Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

February 16, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of February 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 7:38 p.m.

Roll Call – The following members were present: Mayor Knudsen, Chief Van Goor, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Melanie Hooban, 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. Debbie Patire and Fran Barto 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 – Mayor Knudsen said that the Village advertised for Historic Preservation Commission members and should have the Commission regrouped by Mid-March.

Historic Preservation Commission Review: Piccolo Bistro, 29 Chestnut Street, Block 3805, Lot 20.01 – proposed signage – Richard Ackerman from Ridgewood Awning Company was present to explain the proposed sign and location of sign, which will be on the awning valance. Board members asked if the sign would remain when the awning is retracted and Mr. Ackerman said it would. Board members asked if the valance could go across the whole front of the awning and the sign centered on it. Mr. Ackerman agreed that the valance should go across the width of the awning, but the sign should be placed over the entrance. After discussion, the Board recommended approval of the sign.

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

approval to permit restaurant and inn – Mr. Joel announced that this hearing is carried to March 2, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board.

Garber Building, LLC, 2-4 Garber Square, Block 3801, Lot 3 – The resolution of approval for parking variance relief to permit the restaurant and inn was memorialized.

Memorialization of the Resolution for the Stormwater Management Plan element of the Village of Ridgewood Master Plan – The Resolution for the Stormwater Management Plan element of the Master Plan was memorialized.

Memorialization of the Resolution for the Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code

to adopt new Stormwater Management Regulation – The resolution amending the Stormwater Management Regulations of the Village Code was memorialized.

Review of Ordinance #3844 – Ordinance to amend Chapter 190 of the Village Code to adopt new Stormwater Management Regulations – The Board voted to recommend that the Ordinance be adopted as drafted.

Discussion re: Climate Change Bill and the Master Plan – Mr. Martin explained that the Governor signed a Bill that requires municipalities include a Master Plan element regarding climate change. Ms. Bucci-Carter explained that this would be incorporated into the Land Use Element of the Master Plan to identify strategies and design standards to mitigate climate change.

Board members asked what kind of strategies would be implemented. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that the Village already has done things, such as the flood wall around Village Hall. Mr. Rutishauser said that snow storage and flood prevention should be addressed in this element of the Master Plan. Mr. Martin said another part of this Bill has to do with the economic analysis and the preventative aspects, such as dealing with flooding and the need for generators, etc., so that they can anticipate how to allocate funds. Ms. Bucci-Carter said the language in the Bill is broad and could also relate to tree cover, preservation of trees, and many other issues.

Adoption of Minutes:  The minutes from January 5, 2021, were adopted with one correction. The minutes from January 19, 2021, were adopted as drafted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:   March 2, 2021

Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

April 20, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of April 20, 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, Councilwoman Reynolds, Richard Joel, Dianne O’Brien, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Board Attorney; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Debbie Patire and Chief Van Goor 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 – Mayor Knudsen shared correspondence received from resident M. Bronstein regarding tree removal at Hopper Ridge Condominium Association.

Historic Preservation Commission review: Coldwell Banker Realty, 44 Franklin Avenue, Block 3805, Lot 4 – proposed signage. Vickie Ashmead was present to discuss the proposed sign for Coldwell Banker Realty, 44 Franklin Avenue. Ms. Ashmead explained that the new sign is needed due to rebranding at the realtor. Ms. Ashmead described the sign as far as the dimensions and lighting. The Board recommended approval of the sign as submitted.

54 East Ridgewood Landmark, LLC, 54 East Ridgewood Avenue, Block 3809, Lot 7.01 – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval for Minor Site Plan Approval and Variance Relief – The resolution was adopted as drafted.

555 Maple Acquisition Inc., 555 and 565 N. Maple Avenue, Block 2904, Lots 20-26 – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval, Exception from Design Standards and Variance Relief – The resolution was adopted as drafted.

Review of Council Resolution to Adopt the New Jersey Future Aging Friendly Land Use Implementation Plan – Mayor Knudsen explained that there was a request that the Council adopt a resolution that endorses the New Jersey Future implementation plan and the Council thought the Planning Board should review due to certain aspects regarding changes in housing issues.  Mayor Knudsen said there was concern as the Planning Board was deliberate in its efforts to make the Visioning process town wide.

Ms. Bucci-Carter said that the document talks about strategies and action to research as part of future Master Plan actions. The Land Use Plan is next in the Master Plan process and some of these issues still need to be studied and this implementation plan could be seen as a planning tool that identifies issues to consider.

Following further discussion, the Board tabled the matter until the Fall when the next phase of the Master Plan is to be discussed.

