20210302 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

March 2, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of March 2, 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: Chairman Joel called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

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

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – There were no comments at this time.

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – There were no comments at this time.

Mr. Joel announced that the 555 Maple Acquisition Inc., 555 and 565 N. Maple Avenue, Block 2904, Lots 20-26 application was carried to April 6, 2021 without further notice.

Mr. Joel announced that the review and memorialization of the Hopper Ridge Condominium Association, Inc., resolution for Major Preliminary and Final Site Plan, Soil Movement and variance approval was tabled until the March 16, 2021 meeting.

Garber Building, LLC, 2-4 Garber Square, Block 3801, Lot 3 – Application for Minor Site Plan

approval to permit restaurant and inn (Continued from January 19, 2021) (Carried from February 16, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board) – Ms. Barto recused herself from this hearing.

David Rutherford, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant and explained that the Board had previously granted the parking variance for this property and they are now seeking site plan approval.

Jordan Rosenberg was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Rosenberg testified as to the 4-page plan he prepared, revised to 2/18/21. Mr. Rosenberg described the proposed floor plan and the roof plan, explaining that the roof has a 56” parapet and any proposed and existing equipment will not be visible from the street. Mr. Rosenberg displayed several photos which showed that rooftop equipment is not visible.

Board members asked if the roof hatch was being moved and about the utility closet. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked if there were any utilities to be located outside the building. Mr. Rosenberg said that any utilities would be located on the roof.

Kent Rigg was sworn and his credentials as an engineer accepted. Mr. Rigg testified as to the site plan he prepared, dated 2/18/21. Mr. Rigg testified regarding the changes to the west of the building, including the fence, dumpster location, concrete pad. Mr. Rigg testified regarding the outdoor dining areas, stating that any chairs and tables in the right-of-way would need to comply to Village Code and require an outside dining permit.

Board members asked about the dumpster location and how a truck would get to it. Mr. Rigg said the dumpster would be pushed to the street, not have a truck go into the alley. Mr. Rutishauser asked if a depressed curb would work better. The applicant said it would. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked if they would consider a different fence. The applicant said they would be open to a different style fence. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked if they knew what furniture was going to be used for outdoor dining. They had not yet selected that furniture.

There were no questions from the public.

Jonathan Steingraber was sworn. Mr. Steingraber stated that he would submit different options of furniture for the Board to approve. Mr. Steingraber said the depressed curb would be easier, but not necessary and that he wouldn’t know how often garbage would be picked up until the restaurant opened, but that pick up would be on off-peak hours. Mr. Steingraber asked Ms. Bucci-Carter to send examples of solid fences to him.

Ms. Bucci-Carter asked about the management of the inn and if an employee would be there permanently or if it would be handled online. Mr. Steingraber said he would want someone there at the start to be sure everything ran smoothly. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked what the longest length of stay could be. Mr. Steingraber said it would be less than 30 days, which could be stated in the resolution.

Board members asked about security as they had a concern about an inn near the train station. Mr. Steingraber said there would be cameras and other security measures. Board members asked about the elevator in the building being used by restaurant patrons and by inn guests. Mr. Steingraber said the guests of the inn would have a key fob which would allow access to the second floor.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mr. Rutherford made closing remarks and the hearing was closed.

Following Board deliberation, Ms. Johnson made a motion to approve, Councilwoman Reynolds seconded, and all eligible Board members voted yes to approve.

Ms. Barto returned to the meeting.

Discussion re: Climate Change Bill and the Master Plan and NJDEP Conservation Goals and Strategies regarding the New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan – Mr. Rutishauser referred to the resolution which was passed at the Council regarding the New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan and suggested the Board discuss it and the implications it may have in regards to Planning and Zoning.

Ms. Bucci-Carter stated that preservation of wildlife could make municipalities approach land use differently and that it may be combined with the Climate Change Bill issue. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that the Board will need to discuss how to approach the matter.

Mr. Martin said that there is a land use aspect to the Climate Change Bill, but that a significant amount of the Bill is prevention based as far as violent weather patterns and when and where there is a need for emergency relief.

Board members asked if there was a checklist that the Board should be looking at. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that different environmental organizations have them, but nothing official.  Mr. Rutishauser said that there are flood area guidelines.

Mr. Joel said the Master Plan Committee should meet and discuss this matter.

Adoption of Minutes:  The minutes from February 16, 2021, were adopted.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:   March 16, 2021