Public hearing for JCC's site plan approval on March 9, 2026.

PUBLIC NOTICETOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINSPLANNING BOARDNOTICE OF HEARINGPLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the JCC of Central New Jersey, Inc. has applied to the Scotch Plains Planning Board for amended preliminary and final site plan approval and conditional use approval with associated ‘c' variance relief to add two properties, formerly used as single family residences, into its existing summer day camp program as an additional outdoor play area on property collectively known as 1345 Martine Avenue and 1391 Martine Avenue,  Scotch Plains, New Jersey, which property is identified on the tax maps of the Township of Scotch Plains as Block 10301, Lot 18 and Block 10401 Lot 1.0102 (includes previously merged property known as 1351 Martine Avenue, Block 10301 Lot 17), Township of Scotch Plains.      Please take further notice that in addition to conditional use approval and amended site plan approval, the applicant seeks any and all variances, waivers, approvals and/or other relief as may be required from the Township's Development Regulations and Zoning ordinances, including but not limited to the following: 1. Section 23-3.4A (Attachment 1).  Maximum lot coverage, to the extent required given that the proposal constitutes a reduction to an existing nonconforming condition.  40%  is permitted in the relevant R-2 zone; 48.65% is existing for 1391 Martine Avenue and  47.13% is existing for both the 1345 and 1391 Martine Avenue properties combined; a reduction of 3.11% to 44.02% is proposed when both lots are taken together, given that  two existing residential structures on the properties will be demolished and the properties will become an open play area). 2. Section 23-2.3(o). Maximum fence height:  4 feet permitted along front yard; 6 feet board on board fence height proposed.Please take further notice that other than fencing and landscaping, the JCC does not propose any new structures on these lots, nor does it propose any use of these properties at any time of the year other than during the summer camp season.  Please take further note this application includes a request that certain conditions attached to a May 1996 resolution of approval are either moot (due to a change in the relevant ordinance) or should be amended.  A May 1996 approval for the JCC ‘campus' contains a condition limiting the summer camp program to 500 children.  This condition was imposed when the Township's conditional use ordinance required that all activities take place indoors.  The “indoor only” requirement has since been eliminated from the conditional use standards and the summer camp's enrollment has expanded in the last 30 years to approximately 900 campers (anticipated this summer).  To the extent required, the JCC seeks a determination that this condition is now moot or, alternatively, an amendment to the 1996 approval to reflect the Camp's current enrollment.  Similarly, the 1996 approval contains a limitation of 200 children on “Lot 16” during assembly, dismissal and during staggered lunch periods and 100 children at other times.  Lot 16 no longer exists as a separate tax lot and, as stated, the Township's “indoor only” conditional use requirement has been eliminated.   Thus, to the extent required, the JCC requests a determination that this condition is now moot or that it be amended to reflect current practice.     Please take further notice that a VIRTUAL public hearing on the application has been scheduled by the Planning Board for March 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.   Members of the public who wish to monitor and/or participate, either personally or through an attorney, in this public meeting may join from a computer or capable device on the Zoom format as follows:https://zoom.us/j/3718671959?pwd=NXU4blMvQ zJSRFoyQ1BUdDh3aG1BQT09Meeting ID: 371 867 1959Passcode: Qay11JJoin instructionshttps://zoom.us/meetings/3718671959/invitations?signature=4POWsw8UHYp3i4F WlKXcYRa9AXuX8jHHgKN_nUXDkWgAll documents, including maps and plans, relating to this application are on file in the Planning Board office located in the Municipal Building, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 during that office's normal business hours. If you have any questions you may contact the Board Secretary, Kimberly Smith, by email at landuse@scotchplainsnj.com or by phone at 908 322 6700 x. 307. Law Offices of Richard Schkolnick, LLCAttorneys for Applicant Richard S. Schkolnick 75 Main St STE 201Millburn, NJ 07041(973) 232-50611 T - 02/26/26, The Leader        Fee: $93.84