20181016 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood Planning Board

October 16, 2018

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of October 16, 2018. 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 7:35 p.m. Following members were present: Mayor Hache, Deputy Mayor Knudsen, Richard Joel, Frances Barto, Debbie Patire, Melanie McWilliams, and David Scheibner. Also present were Christopher Martin, Esq., Board Attorney; Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser; Village Planner Brigette Bogart. Chief Van Goor, Joel Torielli, Matthew Bandelt, and Michael Cafarelli were not present.

 

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

 

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Mr. Torielli reported the Master Plan Subcommittee met and discussed updating the website, promotional materials, residents can sign up to receive email, and the kickoff will occur in a week.

 

Correspondence Received by the Board - None was reported.

 

Ordinance to Amend Chapter 244 of the Code of the Village of Ridgewood Entitled "Smoking"- Ms. Bogart discussed the ordinance sent to the Board for review. It was modeled after several ordinances but took into account specific characteristics of the Village.

 

Board members had questions regarding the measuring distance and defining different ways to measure either from building wall or property line. Board members suggested adding “the closest structural exterior walls of tobacco shops” to the last sentence of section 244-17. Deputy Mayor Knudsen is bringing back this issue to the Village attorney.

 

Board members voted in favor of the ordinance.

 

Draft Ordinance regarding amending the permitted uses in the B-1 and B-2 Zones – Ms. Bogart explained that the purpose of the ordinance is to update the uses permitted in the B-1 and B-2 Zone districts.

 

Board members suggested that Physical Therapy offices should be included. Mayor Hache suggested Physical Therapy shops be included. Board members had concerns about uses that may exacerbate parking issues. Board members also expressed concern about vacant store fronts.

 

The Board voted to forward the comments to Council.

 

Louis J. IV and Stephanie Reynolds, Minor Subdivision, 562 Morningside Road, Block 1313, Lot 18.01, Continued from July 17, 2018 without prejudice to the Board– David Rutherford, Esq., was present and reviewed the prior meeting and briefly explained how the revised plans addressed the Board's concerns. Mr. Rutherford said all permits were closed since the previous meeting.

 

Mr. Martin stated that the change in property lines results in a variance for the fire pit in the wall and the HVAC units.

 

Paul Ercolano, Professional Engineer, testified as to the plans revised to October 2, 2018, which were marked as Exhibit 8. Mr. Ercolano described the proposed fire pit and stated that the HVAC is setback 13 feet.

 

Mr. Rutishauser showed photos, marked as Exhibits B2a, B2b and B2c, which showed the location of the fire pit.

 

Board members questioned the setback of the HVAC units. Board members asked if Mr. Ercolano compared the plans to what the Village had approved. Mr. Ercolano said he didn’t.

 

Mr. Rutishauser asked that the Planning Board retain jurisdiction for the removal of the impervious coverage.

 

Ms. Bogart commented on the additional variances being requested.

 

Richard Preiss was sworn and his credentials as a professional planner accepted. Mr. Preiss testified regarding photos, marked as Exhibit A-9, including an aerial photo, of the property. Mr. Preiss had done a site inspection and reviewed the plans along with the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances. Mr. Preiss discussed the prior approvals and what had been completed.

 

Mr. Preiss testified as to the positive and negative criteria and the variances being requested and how what is being proposed for the two lots is consistent with the neighborhood. Mr. Preiss said that the minimum building area is an existing condition and is consistent with other lots on the street.

 

Board members questioned how the proposed fits into the street and the variances being requested.

 

Questions from the public:

 

Jonathan Taubin, 240 Bedford Road, asked about the hardship and questioned the lot depth variance.

 

Susan Munhall, 712 Heights Road, asked about the coverage of Lot 18 prior to the merger. The applicant didn’t know, but intended to restore the lots to the previous area, size and shape.

 

Pam Schmiel, 249 Bedford Road, asked how a house could be built on Lot 17. Mr. Preiss said that variances would be needed, but that it would be consistent with the neighborhood.

 

Terry Cardew, 250 Bedford Road, asked if they had considered where the driveway would go. Mr. Preiss said it would be consistent with the others. Mr. Cardew commented on the loss of the trees.

 

The hearing was carried to November 6, 2018 without further notice.

 

Adoption of Minutes: The minutes from August 15, 2017 were adopted as written.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

                                                                       

 

Jane Wondergem

                                                                        Board Secretary

 

Date approved: December 7, 2021