20191119 Planning Board Meeting

 

Ridgewood Planning Board

November 19, 2019

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of November 19, 2019. Interested parties may request an audio recording of the meeting from the Board Secretary for a fee.

 Call to Order & Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Chairman Joel called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

 

Roll Call – The following members were present: Richard Joel, Joel Torielli, Debbie Patire, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner and Dianne O’Brien. Also present were Christopher Martin, Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Mayor Hache, Deputy Mayor Knudsen and Chief Van Goor were absent.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – No one came forward.

 

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – There were no reports at this time.

Robert and Elizabeth Jennee – Application for extension of a previously granted minor subdivision approval at 113 S. Van Dien Ave, Block 4201, Lot 22.01 – David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Rutherford explained that Mr. Jennee purchased the property which was approved for subdivision earlier this year and there was not sufficient time to get demolition permit and proceed with demolition and perfect the minor subdivision before the expiration date. Mr. Martin explained the process to the Board. Robert Jennee was sworn and stated that he understood and concurred with the statements made. There were no questions from the Board members. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Torielli made a motion to approve an extension of 120 days, Ms. Hooban seconded, and all eligible members voted yes to approve.

Review of Ordinance #3761 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code at section 190-37B to allow winter door enclosures onto existing restaurants – Ms. Bucci-Carter stated that she had made this rough draft of the ordinance and then discussed some additional issues and logistics that need to be considered further, such as how it would be anchored, wheelchair access, encroachment agreements, and review by Site Plan Exemption Committee. Ms. Bucci-Carter commented that other alternatives should be considered by the business owners before using this type of structure. Board members asked what alternatives there were and if they would be permitted to anchor to the sidewalk if they patch the holes made. Mr. Rutishauser stated that drilling holes in the sidewalk deteriorates the stability of the sidewalk and could exasperate water/drainage issues for the establishments with basements in the CBD. Ms. Bucci-Carter said another issue is the minimal sidewalk width identified as well as minimal walkable width. Some businesses would not be permitted to have the enclosure if they could not meet the requirements and would not be permitted to apply for a variance as it involves the right of way. Board members asked about the length of time the enclosures should be permitted. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that could be determined by the Board, but that the sidewalk cafés and the enclosures would not be permitted at the same time. After further discussion, Ms. Bucci-Carter said she would revise the draft for review by Council.

Review of Ordinance #3748 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code at section 190-121G to require driveways on lots where a garage exists. This discussion will be carried to the next meeting.

Discussion: Amendment to Chapter 190-112 and 190-113, Land Use and Development, to add Instructional Uses in the OB-1 and OB-2 Districts – Maryann Bucci-Carter reviewed the draft ordinance she prepared explaining that instructional use is compatible for those areas and that there is no negative impact to adding this type of use in an office zone. Mr. Martin asked about the definition of instructional use. Board members asked if that would permit daycare or preschools, or trade schools. Ms. Bucci-Carter said they would be under a separate definition and would be a question for the zoning officer.

Bill Gilsenan, 65 North Van Dien Avenue, a realtor in the Village, said he had recommended this change in the ordinance. Mr. Gilsenan explained the type of instructional uses that are asking to be permitted in town, which are more like an extension of the classroom. Mr. Gilsenan said that trade schools need more space than what exists in the OB-1 and OB-2 zone districts.

Following further discussion, the Board voted to send the draft ordinance to Council for review.

Potential amendment to Master Plan based upon recent legislation as to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure – Mr. Rutishauser explained the legislation received from the State regarding public electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Rutishauser said it is a good concept and should be considered for developments where best applicable, and where it works best for the community. Ms. Bucci-Carter commented that the existing land use element should identify current locations and proposed locations. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that the charging stations will be required in redevelopment plans.

Mr. Martin suggested that Ms. Bucci-Carter should investigate the matter and report back to the Board.

Discussion re: Amendment of By-Laws – Mr. Martin asked Board members to look over the amendment and be ready to discuss them when all Board members are present.

Discussion: review of Traffic Consultant proposals – This discussion was carried to the next meeting.

Mr. Martin stated that the Two-Forty Associates, LLC, litigation was dismissed with prejudice.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                          Jane Wondergem

                                                                                          Board Secretary

Date Approved:  December 17, 2019

Ridgewood Planning Board

 

November 19, 2019

 

                                                                                            Page 1

 

 

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of November 19, 2019. Interested parties may request an audio recording of the meeting from the Board Secretary for a fee.

