20211207 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

December 7, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of December 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, Debbie Patire, Melanie Hooban and Darlene Johnson. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Dianne O’Brien, Frances Barto, Igor Lyubarskiy and Sergio Alegre were absent.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board –

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, asked when the next discussion regarding the Historic Preservation Element of the Master Plan would take place.

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, commented that the public should be updated on the Master Plan process.

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Chief Van Goor reported that the Site Plan Exemption Committee reviewed and approved an application for a temporary enclosure for La Lanterna restaurant, located at 29 W. Ridgewood Avenue.

Tasko Enterprises, LLC, 315 E. Glen Avenue, Block 3106, Lots 20.01 and 20.02 – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution – Board members reviewed the resolution and the latest plans submitted by the applicant. Board members were concerned about a variance for the gross building area shown on the zoning table for lot 20.01, and an error on the zoning table for lot 20.02.

Mr. Wellinghorst stated that discussion regarding the easement agreement is progressing.

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, reported on the easement agreement discussions and expressed concern regarding the setback of the house on lot 20.02 from the easement.

The memorialization of the resolution was tabled until January 4, 2022.

Public Hearing re: preliminary investigation for The Valley Hospital property, Block 3301, Lot 51, as area in need of redevelopment and/or rehabilitation. The hearing was carried to January 4, 2022, without further notice.

Ordinance to amend Chapter 1 and Chapter 190 of the Village Code authorizing and encouraging Electric Vehicle Supply/Service Equipment (EVSE), make-ready parking spaces and establishing standards for their design and implementation. Mr. Rutishauser commented that some of the multi-family developments have already considered supplying electric vehicle parking spaces due to requests from residents, showing that this ordinance is State and market driven. Board members asked if any part of the budget will be designated for parking upgrades. Mr. Rutishauser said the Village has discussed a line item in the capitol budget for charging systems.

There was Board discussion regarding fee schedules and kiosks for the charge system. Mr. Rutishauser said they would need to look at the State Senate Bill regarding any restrictions.

The Planning Board will send a letter to the Mayor and Council regarding the discussion.

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes from October 16, 2018 and November 16, 2021 were adopted.

Mayor Knudsen announced that Chief Van Goor was retiring and thanked him for his service on the Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:            January 4, 2022