20210817 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes
The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of August 17, 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 7:45 p.m.
Roll Call – The following members were present: Mayor Knudsen, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Frances Barto, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney; Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Chief Van Goor, Debbie Patire, Melanie Hooban 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 – Ms. O’Brien reported that the Master Plan Committee met with Heyer, Gruel & Associates and discussed the schedule and the budget. A website has been set up, www.Ridgewoodvillagemp.org, where one can register for updates and for the September 21 Planning Board meeting. Ms. O’Brien is working on the Historic Preservation component of the Master Plan with them. The estimated time frame to be complete is early Spring. Ms. Barto said that the Open Space Committee will also participate.
Historic Preservation Commission reviews:
- Russo Family LP, 19 N. Broad St., Block 3804 Lot 17 – Proposed New Construction - Joseph Mecca, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of Russo Family LP. Mr. Mecca explained that the building on the site was demolished following a fire. Phillip Wells, architect, was sworn. Mr. Wells described the proposed 3-story building, described the materials and how the building would fit into the streetscape. Mr. Wells said they revised the original plans after discussion with Mr. Rutishauser and Ms. Bucci-Carter. Mr. Wells described the proposed signs and lighting, the balconies and the awning.
Board members asked about the entrances and what would be on the first level. Mr. Wells said there were no tenants for the first floor retail space at this time, but they intend for 2 businesses to be located there. Board members asked how many apartments there would be, Mr. Wells said 2 on the 2nd floor and 2 on the 3rd floor. Board members asked about the proposed signage and suggested that when the signs for the future tenants were added it might be too much and look sloppy. There was concern that this building may block the architectural chimney feature on the building to the south. Board members suggested that the building looks asymmetrical and suggested ways to correct that.
Following further discussion, it was suggested that the applicant incorporate some of the modifications discussed to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Bagelicious, 41 N. Broad St., Block 3804 Lot 22 – Proposed signage and change paint color. No one was present to describe the proposed sign and the Board reviewed the drawings which were submitted. The Board recommended approval of the proposed sign and of painting the trim red.
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. (Continued from July 6, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board) – David Rutherford, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant. Tibor Latincsics, engineer and planner, was also present and previously sworn.
Mr. Rutherford had submitted a letter to Mr. Wellinghorst, dated August 8, 2021. Mr. Latincsics submitted a revised plot plan for lot 20.01, which was marked as Exhibit A-18.
Ms. Barto said she reviewed the analysis submitted by Mr. Rutherford and did not feel that the matter could proceed without a response and guidance from Mr. Wellinghorst. Mr. Wellinghorst stated that he was preparing a response and spoke with Mr. Rutherford. The Board would not be voting on the matter at this meeting, but could listen to the testimony by Mr. Latincsics.
The Board decided to continue with hearing the testimony of Mr. Latincsics, which would be subject to the response from the Board attorney.
Mr. Latincsics testified as to the reconfiguration of the proposed dwelling on lot 20.01. Mr. Latincsics detailed the drainage and landscaping proposed.
Board members asked who would maintain the tree line. Mr. Latincsics said it would be the responsibility of the homeowner. Board members asked who would be responsible for the driveway and Mr. Latincsics said each homeowner would be responsible for their portion, and Mr. Rutherford said a new easement agreement would be entered into. Board members were concerned about the 60-foot setback of the proposed house and how it disrupts the street scape.
Ms. Bucci-Carter asked why the new home could not be situated in the same location as the one being demolished. Mr. Latincsics said the property owner wants it in the proposed location.
Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, asked about the easement and if the driveway for lot 20.01 could go out to Glen Avenue. Ms. Lima asked about the wall along the east side, Mr. Latincsics said it was being taken down. Ms. Lima asked about the pool for lot 20.01, Mr. Latincsics said it depended on what the buyer wants. Ms. Lima asked that the stop sign proposed at the end of the driveway be removed as it makes it look like a street.
Brian Dentremont, 411 Northern Parkway, commented on the condition of the property and asked the Board to resolve the matter so the applicant could move forward. The Chairman said the Board is not responsible for maintenance issues. Mr. Rutishauser said he would talk to the property maintenance officer regarding the matter.
The hearing was carried to September 7, 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 went over the revision made to the draft ordinance and distributed a drawing to illustrate what fence height would be permitted on various lot configurations. There was Board discussion regarding flag lots, corner lots and the option of using bushes as a barrier on corner lots.
Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, discussed different fences and heights and how different residents were creative with what they installed.
This matter will be continued.
Approval of minutes – The minutes from July 20, 2021 were approved after a correction to the spelling of Heyer, Gruel and Associates.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wondergem
Board Secretary
Date Approved: September 7, 2021
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