20210907 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

 Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

September 7, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of September 7, 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, Chief Van Goor, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Lina Corriston, Esq., Board Attorney; Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Dianne O’Brien, Debbie Patire 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 reported that Heyer, Gruel & Associates would make a presentation regarding phase 2 of the master plan process, pre-registration was recommended and a website has been set up, www.Ridgewoodvillagemp.org, where one can register for updates and for the September 21 Planning Board meeting.

 

Historic Preservation Commission reviews:

• 4EverYoung, 20 Wilsey Square, Block 3807, Lot 5 – Revised signage -  Nick Tsapatsaris was present to describe the proposed revised signage. Mr. Tsapatsaris described the colors, the dimensions and the materials. The Board members recommended approval of the signage as revised.

 

Mr. Joel announced that the Tasko Enterprises, LLC, 315 E. Glen Avenue, application was carried to October 5, 2021 without further notice.

 

Maureen McTigue, 142 Kenilworth Road, Block 4202, Lot 15 – Application for Minor Subdivision approval to relocate the lot line between Lot 15 and Lot 18 in Block 4202, and any related variances. David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks, stating that no new lots were being proposed, but that the lot line is proposed to be relocated so the existing swimming pool becomes part of Lot 18.

 

Thomas G. Stearns was sworn and his credentials as a licensed engineer accepted. Mr. Stearns testified regarding Exhibit A-1, minor subdivision plan, dated 4/7/21. Mr. Stearns testified as to the existing lot lines, and lot areas and the proposed lot lines and lot areas. Mr. Stearns stated that the line at the rear of proposed Lot 15.01 was decided by an existing retaining wall and that the opening in the wall will be closed. The only change on the site will be the relocation of the pool equipment. Mr. Stearns testified that the variance being requested is for the proposed coverage by above grade structures on Lot 15.01 which will be 20.9%, where 20% is the maximum permitted. Exhibit A-2, copy of page 42 of the tax map, shows that many of the adjacent lots are similar to the proposed Lot 15.01.

 

Board members asked about the existing wall and if it was required to be set back from the property line. Ms. Bucci-Carter said the wall was in compliance with Village Code. Board members were concerned that a future owner of new Lot 15.01 may claim lot size as a hardship if they propose an addition. Mr. Rutherford said that this application would be part of the record of any future application.

 

Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, was sworn. Mr. Rutishauser asked about storm water management and the inlets on the property. Mr. Stearns said they drain out to Spring Avenue. Mr. Rutishauser asked that a condition of approval be that the inlets are maintained.

 

Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner, was sworn and went over her report stating that the request is consistent with the Master Plan.

 

There were no question or comments from the public and the hearing was closed.

 

Following Board deliberation, Mayor Knudsen made a motion to approve, Ms. Hooban seconded, and the application was approved.

 

Discussion re proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code to modify allowed fence heights for residential uses - Discussion was carried to a later meeting.

 

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes from August 17, 2021 were adopted.

 

The Board voted to go into closed session.

 

The Board returned to the public meeting at 9:16 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Jane Wondergem

                                                                        Board Secretary

 

Date Approved:           October 5, 2021