Three applications for zoning relief were on the January 10 docket of the Borough’s Planning and Zoning Board:

• The first application considered by the Board was a request by the owner of property at Ocean Drive and 20th to 21st Street for an extension of time to complete plans for a previously approved major subdivision to create eight residential lots on the property in question. Covid slowdowns, among other reasons, were presented for the need for the extension. The Board extended the time to complete the requisite steps to November 12, 2023.

• The second application sought approval of a minor subdivision. The properties in question are two lots fronting on Dune Drive at 33rd Street. The owner wants to reconfigure the lots so they would front on 33rd Street. The Board approved the subdivision.

• The third applicant sought preliminary/final site-plan approval and C2 variances. The property in question is at 2688 Dune Drive. The plans are to renovate the former Coldwell Banker building on the property to a Mexican-themed restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Testimony in favor of the plans was given by the owner, the architect, a professional planner and the chef. The only variances required were a bulk variance for a storage building and a variance for outdoor background dinner music.
  
  Some of the many details presented as benefits supporting the approval of the plans follow:

  • The current 3.7% green space would be increased to 16.2%

  • Trash would be stored indoors

  • While a three-story structure would be allowed, open space is retained by a single-story structure

  • The plan would help to improve Avalon’s restaurant deficit

  • The storage shed would help reduce the number of deliveries required to operate the restaurant

At the end of a very thorough presentation, the Board approved the variances.