Edison Planning Board Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Edison Planning Board convened on July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM (approximate start) to consider two site plan applications, approve minutes and resolutions, and carry over two cases. The meeting included public testimony, particularly on the second application, which drew significant opposition from nearby residents. The board voted to approve both applications with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the May 18, 2026 meeting by unanimous roll call vote.
• Resolution P03-2026 – Hackensack Meridian Health JFK: Preliminary and final site plan approval granted unanimously.
• Resolution – Township of Edison DPW Municipal Garage: Capital improvements resolution approved unanimously.

Cases Carried Over

• Case P04-2026 – Torsiela Organization (44 Lincoln Highway): Carried to August 17, 2026, with no re-notice required.
• Case P07-2024 – Amended 135 Whitman Avenue: Carried to August 17, 2026, with no re-notice required.

Discussion Items

Case P05-2026 – DOCA Cabinet LLC (2 Skylar Drive)

• Applicant: Richard Skolnik, representing DOCA Cabinet LLC, seeking preliminary and final site plan approval for a two-story mixed-use building (first floor kitchen showroom, second floor office and three-bedroom apartment). No variances requested.
• Testimony:
  • Michael Roth (civil engineer): Site is 0.25 acres, vacant. Proposed building footprint ~3,200 sq ft, total building area ~6,000 sq ft (revised to 5,343 sq ft in May 28 letter). Building coverage 29.3% (max 40%), impervious coverage 74.4% (max 80%). Parking: 11 spaces required, 12 provided (including one handicapped and one garage space). Access from Skylar Drive; two existing curb openings on Route 27 will be removed. Stormwater drywell proposed; LSRP certification requested for infiltration. Compliance with board professionals' review letters.
  • Fred Schmidt (architect): Building design inspired by neoclassical style, similar to Hmart across the street. Materials: stone veneer, hardy board, stucco. HVAC units shielded by parapet. Apartment separate entrance, basement for storage/utilities only.
  • Victor Lee (project manager): Showroom for cabinet display; no fabrication on site. Two employees, hours 9-5/6. Office upstairs for business records and calls.
• Public Comments: None.
• Key Outcomes: Motion to approve with conditions: (1) upstairs office exclusively for downstairs business; (2) letter from LSRP (or engineer Roth's certification) confirming infiltration system appropriate; if not, alternative plan approved by board engineer; (3) compliance with all review letters. Unanimous vote (7-0).

Case P11-2023 Amended – Yash Raj Realty LLC (39 Thomas & 1371 Route 1)

• Applicant: Tim Arch, representing Yash Raj Realty, seeking amended preliminary and final site plan approval for an age-restricted residential building. Originally approved in 2023 for 48 units with 85 parking spaces (including subterranean parking). Now acquiring adjacent former gas station lot to add surface parking, improve circulation, and increase units to 51 with 90 parking spaces. Building footprint slightly elongated (community room corner).
• Testimony:
  • John DuPont (engineer/planner): New plan provides 90 parking spaces (51 under building, 39 on new lot). Eliminates subterranean parking, improves circulation. Three deviations requested: (1) minimum lot size on lot 8.03 (15,375 sq ft) – will be resolved upon lot consolidation; (2) impervious coverage on lot 8.03 – resolved by consolidation; (3) parking setback 4 ft from property line (adjacent to Route 1 ramp, not residential). Compliance with board professionals' review letters. EV-ready spaces increased from 4 to 14 (15% of required). ADA spaces increased to 4. Affordable housing 20% set-aside (UILAC requirements).
  • Satyan Rawal (architect): Building is four-story, age-restricted, with zero-step entry, ADA compliant. Materials: dark brick, hardy board, stucco. Community room on ground floor. HVAC screened by parapet. Lighting: 3,000 Kelvin LED.
• Public Comments (in opposition):
  • Debra Fulton (39 Elbert Ave): Shocked by project; would not have bought house if known. Concerns about parking overflow, emergency vehicle access, noise, sanitation.
  • Albert Moda (52 Albert Ave): Longtime resident; neighborhood under attack from commercial vehicles, traffic, enforcement failures. Feels project will destroy quality of life.
  • VJ Solanke (79 Thomas St): Peaceful neighborhood; project will cause traffic and noise; strongly opposed.
  • Christine Lunoz (8 John St): House directly in front of vacant lot; concerned about parking, privacy, noise.
  • Jan Casmar (33 Albert Ave): 68-year resident; upset about lack of prior notice. Worries about dementia residents wandering onto Route 1, accidents, garbage, infrastructure.
  • Patricia Siselak (22 Elmwood Ave): 60-year resident; neighborhood already congested; emergency vehicles unable to pass; property values will decline; buffer not sufficient; sewer capacity concerns.
  • Jungbu Shao (30 Albert Ave): 100% agrees with neighbors; four-story building is a nightmare; loss of peace and quiet.
• Public Comments (in support):
  • Dev Johnny (46 Auburn Ave): Supports redevelopment to deter illegal activity; will make area safer for kids.
  • Nilish Jani (46 Albert Ave): 25-year resident; current vacant lot is dirty and run-down; redevelopment would be positive.
  • Namrita Janny (46 Albert Ave): Hopes building will reduce truck activity and improve safety.
• Key Outcomes: Motion to approve with conditions: (1) lot consolidation (deed recorded with county); (2) compliance with affordable housing requirements (number and distribution of units per UILAC); (3) compliance with all review letters; any further changes require board approval. Unanimous vote (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• P05-2026 DOCA Cabinet LLC: Approved unanimously with conditions (office use, LSRP infiltration approval, compliance with review letters).
• P11-2023 Amended Yash Raj Realty LLC: Approved unanimously with conditions (lot consolidation, affordable housing compliance, adherence to review letters).
• Meeting adjourned after all business completed.