Edison Zoning Board of Adjustment Special Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Edison Zoning Board of Adjustment held a special meeting on April 28, 2026, to hear applications for variances and site plan approvals. The meeting addressed three active cases, with decisions to continue two to later dates and to schedule further testimony for the remaining case. Public comments were received on one application, and the board also handled routine consent agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved of the April 21, 2026 meeting (motion by Vice Chair O'Gorman, second by Mr. Patel; unanimous roll call).
• Resolution Z 19-2025 (Jessica Lasky): Approved (motion by Vice Chair O'Gorman, second by Mr. Patel; unanimous roll call).
• Resolution Z 34-2023 (Mohammed Zuber): Approved (motion by Vice Chair O'Gorman, second by Mr. Sidata; unanimous roll call).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case Z 31-2025 (Tanuja Adiani): Brett Schildkraut (112 Calvert Avenue East) stated he and a neighbor (106 Calvert Avenue East) did not receive proper notice of the hearing. He requested an adjournment to allow his attorney to review the matter. The board acknowledged the notice issue and carried the case to May 19, 2026 for re-noticing.
• Case Z 37-2025 (Ali Enterprises): A member of the public expressed frustration about not being able to speak during the hearing; the chair assured the public they would have full opportunity to comment at the continued hearing on June 30, 2026.

Discussion Items

Case Z 31-2025 – Tanuja Adiani (110 Calvert Avenue East)

• Applicant’s Request: Bulk variance to allow 28% building coverage (23% maximum) for a single-story addition to an existing ranch house. The addition is needed due to a family member’s disability requiring all living space on one floor. The applicant also sought to legalize prior unauthorized work (stop-work order issued November 2025) and resolve pending summonses.
• Testimony: Owner Tanuja Adiani testified the contractor started demolition without permits; she said she was unaware of the extent of work. Architect Ron Kazmarski explained the proposed addition fills in a rear void and does not exceed height or setbacks. Planner John DuPont opined the variance met C1 and C2 criteria, citing hardship from medical necessity and minimal community detriment. The board discussed the unauthorized work and excavation of a crawl space.<br>
• Outcome: Continued to May 19, 2026 because of notice deficiency. The applicant consented to an extension of time for board action beyond that date.

Case Z 37-2025 – Ali Enterprises (764 New Durham Road)

• Applicant’s Request: Use variance and bulk variances to demolish an existing 391 sq ft gas station with four pumps and rebuild a 2,820 sq ft convenience store with four new pumps and site improvements. The property is in the RB (residential) zone; the existing gas station is a pre-existing non-conforming use. Applicant proposed reduced hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and significant off-site intersection improvements at New Durham Road and Durham Avenue.<br>
• Testimony: Civil engineer James Henry detailed the site plan: reduced impervious coverage, upgraded stormwater, new underground tanks, enhanced landscaping, and a 10-foot vinyl fence along the eastern property line. Traffic engineer Nicholas Verderisi presented a traffic impact study showing existing delays of up to 358 seconds (6 minutes) on Durham Avenue. The proposed off-site improvements—realigning the intersection, adding a dedicated right-turn lane, and improving sight lines—would reduce delays by about one-third and improve safety. The applicant agreed to remove vacuum/air pumps and propane storage from the eastern side of the site. Board members questioned the placement of the convenience store (closer to the intersection) versus the canopy (closer to residences); they asked the applicant to study swapping the locations to achieve a more code-compliant, conforming layout. The board also discussed parking, lighting, noise, and delivery hours.<br>
• Outcome: Continued to June 30, 2026 to allow the applicant to revise plans and address board comments, particularly regarding the orientation of the building and canopy. The applicant agreed to an extension of time.

Case Z 36-2025 – PSE&G (19-21 Meridian Road and 1750 Oak Tree Road)

• Action: Applicant requested adjournment to May 12, 2026. Granted; the case was carried to that date. The applicant consented to extend the board’s time to act.

Key Outcomes

• Adjourned/Carried:
  • Case Z 31-2025 (Adiani) continued to May 19, 2026 at 7 p.m. (re-noticing ordered for the 200-foot list).
  • Case Z 37-2025 (Ali Enterprises) continued to June 30, 2026 at 7 p.m. (applicant to study alternate building/canopy layout).
  • Case Z 36-2025 (PSE&G) continued to May 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • Case Z 24-2025 (Vivian Pereira) previously announced to be carried to May 12, 2026.
  • Case Z 8-2024 (Ultimate Collision) carried to June 30, 2026 (applicant not present; no extension yet).
• Consent items unanimously approved.
• Meeting adjourned following a motion by Mr. Sidata, seconded by Mr. Pedell.