Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission

Meeting Minutes

November 8, 2022

Opening

The regular meeting of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission was called to order at 7:35PM. The meeting was held in the Village Hall Garden room.

Present

Andrew Lowry, Declan Madden, Ian, Mahmoud Hamza, Maria Damasco, Nancy Brennan-Hill, Pamela Perron, Yamini Chinni

Organizational Tasks:

Minutes from Oct 2022 approved

Current STC membership comprised of 7 regular + 2 alternates. Voting was conducted to see if alternates should continue or do all the members become regular.  Based on the results of the voting it was decided that all the members will become regular members.

Current STC membership tenure varies from 1 year to 5 years. Voting was conducted to see if 3 years tenure for all members should be the way forward and it was agreed upon by the majority of the STC

There will be 2-3 vacancies by the end of 2022

NJ guidelines state that meeting minutes should be posted on the town website. This helps in getting aid.

Fall Planting:

Existing tree removals to begin from Nov 9^th, 2022

Email was sent out regarding the CBD tree removal along with posters in the downtown area.

The planting effort will entail, first removing the existing trees (including stumps) , fill mulch and new soil and then planting new trees

Every newly planted tree will get deer protection as well as a gator bag in the Spring. For residential trees after-care letters will be put as door hangers for the nearby home owner.

Budgetary discussions:

The intent is to contract out the watering for trees in CBD in Spring. As long as this expense is part of  the capital budget it can be pushed for use in the next year.

It was proposed that the remaining budget from this year be used to do a tree inventory. There was a discussion if the budget for this would need to go to the CFO as it will be re-purposed from the original intent. It was advised that generic language was used and hence it may not require the CFO review.

It was suggested that Dina Kat be paid a stipend to work on the grants for STC. Cynthia may also be interested and will be invited to the next STC meeting.

Misc:

Initial Tree Canopy plan (10 year tree plan) has been created and will be reviewed when Carolyn and Adam are present. About 500 trees per year will make a difference to the canopy. 

A meeting needs to be set up to come up with the estimates for fulfilling the Tree Canopy plan.

Declan mentioned about a dashboard that shows where the trees are being planted. STC members were interested in viewing the dashboard and Andrew to forward the email with access details

Yamini and Ian to work on setting up a drive for better organization of files for the STC

Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

October 18, 2022

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of October 18, 2022. 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 7:40 p.m.

Roll Call – The following members were present: Mayor Knudsen, John Young, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’ Brien, Melanie Hooban, James Van Goor, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Fran Barto and Sergio Alegre 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 – Ms. O’Brien reported on the October 13 Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Mayor Knudsen reported that the Council is discussing an ordinance which would require a hold on the issuance of a demolition permit where a historic property or structure is involved pending the first available Historic Preservation Commission meeting and thirty days thereafter.

Councilwoman Reynolds arrived to the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Avenue, Block 2003, Lot 8 – Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval for paving and striping existing parking lot, lighting improvements and changes to site landscaping. (Continued from October 4, 2022 without further notice)

Joseph Russo, Esq., stated that they have no further witnesses.

Public questions:

William Fajardo, 229 N. Walnut Street, asked when the LED lights were put in. Mr. McGeary said the existing wall packs were converted to LED in 2017-18 and 3 wall packs were added to increase visibility in the parking lot and this was done with permission from the town.

Joseph Donlan, 232 N. Maple Avenue, asked why there was a blank on the Site Plan Exemption application where it asked for prior approvals.

Board Professional reports:

John Barree, Village Planner, commented on the inconsistency with what was approved by the Site Plan Exemption Committee and what was done, the Committee was told the lights would be on until 10:00 pm and now they say 10:30 pm, which is an open issue. Mr. Barree had commented in the report regarding the shielding and the landscaping, which are still open issues.

There were no questions from the public for Mr. Barree.

Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer, was sworn. Mr. Rutishauser commented that he had issued summonses to the applicant, which is why they are before the Board. Mr. Rutishauser commented on the tree line and the lack of a barrier between the Church and the properties to the north of the properties, and the recent significant trimming of the trees.

