20230620 - Planning Board Public Meeting Minutes

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of June 20, 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 7:44 p.m.

Roll Call – The following members were present: Rob Willis, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Fran Barto, Darlene Johnson, Michael Stern, Sergio Alegre and David Refkin. Also present were Steven Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney, and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. John Young, Councilwoman Perron and James Van Goor were absent.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board – Janice Down, 216 S. Broad St., commented on the parking at a doctor’s office next to her building and her concerns regarding the fact that cars park in the emergency spot and they are blocking them in. Ms. Down stated that they call the police and she had the police reports. Mr. Joel suggested that the resolution from that property be pulled. Ms. Down gave the photos and documents to the Board secretary.

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

Garret J. Pinke, Jr., 204 Walton Street, Block 3710, Lot 8 – Application for minor subdivision, soil movement and drainage approval, and variance approval – This hearing was carried to July 18, 2023 without further notice.

Discussion re: Proposed Ordinance Amendments – Mr. Barree explained the following proposed ordinances in response to the annual report from the Zoning Board:

a.           Driveway Ordinance – Mr. Barree described the proposed changes and clarifications to the driveway ordinance and prohibiting circular driveways. There was Board discussion and most Board members agreed with the proposed wording.

b.           Encroachments – Front Porch/Side Steps Ordinance – This ordinance would permit stairs to encroach into the setback 60”, where 45” was previously permitted, and unenclosed front porches could encroach into the front yard setback, no more than 60”, as long as no additional variances are needed.

c.           Front Yard Minimum/Maximum Setback – Mr. Barree explained that this ordinance would look at the prevailing front yard setbacks of the homes of the 5 nearest lots in each direction to determine the consistency of new construction or additions.

d.           Duration of Zoning Board Approvals – This ordinance would extend Zoning Board approvals from 1 year to 2 years.

e.           Escrow Fees – Escrow fees will increase to $2,000 to cover needed professional reviews.

f.            As-Built Survey – As-built surveys would be required for extensive site improvements.

g.           Definitions – Basement and Attic – Clarification of the definitions of basement and attic living space.

h.           Replacement of Non-Conforming Air Conditioners/Generators – If an existing air conditioner, generator, etc., is in a non-conforming location, the replacement of that unit will not need to go to the Zoning Board.

i.            Decks, Patios, and related Improvements – In kind repair or replacement of non-conforming decks, patios, etc., would not be permitted. This ordinance would also require new decks which are four feet or more above grade to be set back from the side lot line the distance required for the principal structure.

j.            Distance form Front Lot Line Standard Measurements – For corner lots, the distance shall be measured from all lot frontages.

Mr. Barree will amend the changes, put them in the correct format and present them to the Council.

Discussion re: Implementation of Master Plan -  Ms. O’Brien stated that the ordinances just discussed were part of the implementation of the Master Plan and that the Historic Preservation Commission will be coming with a presentation. Ms. O’Brien asked if any of the Board members have any updates from the committees they are on. Ms. Barto said the Open Space Committee had canceled a few meetings so an update will be given at a later time.

Mr. Refkin distributed a presentation from Green Ridgewood and went through it with the Board. The presentation included a description of the committee itself and the sub committees within it. Mr. Refkin reported on different ongoing projects as well as recommended Master Plan actions. Mr. Refkin stated that some of the priority recommendations are to incorporate a Green Building Checklist for various applications, a timeline to phase in EV’s, enhancing the Village’s tree canopy, expanding recycling initiatives, promoting recycling, composting and food scrap programs, and encouraging low-maintenance native landscaping, and storm resilience recommendations.

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes from February 21, 2023 were adopted.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:            August 15, 2023