Edison Township Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Edison Township Zoning Board of Adjustment held its regular meeting on December 16, 2025, with Chairman Cumba presiding and all members present. The board approved minutes from previous meetings, adopted several resolutions, and heard three applications involving bulk and use variances and an amendment to a prior approval. All cases were approved unanimously after testimony and public comment periods with no speakers.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from November 18, 2025 (motion by Vice Chairman O'Gorman, second by Mr. Cerrito, vote: unanimous) and November 25, 2025 (motion by Vice Chairman O'Gorman, second by Mr. Cerrito, vote: unanimous).
• Resolutions: Three resolutions were approved unanimously:
  • Z33-2024 (Asian Fresh of Edison)
  • Z8-2025 (Sacred Foundation)
  • Z20-2025 (Anja Patel)

Announcements & Case Postponements

The chair announced that several cases were carried to future dates due to scheduling; no testimony was taken:

• Z2-2020 (Lamar Advertising of Penn LLC) to January 27, 2026
• Z13-2025 (Lake Home Renovations, LLC) to January 27, 2026
• Z27-2025 (V Cash Sharma) to January 27, 2026
• Z34-2023 to February 17, 2026
• Z31-2025 (Tanujah Adhiani) to a later date (re-notice required)

Discussion Items

Case Z29-2025: Badia – 14 East Norwood Road

• Summary: Application for bulk and use variances to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a new single-family home. Proposed building coverage of 29.8% exceeds the 23% maximum; proposed FAR of 0.475 exceeds the 0.44 maximum. The property is in the RB zone.
• Testimony:
  • Attorney Bernard Shire: Represented Dr. Badia, who lives with his wife, three-year-old child, and disabled parents in a small condo. The new home would include a first-floor in-law suite for the father.
  • Dr. Badia: Confirmed family needs, including child's IEP and proximity to early learning program.
  • Architect Sean Fishburn: Designed the home, testified to setbacks compliance and attic storage. Board members questioned the third-floor balcony and attic height; applicant agreed to ensure attic floor area with ceiling height over 7 feet does not exceed one-third of floor below, and to remove the balcony.
  • Planner John DuPont: Supported the variances, noting the site meets all setbacks, the neighborhood is undergoing upgrades, and the family has lived in Edison since 2009.
• Public Portion: No speakers.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (motion by Mr. DeVay, second by Mr. Sadaha). Conditions include the attic height restriction and balcony removal.

Case Z17-2025: Modi – 152 Lund Avenue

• Summary: Application for bulk and use variances to construct a rear addition (148 sq ft) to an existing single-family home. Proposed variances: building coverage 21.7% (max 20%), impervious coverage 43.86% (max 40%), FAR 0.39 (max 0.37). The property is in the RBB zone.
• Testimony:
  • Attorney Pankaj Maknor: Represented Dr. Suresh Modi and his wife Darshna.
  • Dr. Suresh Modi: Has lived in the home since 2000; now cares for his 93-year-old mother and 87-year-old mother-in-law, both with health issues (one uses a feeding tube). The addition will expand a first-floor bedroom and kitchen for better accessibility.
  • Architect Rui Amaral: Described two small additions at the rear, no exterior changes beyond demolition of a fireplace; all setbacks are met.
  • Planner John DuPont: Characterized the variances as very minimal, with no impact on neighborhood or public good; the family has lived in Edison for decades.
• Public Portion: No speakers.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (motion by Mr. DeVay, second by Mr. Sadaha).

Case Z12-2015 Amended: BAPS of Edison LLC – 2500 Woodbridge Avenue

• Summary: Application to amend a 2015 approval by removing a condition limiting the basement to storage/utilities only, allowing approximately 20,671 sq ft of basement to be used for religious and community space (community rooms, practice rooms, game room, changing rooms). No change to maximum occupancy (1,760), parking, or exterior site work.
• Testimony:
  • Attorney David Prasad: Noted the board simplified testimony; only two witnesses were called.
  • Yogesh Patel (congregant representative): Explained scheduling conflicts with current single gymnasium; additional space will allow concurrent activities (e.g., children's practices during post-service meals). The congregation has not grown significantly (3–5% over five years).
  • Sanjay Patel (engineer): Confirmed no increase in pedestrian/vehicular traffic, sanitary sewer demand, water demand, or solid waste; no new plumbing fixtures.
• Board Discussion: Mr. Chabra questioned whether increased space might attract more congregants; applicant replied that occupancy is capped and growth has been modest.
• Public Portion: No speakers.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (motion by Mr. DeVay, second by Mr. Sadaha). Condition: applicant must comply with engineering reports and obtain construction permits; basement not to be used for rentals or banquets.

Key Outcomes

• All three applications were approved unanimously by the board.
• The Badia case includes specific conditions (attic height limit, removal of balcony).
• The Modi case required no additional conditions beyond testimony.
• The BAPS case retains the maximum occupancy limit and requires compliance with DNR and Bignell engineering reports.
• The meeting adjourned with thanks to board members, staff, and the public for a successful 2025.