Edison Planning Board Meeting Summary – September 14, 2026

The Edison Planning Board met on September 14, 2026, under generator power after a building power outage. The meeting had a hard stop at 10:00 PM due to a scheduled complete power shutdown. The board handled routine approvals, multiple site plan applications, a redevelopment determination, and several case continuances. Key votes included unanimous approvals for most items and a tied vote (3-3) resulting in denial for a contested office building application.

Consent Calendar

• Zoning Board Minutes (August 17, 2026): Adopted unanimously.
• Zoning Board Resolution P08-2026 (Niadi Shaw / minor subdivision): Adopted unanimously.
• Planning Board Resolutions:
  • P05-2026 (DOCA Cabinet, LLC – preliminary/final site plan): Approved unanimously.
  • P11-2023 (Yashra J5 Realty – preliminary/final site plan with conditional use): Approved unanimously.
• Planning Board Minutes (July 13, 2026): Approved unanimously.
• Extension Requests:
  • P02-2024 (Blueberry Village): Granted three consecutive one-year extensions (as-of-right) by unanimous vote.
  • P08-2025 (Arma Contracting LLC): Granted a 90‑day extension (second request) by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Redevelopment Study (1021/1027 Amboy Avenue): Two residents spoke. One expressed support for the redevelopment and raised concerns about inadequate street lighting and pedestrian safety near schools. The second (Kyle Rajasing, a neighboring property owner) voiced concerns about traffic from the existing yoga studio and requested that no driveway access be placed on Brower Avenue; he was informed that detailed design would come later.
• 105 Fieldcrest Avenue (Warehouse Application): No public comments.
• 2116 Oak Tree Road (Physical Therapy Office): Two residents testified:
  • Walter Stochel (neighbor): Expressed concerns about an existing oak tree removal, fence placement, and landscaping buffers. After the applicant agreed to extend the fence and add landscaping along his property line, Mr. Stochel stated he was satisfied with the building’s new residential appearance.
  • Bruce Diamond (resident): Questioned whether the proposed building was too large for the lot and the single‑practitioner use, noting the extra space could be repurposed. The board noted conditions would limit future changes.

Discussion Items

• Determination of Area in Need of Redevelopment (Resolution R 435-07-2026): Planner Hank Bignell presented the study for Block 728, Lots 1.02 and 3.02 (1021 & 1027 Amboy Avenue). He explained the redevelopment process, concluded that criteria A (substandard/unsafe buildings) and D (obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement) applied, and noted the existing buildings were underutilized, in poor condition, and had unsafe parking configurations. He highlighted that redevelopment (as opposed to rehabilitation) would allow extended tax abatement of up to 30 years. The board unanimously accepted the report and voted to send it to the Township Council.
• P07‑2024 Amended – 135 Whitman Renewal LLC (Warehouse/Outdoor Storage): The applicant sought amended site plan approval to replace two previously approved warehouses with a single 10,125 sq ft warehouse and fully screened outdoor storage. No variances were required. Engineer Santiago testified the plan reduced impervious coverage, met all bulk standards, and improved the tree replacement deficit. The board approved with conditions: storage stacked no higher than screening, submission of a truck turning template, trucks limited to left-turn-only exits, and offer of Title 39 enforcement to the township.
• P06‑2026 – Rarit and Plaza 3 LLC (105 Fieldcrest Avenue – Warehouse): The applicant proposed demolishing a 163,000 sq ft, 6‑story office building and constructing a 157,500 sq ft warehouse (40 ft height) with office space, 129 parking spaces (45 shared with adjacent lot), and stormwater basins. Three bulk variances were requested: monument sign separation (785.9 ft vs. 1,600 ft required), monument sign side‑yard setback (15 ft vs. 40 ft), and combined fence/retaining wall height (up to 14.7 ft vs. 10 ft). The planner justified the variances under C2 criteria (benefits outweigh detriments). Testimony confirmed the use reduces traffic and impervious coverage. The board approved unanimously with conditions to comply with professional reports and return for any plan changes.
• 2116 Oak Tree Road – Narale Patel (Physical Therapy Office): This was a reduced‑scale resubmission after a prior denial by the Zoning Board. The applicant (physical therapist) proposed to demolish a single‑family home and construct a 3,241 sq ft, two‑story building with a residential appearance. Relief sought: rear setback (25 ft vs. 60 ft required), loading space waiver, and sign setback (8.5 ft vs. 15 ft). Engineer/planner DuPont argued variances were justified under C1 (hardship due to lot constraints) and C2 criteria. The board discussed parking calculations (10 spaces provided meets requirement with EV credits) and operational details (single therapist, two exam rooms, one assistant, one admin). Public testimony raised concerns about building size and impact on neighboring backyards. The board considered conditions limiting basement to mechanical/storage, keeping second‑floor unfinished, adding landscaping buffer, and no rear second‑floor windows. The motion to approve failed on a tie vote (3‑3: Lay no, Chinnasami yes, Gochair yes, Councilman Schmuel no, Vice Chair Reeder no, Chairman Sindelski yes), resulting in denial.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals granted for: Consent items, extension requests, 135 Whitman Avenue amended site plan, and 105 Fieldcrest Avenue warehouse with variances.
• Redevelopment determination (Amboy Avenue): Board voted to accept the planner’s report and forward it to the Township Council for further action.
• Denial at 2116 Oak Tree Road: Motion to approve physical therapy office failed 3‑3; application is denied.
• Carried cases: P04‑2026 (Torsiela Organization, 44 Lincoln Highway) and P09‑2026 (Tesla Inc., 1199 Amboy Avenue) were both carried to October 19, 2026, with no re‑notice required.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM per the hard stop requirement.