August 17, 2017

Mr. Steck stated that because the conversion was done by the prior owner, this is not a hardship for the applicant. Mr. Steck stated that by expanding the house to a four (4) bedroom there will typically be more cars associated with that and would need more parking to accommodate that. Chairman Neuer stated that, according to the township ordinance, a four (4) bedroom house requires two (2) parking spaces; Mr. Steck said that it requires 2.5 parking spaces. Mr. Steck stated that by not having a garage it limits the maneuverability in the rear of the property and encourages someone backing out on to Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Mr. Kantowitz asked Mr. Steck what affect the current parking arrangement would have on the Stiles property; he said the stockade fence in the rear does not help the Stiles property at all. Mr. Steck said by not having a garage is less convenient to exit the property in a safe manner. Mr. Kantowitz asked Mr. Steck if he visited the site at night; he said yes. Mr. Kantowitz asked Mr. Steck if the extension of the stockade fence would lessen the disturbance of the lights at the back of the building; he said yes. Mr. Kantowitz asked Mr. Steck if there is any detriment to the Stiles property from what he has witnessed in the past few months; he said it is his opinion that there is. Mr. Steck said not having a garage creates a need for additional car movements and the positioning of the lights to light the driveway. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Steck if he witnessed any cars coming in and out of the Facey’s driveway at night; he said no. Ms. Weiss asked Mr. Steck what would change if they had to put the garage back; he said the Town’s ordinance requires a garage for different reasons. Chairman Neuer stated that the Board is trying to figure out what the reasoning is for having a garage when you are not required to use it and it would not affect the neighborhood in any way. Vice Chairman Bucchler stated that the purpose of the Zoning Board of Adjustment is to grant relief from the Township’s ordinance. Vice Chairman Buechler stated that he does not feel Mr. Steck’s testimony is credible for the following reasons: e He did not know when the lights were installed on the Facey’s house e He did not know if the Facey’s installed the lights e He is nota traffic engineer 12