May 19, 2022 Regular Meeting

3.) ZB 22-01 Siju/ 20 Lorelei Road Block:172.03; Lot:23; Zone: R-5 Seeking “C” Variance for expansion of existing house. PRESENTATION Mr. Christopher O. Dougherty, Architect entered his appearance on the record and his credentials were accepted as an expert in the field of Architecture. It was at this time, Mr. Joseph and Jemilat Siju, Applicants and Mr. Dougherty were sworn under oath. Mr. Dougherty explained that during construction of the expansion, there was an issue with the base. Drawing Al was marked for identification- As Built Survey (Dated November 16, 2021) by Mr. Belton Brevard (of Brevard Surveying & Mapping). Mr. Dougherty stated that once the applicants realized his architectural plans were not being followed, they dismissed the contractor. BOARD QUESTIONS Chairman Never asked the name of the original contractor who did not follow the plans and if a copy of the license was seen. Mrs. Siju said the name of the company is Camra Construction (located in Newark) and confirmed that a copy of the license was seen. Chairman Neuer asked for copy of contract to be submitted for the record prior to the July 21, 2022 Regular Meeting. Response from Mr. Siju was that it would be sent as soon as possible. Chairman Never asked the reasoning behind the process that occurred for the project to be shut down. Mr. & Mrs. Siju said that there was an inspector from the Building Department who came out and discovered the discrepancy in the plans. They then confirmed that the original survey was given to the Building Department. Chairman Neuer asked about the building height to which Mr. Dougherty said that information is not on the plans. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Dougherty about his visits to the site and to opine on the grades. Mr. Dougherty said that the only time he visited this site was when the contractor had questions and he answered them without having the plans with him. Mr. Eben asked for revisions to be done of these plans. For example, the risers on the staircases are inconsistent. Mr. Dougherty confirmed that this will be rectified. Mr. I. Schwarzbaum asked if he was supervising the contractor at all and at what phase of construction did he visit the property. Mr. Dougherty answered in the affirmative and that his visit took place after finishing on one side. Mr. Schwarzbaum asked if the applicants are living on the property. It was confirmed

the property. Mr. Dougherty answered in the affirmative and that his visit took place after finishing on one side. Mr. Schwarzbaum asked if the applicants are living on the property. It was confirmed that they are not. Mr. Schwarzbaum asked if there was a discussion about the difference of going from eight (8) to nine (9) feet in the height of the ceilings. Mr. & Mrs. Siju confirmed that there was no such discussion. Mr. Schwarzbaum asked when construction started and when was the quote given. Mr. & Mrs. Siju said that the quote was received in 2020 and construction started in March of 2021.

BOARD DISCUSSION © Chairman Never said that there cannot be a vote on this application during this meeting as the, “drawings are deficient” meaning that there needs to be a real survey of the property in question and a copy of the original contract needs to be submitted to the Board prior to the July 21, 2022 Regular Meeting. Chairman Neuer then asked Ms. Beirne to issue a subpoena for the contractor to appear. Ms. Beirne confirmed that she will issue the subpoena. e Mr. Ricci asked for the original documents from the Building Department and a listing of when the inspections were made. e Mr. Eben asked Mr. Grygiel about the Zoning Chart in regards to this application and discussed side yard versus front yard. Chairman Neuer announced that application ZB 22-01 Siju/ 20 Lorelei Road is being carried to the July 21, 2022 Regular Meeting. Notice for this application is dependant upon whether or not variances are being added. Chairman Neuer adjourned the meeting at 10:37PM. Adopted: 6/16/22 baasn Grade. Diana L. Chandler, Secretary