The Franklin Township Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on April 17, 2025, at 12:30 PM. The board approved one consent resolution, conducted a public hearing on a variance application for a new home at 48 Elm Street, and entered executive session to discuss legal matters. All votes were unanimous.
No members of the public were present. The board noted that required notices were sent to neighbors within 200 feet, and none attended.
The applicants sought C variances to demolish an existing home and construct a new single-family residence at 48 Elm Street, Somerset, Block 73.01, Lot 17, in the R-10H zone (Residential 10 with Historic Overlay). The proposed house includes a covered front porch, screened rear porch, and a detached two-car garage behind the house.
Key variances requested:
The applicant, Sarino Tropiano, testified that the design was developed in coordination with the Township Historic Commission over several meetings, and the Historic Commission approved the final plans. The garage was placed behind the house per the Commission's request, which necessitated a curving driveway, increasing impervious coverage. The applicant stated they intend to live in the home.
Board members asked about the feasibility of reducing impervious coverage (e.g., using pervious materials, but the township does not consider them pervious) and the building coverage variance. The applicant explained that the size of the home and the addition of porches led to the slight exceedance. The board also noted the Technical Review Committee memo of April 8, 2025, with which the applicant agreed to comply.
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act PL 1975, Chapter 231, adequate notice of this regular meeting of the zoning board of the township of Franklin has been provided. Board members, applicants, professionals, members of the public. Please speak directly in the microphones, so our recording secretary can properly process minutes. Applicants and professionals, please fill out the sheet and the table when you've completed the testimony. And please call the roll. He doesn't need to, he's the applicant. I mean just a seat on the table and the sheet on the table. I don't know. Did you say roll call? I'm sorry. Okay. I apologize. I didn't hear you. Okay, as I said before we were on tape. Uh the seam. The seam verdas, uh Kunala Kia and Supendu Singh asks to be excused this evening. Cheryl Bathia. Here. Richard Brocanick. Here. Alan Rich. Gary Rosenthal? Here. Robert Shepard. Here. Faraz Khan. Michael Marty. Here. And Robert Thomas. Here. Is your mic on? Green lights on. Tasting, tasting. Resolution. Sherry and William Schneider is that ZBA 25. Oh oh oh three. No flag. Faraz and my authority cannot vote. Everybody else can. I'll move. Second. Cheryl Latia. Yes. Richard Profannick? Yes. Gary Rosenball? Yes. Robert Shepherd. Yes. Chairman Thomas.