Planning Board Grants Approval for Minor Subdivision of Raymond and Burton Corner Lot

A public hearing on a minor subdivision application to convert an existing lot at the corner of Raymond and Burton avenues into two conforming lots resulted in unanimous approval by the Planning Board Wednesday night.

Planning Board members heard testimony from the applicant Darryl Albonico and his attorney John Baldino who went over the application details which included the size of the lots which were found to be in accordance with borough ordinance, the conformity of the lots and the plans for the easement. The houses built on the property would now face Burton Avenue, not Raymond as the existing structure does. 

Upon approving the application, one restriction was put in place by the Planning Board which requires no construction or improvements be made to the area of the easement going forward.

Neighboring residents came forward with questions and concerns in regards to the subdivision. Gail Ferreni stated she was opposed to the subdivision application as she believed approval was unfair to the neighborhood and considered it a sign of overdevelopment. She stated that the area already has traffic due to nearby churches and schools.

Planning Board Attorney Joe Rotolo and Planning Board Chairman Henry Dobelaar told her that it is within the right of the law to subdivide the property and the lot sizes are conforming with the 50 by 100 lot size ordinance, which has been in effect for several decades. 

Mike and Kristen Abbate whose home directly neighbors the property on the Raymond side were concerned about the construction process and how their property could possibly be affected. Planning Board members and Construction Code Official Nick Melfi told the couple that they will be able to review contract and building plans once they are created.

In regards to Kristen Abbate’s concerns about what the demolition of the 100-year-old structure next to their house which is about the same age could cause to her own home, Melfi said Albonico will be required to submit a detailed demolishing summary which includes DEP and engineer reports before a permit to be demolished could be issued. 

Abbate also cited concerns with parking in the area something that she says can already be problematic due to the nearby school. Planners stated that it was determined that based on the subdivision only half of one parking space would be lost. 

Discussion regarding drainage of the subdivided property was also discussed. Dobelaar suggested that that provided the project is designed correctly the drainage system put in that would take water away from the property not add water to it. Although exact details as to what or if a system is currently in place at the property, planners and their engineer James Fordham agreed that what would be constructed would be better than what is there now.