Board members asked if there was a way to screen or shield the lighting. Mr. Rutishauser said that vegetative screening would need significant height to achieve the needed screening, but the lights could have reduced lumens power and be installed with shielding to cast the light down on the driveway.

Mr. McGeary said the trees were trimmed recently due to a lot of dead branches.

Mr. Rutishauser testified regarding photos he had taken around the parking lot, the building, and of the trees. The photos were marked as Exhibits B-1 thru B-12.

Mr. Barree testified regarding photos taken on July 19, 2022, marked as Exhibits B-13 and B-14.

Mr. Barree’s report was marked as Exhibit B-15 and Mr. Rutishauser’s report was marked as Exhibit B-16.

Board members asked about the locations of the lights and the light spillage to the neighboring yards and how much the lighting is affected by the thinning of the trees and what is being caused by vehicles with their lights on. Board members asked about the existing fences and who owns them.

Mr. Rutishauser said the headlight issue could be resolved with fencing and the spillage from the wall packs could be remedied with reduced intensity.

There was Board discussion regarding what could be planted to shield the headlights.

Mr. McGeary said that they could turn off 2 of the wall packs on the east side of the building after 10:30 pm and he showed the Board a shield that could be put on the wall lights.

Public questions:

Joseph Donlan, 232 N. Maple Avenue, asked about the necessity to cut as much of the trees as they did and asked how they were supposed to protect themselves from the lights and glare. Mr. McGeary suggested they put up a fence.

Laurie Howard, 218 N. Maple Avenue, stated she contacted the church and planted arborvitae, she said the wall packs are bright and the shields should help. Ms. Howard said that the neighbors need a contact person at the church. Ms. Howard said she has concerns regarding the EV parking spaces.

Board members asked if signage could be put in the parking lot prohibiting idling and leaving car headlights on. Board members asked if the church had invited the neighbors to their activities.

Mr. Russo asked about the EV issues and if it was required. Mr. Rutishauser said it is required to make ready for the EV spaces.

Public Testimony:

William Fajardo, 229 N. Walnut Street, commented that his home was there before the church, in response to Mr. Russo’s comment that the church was there first. Mr. Fajardo said that the church actives should end at 9:30 pm so the lights could go off at 10 pm and asked that no additional shrubbery be removed during paving.

Joseph Donlan, 232 N. Maple Avenue, commented that this is the 3^rd time he is going through this with the church and the neighbors need protection.

Mr. Russo made closing comments and the hearing was closed.

Following Board deliberation, Mayor Knudsen made a motion to approve the application with the conditions discussed, and Councilwoman Reynolds seconded. The application was approved.

Public Hearing on the Village of Ridgewood Master Plan (Continued from September 20, 2022 and carried from October 4, 2022, without further notice)

Mr. Barree testified regarding the updates made following a meeting with the Master Plan Committee, stating that he was able to incorporate many of the suggestions and comments made. There were no major changes made as most of the changes were typos and updates to tables.

There were no questions from the Board.

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment:

Cynthia Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, commented that the Master Plan should not be adopted as the public did not see a red-line version of the revised document and there was no mention of the meeting. Ms. Halaby commented that a photo of the butterfly garden was not included as requested.

The hearing was closed.

Board members asked if the photo of the butterfly garden could still be included. Mr. Barree said it was included.

Mayor Knudsen said there were multiple announcements regarding the meeting and the process was completed with a tremendous amount of public input.

Ms. Hooban made a motion to adopt the Master Plan, Ms. Johnson seconded, and the Master Plan was adopted.

Discussion re: HC (Highway Commercial) Zone – permitted signs – Mayor Knudsen commented that the stores in the strip mall on the Burroughs Poole property, in the Highway Commercial Zone, are difficult to see due to the ramp coming onto the highway off of Paramus Road. Store owners with lighted signs in the window were told they needed to turn off the signs as they were prohibited according to the existing code. Mr. Barree explained what the Village Code says in regards to the Highway Commercial Zone and the B-2 Zone. The issue may be the number of signs or the size of the signs.

The Board agreed that due to the difference between the B-2 zone, which has a speed limit of 25mph and a lot of foot traffic, and the Highway Commercial Zone, which has a speed limit of 55mph and no foot traffic, the ordinance should be amended to allow lighted interior signs. Mr. Barree will work on an amendment.

