20230207 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

 Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

February 7, 2023

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of February 7, 2023. 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 7:33 p.m.

Roll Call – The following members were present: Rob Willis, John Young, Councilwoman Perron, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Fran Barto (7:40 p.m.), Jim Van Goor, Darlene Johnson, Michael Stern, Sergio Alegre and David Refkin. Also present were Lina Corriston, Esq., Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner; and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – Joseph Donlan, 232 North Maple Avenue, approached the Board regarding Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Donlan had concerns regarding the proposed landscape plan and if it would meet Village Code. Mr. Donlan asked what recourse he had if the Church does not comply with the resolution. Mr. Donlan distributed documents that showed his history of issues with the Church. Board members suggested that Mr. Donlan wait until the planting is done to see if they comply with the conditions of the resolution and said that enforcement of the resolution lies with the Village.

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Councilwoman Perron reported that the Village filed a complaint of condemnation on the Town Garage property on Franklin Avenue.

Memorialization of Resolutions appointing Board Professionals – The following resolutions were memorialized:

-          Board Attorney: Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq. (Harwood Lloyd, LLC)

-          Planners: John Barree, PP, AICP, and McKinley Mertz, PP, AICP (Heyer, Gruel & Associates)

-          Conflict Planner: Elizabeth McManus LEED AP, PP, AICP (Kyle + McManus Associates)

Discussion re: Implementation of Master Plan- Mr. Joel said that the Master Plan Committee met and went over the action matrix and created a checklist. Ms. O’Brien explained the matrix and how the plan is to start with the items that do not need a lot of funding or time, and suggested that Board members that are members of other committees update the spread sheet as they implement items in the Master Plan. Ms. O’Brien went over the items that have been discussed and are moving forward and explained that the spread sheet is continuously updated. Mr. Barree suggested that the Village look into funding and grants for some of the larger projects.

Overview of Board procedure and process, Application process, facts and law applicable for decisions, and how to decide an application – Ms. Corriston went over the handout given to the Board to outline who makes up the Planning Board, the responsibilities of the Planning Board, the various applications the Board hears and the hearing procedure. Ms. Corriston also explained which applications the Zoning Board of Adjustment must hear.

Mr. Barree further explained the review process of applications and that the Board professionals will review application materials and submit a report to the applicant and to the Board members prior to the hearing. Mr. Barree explained the Village ordinances that the reviews are based on and the different types of variances and hardships.

Board members asked for clarification on ‘burden of proof’. Ms. Corriston explained that the applicant must show that they are promoting the goals of the MLUL and that there is no significant detriment. Mr. Barree said that the Board must take everything that is presented when they make their determination.

Board members asked about Conceptual Reviews, which is a process for an applicant to get a general response to a proposed development. Board members asked about Courtesy Reviews, which are reviews of capital projects.

Board members asked about reasons to recuse oneself from hearings. Ms. Corriston went over the various reasons and said if there is any question of conflict to bring it up.

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes from January 17, 2023 were adopted.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:            February 21, 2023