Politics & Government
Chatham Borough to Sell 2 Vacant Properties
Council also approves new development guidelines, mural for underpass.
The sale of two borough-owned lots, new development requirements and an agreement for a mural to be painted in the Fairmount Avenue underpass were among the items approved by the Chatham Borough Council on Monday.
The council voted to sell lots at 83 Chatham St. and 57 Watchung Ave. The Chatham Street lot is less than the minimum size required for development. That lot, with a deed restriction prohibiting development, will be offered to sale to the highest bidder among the neighbors..
The Watchung Avenue tract will be sold at a public auction. No date has been set.
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The council also passed on second reading an ordinance that outlines requirements for a complete land development application and requires compliance with checklists that accompany applications.
The changes were recommended by the planning board.
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“This was a five-year effort,” said Mayor Bruce Harris. “We really needed to do this.”
Zoning Officer Vincent DeNave also suggested that the borough adopt an ordinance creating a fee schedule for any permit that requires a review by his office. The borough has not charged for the review.
That review, DeNave said, would include plans to resurface driveways to make sure that a lot still has a permissible amount of impervious surface. It would also apply for sheds to determine if they do not violate setback requirements.
Other municipalities, including Summit and Berkeley Heights, have adopted similar ordinances, DeNave said.
DeNave estimated the fees could generate $20,000 in annual revenue.
“I think it’s a good direction to go in,” he said.
The council will discuss the suggestion at its April 8 meeting.
A resolution supporting Chatham Spring Clean was also approved by the council. The event, held in conjunction with Earth Day, will be held April 20.
The council, acting on a recommendation of the Chatham Borough Public Arts Council, approved an agreement with the Junior League of Summit for a mural in the Fairmount Avenue underpass.
The council’s resolution states the mural “will help contribute to a livable and aesthetically pleasing Borough streetscape.”