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes of October 4, 2022 were adopted as drafted.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:               December 6, 2022

Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

November 1, 2022

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of November 1, 2022. 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, John Young, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’ Brien, Fran Barto, James Van Goor, Igor Lyubarskiy and Sergio Alegre. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Melanie Hooban and Darlene Johnson were absent.

Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board –  Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, commented that residents who have 6-foot fences are allowing them to deteriorate because if they replace them they are restricted to 4-foot fences. Ms. Lima suggested allowing residents with 6-foot fences be permitted to update in kind. Ms. Lima commented that she is seeing a lot of non-historical colors and lighting in the historic central business district.

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Mayor Knudsen commented that she saw photos from many years ago of colors, such as red and orange, downtown.  In regards to the lighting, Mayor Knudsen said that Council members are looking into what is permitted and what has been done.

Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Avenue, Block 2003, Lot 8 – Preliminary and Final Site Plan – Resolution of approval – Board members asked about the landscape plan, which has not yet been submitted. Mr. Wellinghorst said that he discussed the matter with Mr. Russo and the landscape would be submitted soon. The Board suggested adding to the resolution that the landscape plan should be submitted within 30 days. Board members asked about the condition in the resolution which states that light shields be installed for all lighting in the parking lot, and Mr. Wellinghorst stated that Mr. Russo said the shielding would be on all lights. The Board discussed the wording of the condition. Board members asked about the requirement regarding the E-V charging stations. Mr. Wellinghorst said the law is unclear regarding that matter. The condition in the resolution will say that the church will do what is required by law regarding the E-V charging stations.

The resolution was memorialized with the revisions discussed.

Tasko Enterprises, LLC, 315 E. Glen Avenue, Block 3106, Lots 20.01 and 20.02 – Adoption of Revised Resolution – Mr. Wellinghorst went over the revisions to the resolution. Board members asked Ms. Lima if the plantings were compliant with what the resolution required. Ms. Lima said that planting has been done and is aesthetically better and that although the number of trees may not be there, there isn’t room for additional trees. Ms. Lima said that there are no sprinklers so some of the arborvitaes are dying. Ms. Lima commented that a row of trees is between the properties, but no fence as the resolution required.

The resolution was memorialized.

Resolution of adoption of the Village of Ridgewood Master Plan – Mayor Knudsen thanked everyone for their hard work on the Master Plan. The resolution was adopted.

Discussion re: Ordinance amending permitted signs in the HC (Highway Commercial) Zone – Mayor Knudsen said that John Barree will be working on the amended ordinance with the Village attorney and it will be reviewed by the Council before it comes back to the Board.

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, asked where she could find details on the ordinance and asked if the property at 225 Paramus Road, which is in the HC zone, would be permitted to use any lighting that is approved for the shopping center.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:               December 6, 2022

Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

March 16, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of March 16, 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: Mayor Knudsen, Chief Van Goor, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Debbie Patire, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Christopher Martin, Board Attorney; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Melanie Hooban and Darlene Johnson were absent.

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

Christopher Martin announced that he accepted a job with the Attorney General’s office and that this would be his last meeting. The Board had appointed Harwood Lloyd, LLC, as the Attorneys for the Board, and Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., of Harwood Lloyd, LLC, will take over as Board Attorney during the period of transition. Board members expressed their gratitude to Mr. Martin and his commitment to the Board for the past 5 years.

Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics – Mayor Knudsen reported that the Council would be conducting interviews for the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Knudsen asked if the Board would prepare a letter supporting the application by the Village for the New Jersey Historic Trust grant for the preservation of the Zabriskie-Schedler House.

54 East Ridgewood Landmark, LLC, 54 East Ridgewood Avenue, Block 3809, Lot 7.01 – Application for Minor Site Plan Approval and Variance relief as needed permit a rooftop bar and rooftop food bar – Jason Tuvel, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks regarding the 2018 decision from the Zoning Board of Adjustment that the use is permitted. Mr. Tuvel explained the 2 variances being requested for the setback of the bar and food bar areas.

