The Livingston Planning Board, during its June 18 conference meeting, approved a memorializing resolution for Brightview Senior Living Development, LLC’s plan to develop senior housing at 321 South Livingston Avenue.
The Board also voted to approve the retention of consu ltants to review the water and sewer systems at 321 South Livingston Avenue; and a new application pending for Esplanade Livingston, LLC at 550 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
Board member Shawn Partin expressed some concerns about the resolution’s language regarding maintenance of the landscape’s buffer, adding that he was “fine with the resolution so long as that component was upheld.” The resolution was subsequently passed.
The Board members then discussed the engagement ofnew water, sewer, and traffic experts for Brightview and Esplanade. Brightview requires only water and sewer experts, while Esplanade Livingston, LLC representatives requested experts in all three areas. Both requests were approved, with Board chairman Rudy F emandez recusing himself from the Brightview vote.
Outdoor Seating, Signage
Following their votes, the Board members briefly addressedthe town’s Outdoor Seating Ordinance. Samuel Ratner stated that while he had made some notes, he suggested putting off discussion of the ordinance so he could “better understand some technical details.”
The Board also discussed recommendations made by the Sign Committee following its March meeting with the Planning Board. These suggestions involved sign visibility, changing the colors on LED signs, and the inclusion of more A-frame signs on buildings.
Other topics included permitting window blinds, where the ordinance requires interior visibility, as well as the question of awning lighting. Board members said that lighting similar to Livingston’s Shake Shack sign was acceptable but “crummy lighting on crummy awnings” was not.
The Board then addressed Livingston’s restaurant ordinance, which requires that a restaurant serve food to at least 36 people internally and earn 50 percent or more of its income from food service.
The Planning Board has its next meeting set for Tuesday, July 2, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