 

 

Call to Order & Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Chairman Joel called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

 

 

Roll Call – The following members were present: Richard Joel, Joel Torielli, Debbie Patire, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner and Dianne O’Brien. Also present were Christopher Martin, Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Mayor Hache, Deputy Mayor Knudsen and Chief Van Goor were absent.

 

 

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – No one came forward.

 

 

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – There were no reports at this time.

 

 

Robert and Elizabeth Jennee – Application for extension of a previously granted minor subdivision approval at 113 S. Van Dien Ave, Block 4201, Lot 22.01 – David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Rutherford explained that Mr. Jennee purchased the property which was approved for subdivision earlier this year and there was not sufficient time to get demolition permit and proceed with demolition and perfect the minor subdivision before the expiration date. Mr. Martin explained the process to the Board. Robert Jennee was sworn and stated that he understood and concurred with the statements made. There were no questions from the Board members. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Torielli made a motion to approve an extension of 120 days, Ms. Hooban seconded, and all eligible members voted yes to approve.

 

Review of Ordinance #3761 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code at section 190-37B to allow winter door enclosures onto existing restaurants – Ms. Bucci-Carter stated that she had made this rough draft of the ordinance and then discussed some additional issues and logistics that need to be considered further, such as how it would be anchored, wheelchair access, encroachment agreements, and review by Site Plan Exemption Committee. Ms. Bucci-Carter commented that other alternatives should be considered by the business owners before using this type of structure. Board members asked what alternatives there were and if they would be permitted to anchor to the sidewalk if they patch the holes made. Mr. Rutishauser stated that drilling holes in the sidewalk deteriorates the stability of the sidewalk and could exasperate water/drainage issues for the establishments with basements in the CBD. Ms. Bucci-Carter said another issue is the minimal sidewalk width identified as well as minimal walkable width. Some businesses would not be permitted to have the enclosure if they could not meet the requirements and would not be permitted to apply for a variance as it involves the right of way. Board members asked about the length of time the enclosures should be permitted. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that could be determined by the Board, but that the sidewalk cafés and the enclosures would not be permitted at the same time. After further discussion, Ms. Bucci-Carter said she would revise the draft for review by Council.

 

Review of Ordinance #3748 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code at section 190-121G to require driveways on lots where a garage exists. This discussion will be carried to the next meeting.

 

Discussion: Amendment to Chapter 190-112 and 190-113, Land Use and Development, to add Instructional Uses in the OB-1 and OB-2 Districts – Maryann Bucci-Carter reviewed the draft ordinance she prepared explaining that instructional use is compatible for those areas and that there is no negative impact to adding this type of use in an office zone. Mr. Martin asked about the definition of instructional use. Board members asked if that would permit daycare or preschools, or trade schools. Ms. Bucci-Carter said they would be under a separate definition and would be a question for the zoning officer.

 

Bill Gilsenan, 65 North Van Dien Avenue, a realtor in the Village, said he had recommended this change in the ordinance. Mr. Gilsenan explained the type of instructional uses that are asking to be permitted in town, which are more like an extension of the classroom. Mr. Gilsenan said that trade schools need more space than what exists in the OB-1 and OB-2 zone districts.

 

Following further discussion, the Board voted to send the draft ordinance to Council for review.

 

Potential amendment to Master Plan based upon recent legislation as to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure – Mr. Rutishauser explained the legislation received from the State regarding public electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Rutishauser said it is a good concept and should be considered for developments where best applicable, and where it works best for the community. Ms. Bucci-Carter commented that the existing land use element should identify current locations and proposed locations. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that the charging stations will be required in redevelopment plans.

 

Mr. Martin suggested that Ms. Bucci-Carter should investigate the matter and report back to the Board.

 

Discussion re: Amendment of By-Laws – Mr. Martin asked Board members to look over the amendment and be ready to discuss them when all Board members are present.

 

Discussion: review of Traffic Consultant proposals – This discussion was carried to the next meeting.

 

Mr. Martin stated that the Two-Forty Associates, LLC, litigation was dismissed with prejudice.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                          Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                          Jane Wondergem

 

                                                                                          Board Secretary

 

 

Date Approved:  December 17, 2019