Anthony Bucco, chef and partner of Felina Restaurant, was sworn and testified as to the outside dining and the rooftop plan. Mr. Bucco explained that there would be a food bar for pizza and cold preparation, a traditional bar and seating for 40 people. Mr. Bucco testified as to the days and hours of operation, garbage disposal, railings and planters, lighting, music and screening. A lighting plan will be submitted, and the applicant will work with the owner of the neighboring building in regards to screening for the tenants whose windows look onto the rooftop.

Board members asked if there had been a review from the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Tuvel asked that the Historic Preservation Commission review be done separately. Board members had concerns about noise and light attenuation for the tenants next door. Board members had questions about the bar and if there would be seating all the way around. Mr. Bucco stated that there would be 12 seats around the bar, the side closest to the apartment would be used as a serving area.

Public Questions: Romen Hadadan, owner of neighboring building had concerns about the safety of his tenants as patrons of the rooftop area would be able to see into the apartment windows. Mr. Hadadan explained that the windows on his building were the original windows and that new windows may help with the noise. Mr. Bucco said they would screen the area and ensure privacy for the tenants with removable screens, also ensuring that when the rooftop area was not in use the tenants would get air and light. Mr. Bucco said they would work with Mr. Hadadan on the design of the screen.

Jeff Fleisher was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Fleisher testified as to the plans he prepared. Mr. Fleisher described the screening for the rooftop equipment, and stated he would work with the neighbor regarding the screening for the tenants next door. Mr. Fleisher will provide a lighting plan. Mr. Fleisher described the elevations, stating that the bar area would be a metal structure that would be gray with white trim and columns. The food prep area would match in color and have a sloped roof. Mr. Fleisher stated that the building elevation, parapet and railing had prior approval from HPC.

Board members asked how customers got to the roof, Mr. Fleisher indicated the stairs on the plans. Board members asked about the design of the railing and the colors and materials for the bar and food bar areas. Mr. Fleisher said he would provide a rendering and samples of the materials to be used. Board members asked if the railing could go all the way around to the stairs, Mr. Fleisher said they would do that. Board members asked if the screening would go around the food bar, Mr. Fleisher said it could.  

There were no questions from the public for Mr. Fleisher.

Kate Keller was sworn and her credentials as a professional planner accepted. Ms. Keller testified as to the variances being requested, stating that the benefits outweighed the detriment. Ms. Keller stated that using the rooftop as an outdoor dining space promotes the principles in the master plan, maintains aesthetics and keeps the downtown active. Ms. Keller stated the negative criteria, noise and visual impact, is being mitigated.

There were no questions from the Board or the public for Ms. Keller.

Ms. Bucci-Carter’s report was marked as Exhibit B-1. Ms. Bucci-Carter testified that the Mr. Rutishauser’s report was marked as Exhibit B-2.

Mr. Tuvel summarized the stipulations.

Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner, was sworn and went over the items from her report which were stipulated to. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked if the applicant was going to complete the façade as it was approved by HPC. They said it would be. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked about the sewer connection fee and the applicant was aware of that condition.

Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, was sworn and testified that drainage on the rooftop is not an issue, but that he had a concern about lightning conditions. Mr. Fleishman said everyone would be able to evacuate safely if needed and agreed to installing a lightening detector.

There was no public comment and the hearing was closed.

Following Board deliberation, during which the stipulations made included that the applicant would agree to replace the windows of the building next door and to review conditions in October, Mayor Knudsen made a motion to approve, Ms. Patire seconded, and all members voted yes.

Historic Preservation Commission: Sneaker Stop, 136 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Block 3704, Lot 1 – proposed sign – Board members reviewed the sign, which is already installed, and recommended approval.

Hopper Ridge Condominium Association, Inc., Block 4104, Lot 3 –- Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval for Major Preliminary and Final Site Plan, Soil Movement and variance approval – The resolution was adopted as drafted.

Garber Building, LLC, 2-4 Garber Square, Block 3801, Lot 3 – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval for Minor Site Plan approval – The resolution was adopted as drafted. The applicant will come back to the Board in regards to signage and outdoor furniture.

Adoption of Minutes:  The minutes from March 2, 2021, were approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:   April 6, 2021