20210720 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of July 20, 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: Mr. Joel called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

Administration of Oath of Office -  Mayor Knudsen administered the Oath of Office to Dianne O’Brien, Class IV Member.

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

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

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Mayor Knudsen announced that the Historic Preservation Commission meetings should begin again in September.

Ms. Barto reported that the Open Space Committee will start meeting again in September and will be working on a new Open Space Plan.

Mayor Knudsen said that the Council adopted a resolution awarding the Master Plan rewrite to Heyer, Gruel & Associates and the Master Plan Committee will meet next week to start scheduling meetings with the various Village Boards and Committees.

Historic Preservation Commission reviews:

• Weichert Realtors, 15 W. Ridgewood Ave., Block 3801, Lot 4.01 – proposed awning change. Brad O’Connor, from Signs for Today, was present to described the proposed awning change. The new awning would be black with a straight edge. Also proposed is to refresh the paint on the existing sign. The Board recommended approval of the sign as presented.
• 4EverYoung, 20 Wilsey Square, Block 3807 Lot 5 – proposed signage. Nick Tsapatsaris, owner of the property, was present to describe the proposed signage for the proposed medical/spa facility. Ms. Bucci-Carter explained that there were variances needed for the proposed sign and screens. Board members questioned the use of the proposed monitor and the percentage of space being used on the windows. Board members were concerned that the overall look did not complement the building. The applicant will come back after taking the Board’s comments into consideration.
• The Salad House, 10 Wilsey Square, Block 3807, Lot 4 - proposed signage. Nick Tsapatsaris, property owner, was present to describe the proposed signage for The Salad House. Mr. Tsapatsaris stated that other than the color, the sign will remain similar to what was existing. The gooseneck lights would be painted as well as the trim. Mr. Tsapatsaris acknowledged that the Zoning Officer said the sign on the door would not be permitted as it is a 2^nd sign. Board members commented that the trim around the gooseneck lights should stay burgundy as it is an important architectural detail of the building. Mr. Tsapatsaris said the tenant did not want the burgundy. There was further discussion about the colors and the lights. There was a discussion about the window sign and if it is permitted. Ms. Bucci-Carter will look at the code in regards to window signs. The Board recommends approval of the sign as proposed.

Discussion re: fence ordinance – Ms. Bucci-Carter explained the changes made in the draft ordinance following the previous discussion. The current regulations would remain except that a six-foot fence, with the top 12” remaining 50% open, would be permitted in the rear and side yards. Board members suggested taking out the requirement that the top foot be 50% open. Board members asked how the rear yard was defined and where the six-foot fence would be permitted on a corner lot. The matter will continue at a future meeting.

Discussion re: Redevelopment Study for The Valley Hospital, Block 3301, Lot 51 – Mayor Knudsen explained that in order for the Village to be in compliance with the settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing, the Council authorized the Planning Board to begin a redevelopment study.

Ms. Bucci-Carter explained the Redevelopment Housing Law is different than the Municipal Land Use Law in that it gives local municipalities different powers in that a specific plan to control how a property will be redeveloped to bring it back to be a contributing property in the Village. It can replace the zoning or can be done as an overlay on the current zoning. In order to move forward with the Redevelopment Plan, first the area needs to meet certain criteria to be named in the redevelopment. The Council resolution was the first step where the Council authorized planners to do a study to see if that area meets the criteria necessary to be deemed in need of redevelopment. Ms. Bucci-Carter explained the hearing process. The second step would be adopting the Redevelopment Plan.

Mayor Knudsen said that this was on the agenda so the Board understood this was something the Board is going to be working on and determine how the Board will move forward with it.

Approval of minutes – The minutes from July 6, 2021 were approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Jane Wondergem

                                                                        Board Secretary

Date Approved: