The Township of Edison Zoning Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on July 28, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM. The board considered multiple applications, including a bulk variance for a residential addition, a major subdivision and variance case for two new homes, a proposal for a water treatment facility upgrade to meet new federal PFAS standards, and an amendment to a prior approval for a religious use. Several cases were carried to the August 25, 2026 meeting due to only five voting members present.
Applicant Tuan Wen requested a bulk variance to add a rear addition and deck to accommodate his elderly parents. Variances needed: building coverage from 23% to 33% and deck coverage from 4% to 5.5%. Exhibits included elevation drawings and photos of comparable homes. Adjacent neighbor submitted a letter of support. The board found the proposal met positive and negative criteria and was consistent with neighborhood characteristics. Vice Chairman O'Gorman moved to approve; motion seconded and passed unanimously.
Applicant sought to subdivide a 100x100 lot into two 50x100 lots, each with a new single-family home. Variances needed for lot area (5,000 sq ft vs 7,500 sq ft required), lot width (50 ft vs 75 ft), front yard setback (19 ft vs 25 ft for a porch), building coverage (28.8% vs 23%), and FAR (0.55 vs 0.44). Attorney Thomas Barlow presented testimony from planner/engineer John DuPont, who showed that 77% of lots within 200 feet are undersized and that the FAR variance was less intense than many multi-family homes in the area. The applicant noted the existing home is decrepit. Public testimony raised concerns about drainage, parking, and precedent. After public input, the board carried the case to August 25, 2026 for a vote, as only five members were present.
Middlesex Water Company proposed constructing a 58,360 sq ft building and a 55-ft-tall silo (vs 45 ft max) to treat water for PFAS (forever chemicals) to meet new federal standards of 4 parts per trillion. The project is an inherently beneficial use. Expert witnesses: Brian Carr (VP of Engineering) explained the need for granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon treatment; Dave Tanzi (civil engineer) detailed site layout, height requirements due to deep contactors, and a new secondary access road off Cedar Lane to minimize truck traffic on Fairview Avenue; planner Lorelei Totten testified that the height variances would not substantially impair the zone plan and that the site can accommodate the extra height given its 25-acre size and buffers. Tree removal: 96 trees removed, 128 new ones planted. Public comment raised concerns about tree size, dust, and lack of direct benefit to Fairview residents. The case was carried to August 25, 2026 for a vote due to only five members present.
Sacred Foundation sought to amend condition 3A of its October 2025 approval (which required permanent closure of the Park Gate Drive access) because the landlord (who owns the building) cannot close the gate due to a recorded easement and the need for barrier-free access to medical tenants. Applicant proposed a substitute: prohibiting all temple-related traffic from using Park Gate Drive, with enforcement measures including signage and a six-month compliance lookback. Attorney Bob Smith presented the proposal. Public testimony strongly opposed any removal of the closure condition, citing safety and traffic hazards. The case was carried to August 25, 2026 for continuation and decision.
Township of Edison Zoning Board of Adjustment regular meeting of July 28, 2026 is now in session. Adequate notices meeting as required by the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975 has been provided by the annual notice published in the Home News and Tribune on December 24th, 2025, and is posted in the main lobby of the municipal complex on December 4th, 2025. Please join me the pledge allegiance to the flag. Underground justice call. Mr. Carly. Mr. Bradford. Mr. Salmon. Here. Mr. Ayott? Here. Mr. Cerrito. Here. Mr. Patel. Here. Mr. Sadaha. Here. Vice Chair O Gorman. Here. And Chairman Cumba. Here. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Madam Secretary, minutes for consideration, please. Minutes of June 30th, 2026 for approval. What's the board's pleasure? Motion to approve. Second. Motion made by Vice Chairman O'Gorman, second by Mr. Patel. Roll call, please. Mr. Patel. Yes, on the motion. Mr. Sadaha. Yes on the motion. Vice Chair O'Gorman. Yes. And Chairman Cumba. Yes on the motion. Madam Secretary, first resolution for consideration. Z five, twenty twenty-six, PSE and G for approval. What's the board's pleasure?