20210518 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

May 18, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of May 18, 2021. 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 7:35 p.m.

Roll Call – The following members were present: Mayor Knudsen, Councilwoman Reynolds, Chief Van Goor, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Board Attorney; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Debbie Patire was absent.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – There were no comments at this time.

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

Historic Preservation Commission review:

• Gong Cha, 194 E. Ridgewood Avenue – Eric Lee, from Sign Mart, was present to describe the proposed sign. Mr. Lee described the colors, materials and lighting. Following discussion regarding permitted lighting, the Board recommended approval of the sign.

Tasko Enterprises, LLC, 315 E. Glen Avenue, Block 3106, Lots 20.01 and 20.02 – Application for Amended Major Subdivision approval, related variances and proposed easement. (Carried from May 4, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board) David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on this application and made an opening statement. Mr. Rutherford explained that this subdivision was approved by the Board in 2018 and the property has since been sold and the current owner is proposing two new houses with a dedicated easement over lot 20.01 to service lot 20.02.

Tibor Latincsics was sworn and his credentials as a professional engineer and planner accepted. Mr. Latincsics testified in regards to the easement, what is proposed for lot 20.01 and lot 20.02, possible variances, and response to Village Engineer and Village Planner memorandums.

Mr. Latincsics showed the approved subdivision plans and the proposed plot plans for lots 20.01 and 20.02. Mr. Latincsics described the lot sizes with and without the easement and the setbacks, height and coverage of the proposed dwellings. Mr. Latincsics testified as to the soil movement, stating that a major soil permit is not needed.

Board members asked why the house on lot 20.01 was being demolished as the testimony in 2018 was that it would remain. Mr. Latincsics said that the future of that house was unsure at that time. Board members asked about the easement and tree removal. Mr. Latincsics said that some trees have already been removed for the easement and that Mr. Tasko is planting more trees than what was required in the 2018 resolution. Board members were concerned that the roots of the proposed hemlocks would affect the utility easement. Mr. Tasko said that is not an issue with pvc material.

Board members were concerned about the proposed house on lot 20.01 facing the driveway rather than facing E. Glen Avenue, commenting that it disrupted the streetscape. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that it created a variance and Mr. Rutherford stated that the variance would not be related to how the house was orientated, but if the house did not abut the street.

Board members asked for a plot plan showing what is proposed for both lots and for photos of the property.

Board members had questions about the widening of the driveway. Mr. Latincsics stated that it was a safety measure and to provide adequate access for emergency vehicles. Board members were concerned about the abrupt ending of the widened driveway, Mr. Latincsics said it could be made more gradual.

Board members asked why the drainage was moved from where it was originally proposed. Mr. Latincsics said it could be moved back, and Board members suggested putting it in both locations.

Ms. Bucci-Carter asked about where the new trees would be planted and suggested that fence locations be shown on the plans. There was discussion regarding what variances were needed.

Mr. Rutishauser asked which flood maps were used and suggested that they consult the most recent map.

Questions from the public:

Mary Lou Posten, 418 Sterling Place, asked about the driveway and had concerns that if the house on lot 20.01 is facing the driveway, people would think it was a road. Ms. Posten had concerns about drainage and Mr. Latincsics explained how that was being handled. Ms. Posten asked that her property not be used for construction and that a survey is provided to resolve property line issues.

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, asked that a plan showing what is proposed on both lots is provided. Ms. Lima asked for definitions of easement and public roadway, how long construction may last and about the stockpiles and wheel blanket locations. Ms. Lima asked who would be responsible for maintenance and snow removal of the driveway in front of lot 20.02. Ms. Lima was concerned about the number of cars coming in and out of the driveway in regards to safety. Mr. Latincsics said the widening of the driveway and the stop sign were done for safety and for emergency vehicle access. Ms. Lima asked about the language in the 2018 resolution that said the back properties would benefit by new pvc conduit. Mr. Latincsics showed on the plan where the proposed pvc conduit was for future water line.

Mary Lou Posten was concerned with the location of the proposed pvc conduit and how it may affect the Oak tree. Mr. Latincsics said it could cross to the other side of the driveway. Ms. Posten was concerned that the stop sign will make the driveway look like a road. Mr. Latincsics said they could also post a Private Drive sign. Mr. Rutishauser said the signs should be separate.

The Board members discussed the side entry to the garage on the proposed house on lot 20.02 and did not have any issues with that. Board members asked that some canopy trees be added to the plan. Board members discussed the orientation of the house on lot 20.01 and most members agreed that if the existing house could not be preserved, the proposed house should face E. Glen Avenue. Board members discussed the easement and determined that what is proposed would be less disruptive to the rear properties.

Mr. Rutherford said that Mr. Tasko asked that the Board deliberate and vote on the matter. Board members said they did not feel they were in a position to deliberate at this time and the hearing was carried to June 1, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board.

Discussion re proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code to modify allowed fence heights for residential uses – Ms. Bucci-Carter said she was making some adjustments to the proposed ordinance and the matter was carried to the June 1 meeting.

The minutes from May 4, 2021, were approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                Jane Wondergem

                                                                                                Board Secretary

Date Approved: