z-849WS) to February 15, 2023
• Adjourned appeal for 220 Hamilton Avenue (22-Z-220HA) due to lack of statutory notice
• Adjourned appeal for 379 Hamilton Avenue (22-Z-379HA)

Plannng Board

This is a procedural meeting to organize the board for 2023, including votes for chair and vice-chair, approval of minutes, and appointment of professional services. No public hearings or development applications are on the agenda.

• Chair and Vice-Chair votes
• Approval of 2023 meeting calendar
• Professional services appointments: Attorney – McGill & Hall, Traffic Engineer – Brightview, Engineer – CME, Landscape Architect/Planner – Taylor Design
• 2023 Board Training and Annual Report (2022)

The Planning Board swore in four members and elected its Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The Board also approved its 2023 meeting calendar, official newspapers, and the appointment of legal, engineering, and planning consultants.

• Elected Charles Romanow as Chair
• Elected Randy Baum as Vice Chair
• Appointed Cherry Oakley as Recording and Corresponding Secretary
• Adopted 2023 meeting calendar with amended August dates
• Adopted Times of Trenton and the Trentonian as official newspapers
• Approved McGill Hall as Board attorney
• Appointed Brightview as traffic engineers
• Appointed CME as Board engineers and Taylor Design as Landscape Architect and Planner

Trenton Ethics Board

The Trenton Ethics Board is holding a remote public meeting on January 4, 2023. The agenda is largely procedural, including call to order, roll call, adoption of minutes from May 4, 2022, and an executive session for a status discussion. No specific substantive items are listed for new business.

• Adoption of minutes from May 4, 2022 meeting
• Executive session for status discussion
• Remote meeting via Zoom and telephone