Rustic Mill Diner - 109 North Avenue West

Code Review Committee Meeting No. 2
Code Review Committee Application No. 5
Zoning Permit Application No. Z-20-268

Approval Status - Approved with Conditions - 7/8/2020 - 12/1/2020

Rustic Mill Diner
109 North Avenue West
Block 183, Lot 8

Proposal:
New outdoor seating for the Rustic Mill Diner in the rear yard parking area. The outdoor space is proposed in order to accommodate social distancing requirements related to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and in order to increase seating capacity for the existing business through the use of non-permanent outdoor seating. Applicant proposes a temporary tent that ix 323 x 18' and up to nine (9) tables. 

Meeting Details:
July 8, 2020 - 11:00 AM
Virtual Meeting via Google Meet
Interested parties should email Jason Bottcher, Zoning Officer, for details on how to participate.

Application Details:

1. Seating Details
   1. Permitted indoor seating capacity - 150 persons;
   2. No sidewalk cafe is currently permitted;
   3. No indoor seating is currently permitted as per State guidance;
   4. Applicant proposes seating for up to thirty-eight (38) persons;
   5. Applicant has indicated up to nine (9) tables to be placed outside.
2. Liquor License
   1. Business does not hold a liquor license.
3. Materials
   1. Applicant proposes a tent 32' x 18' in size. Tent is anchored into the pavement via cement steel nails;
   2. Barricades and cones have been placed as a physical demarcation between the seating area and the active parking lot;
   3. Up to nine (9) wood tables and thirty-eight (38) wood chairs;
   4. Up to thirty-eight (38) seats.

Code Review Committee meeting No. 2 - Minutes
Application Status - Approved with Conditions - None Opposed

Comments

1. Lt. Matt Lubin, Fire Official - Cranford Parking Lot
   1. More substantial vehicle protection in the form of a barrier is necessasry to protect patrons;
   2. Noted he will coordinate with the Police Department in order to ensure that the barrier is compliant with applicable regulations;
   3. Recommended water barriers.
2. Patrick Giblin, Mayor
   1. Reiterated Lt. Lubin's comments regarding the need to protect patrons;
   2. Asked what the most cost-effective solution would be in order to mitigate expenses for struggling businesses.
      1. Lt. Lubin and Rich Bellusio noted that water barriers are most likely the most cost-effective solution.
3. Richard Belluscio, Construction Official
   1. Noted that the ADA parking space must be adequately relocated and marked
4. Ty Apgar, Maser Consulting - Township Engineer
   1. Noted that the ADA parking space must be adequately relocated and market. Since stalls are head to head, utilizng a portable R-7 / R-7P sign and turning it 180 degrees would suffice;
   2. Reiterated the need to protect patrons with water barriers
5. Jason Bottcher, Zoning Officer
   1. No additional comments.
   2. Noted that he will coordinate with business owner to ensure conditions of approval of complied with.