The minutes from April 6, 2021, were approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:   May 4, 2021

Ridgewood Planning Board

Virtual Online Public Meeting

April 6, 2021

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of April 6, 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, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, Alysson Wesner and Darlene Johnson. Also present were Stephen Wellinghorst, Board Attorney; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner, and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Debbie Patire and Igor Lyubarskiy 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 – Mayor Knudsen reported that there were a number of applicants for Historic Preservation Commission and the Commission should be reinstated within weeks. Mayor Knudsen said the Council and the Boards should be transitioning to having in-person meetings in May.

Historic Preservation Commission review: 54 East Ridgewood Landmark, LLC, Felina Café, 54 East Ridgewood Avenue – Rooftop Bar – Benjamin Wine, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant.

John Mazza, general contractor, described the proposed materials, using the architectural drawings. Mr. Mazza described the proposed movable panel to be used by the windows, the staircase. The side facing the neighbor tenants will be painted as requested by Mr. Hadadan, and the side facing the bar area will be painted to match the décor. The panels would be set up when the bar area is open, and taken down when closed. The back of the cooking area was changed to paneling and the railing around the parapet will be wrought iron.

Board members suggested that the colors from the ground floor outdoor area be brought up to the roof top area. The applicant agreed to do that. Board members asked how the panels would be put in place. Board members asked if there would be noise when it rained due to the metal roof. Mr. Mazza said the roof material is over plywood and a rubber material so there would not be noise.

Romen Hadadan, 22 Prospect Street, asked about the height of the panel and if the windows in his building would be replaced and clarified the hours the bar would be open. Mr. Mazza said his windows would be replaced with double pane windows and Mr. Wine said they would abide by Village regulations.

The Board was favorable to the application with the changes discussed.

54 East Ridgewood Landmark, LLC, 54 East Ridgewood Avenue, Block 3809, Lot 7.01 – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval for Minor Site Plan Approval and Variance Relief – This matter was carried to the April 20, 2021 meeting.

555 Maple Acquisition Inc., 555 and 565 N. Maple Avenue, Block 2904, Lots 20-26 – Application for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval, Exception from Design Standards and Variance relief as needed to permit the use of a portion of the Property as a surface parking area with an accessory pedestrian shelter (Carried from March 2, 2021 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board) Jonathan Drill, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks. Mr. Drill explained that the property was formerly a Ford dealership and that a portion of the property, lots 22-26, are now proposed to be a commuter parking area for Valley Hospital employees, where they would shuttle to and from the Valley Hospital site in Paramus.

Alexander Lapatka was sworn and his credentials as an engineer and planning expert were accepted. Mr. Lapatka described the existing conditions on the property. Mr. Lapatka stated that lots 20 and 21 are not part of this application. Mr. Lapatka testified as to the site plan describing the existing conditions and the proposed expansion of the existing lot, the number of parking spaces including 5 handicap parking spaces. A bus shelter is proposed for the south side of the lot. Mr. Lapatka showed photos of a bus shelter that Valley Hospital is using in a lot in Paramus as an exhibit. Mr. Lapatka displayed page 4 of the plans and testified regarding the proposed landscaping on the North Maple Avenue side of the lot and the plantings and fence along the west side of the lot. There will be 2 planter boxes by the bus shelter. Mr. Lapatka stated that the landscaping and planter boxes would be up kept by a landscaper, and the planted landscaping would be serviced by irrigation. Mr. Lapatka testified regarding snow removal, stating that the northwest corner of the site would be used, or the snow would be removed from the site if needed. In regards to lighting, the old poles would be removed and replaced with 3 poles with 2 fixtures on each which would be individually controlled and programmable.

Mr. Lapatka stated that the shuttle would run every 15 minutes from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm, and run hourly from 9:30 am to 4 pm, on Monday through Friday.

Mr. Lapatka said that the site would not have an attendant, but would have periodic oversight by Valley Hospital security. The applicant would consider putting a chain across the entrance during off hours. Valley Hospital would give Title 39 authority to the Ridgewood Police Department.

Mr. Lapatka addressed the variances being requested. In regards to lots 20 and 21, which are not part of this application, the setback to residential property is an existing nonconformity which they are proposing to continue. Mr. Lapatka testified that for the proposed parking lot on lots 22-26, the parking spaces on the northerly line are up against the property line, where a 5-foot setback is required, which is an existing condition, and that Valley owns the neighbor lot, therefore, no one is being negatively affected. Mr. Lapatka stated that the parking lot use would be temporary until the new parking facility in Paramus is complete.

Mr. Lapatka testified that there would be no significant traffic impact as the employees using the lot work different shifts and the vehicles are parked for a long duration of time. There would be no dumpster on the property. Mr. Lapatka stated that there would be no significant noise impact.

Board members asked about the fencing along the eastern part of the property and if it was owned by Valley. Mr. Lapatka said there are multiple fences, but that all the Valley owned fences would be removed and replaced. Board members asked about the capacity of the shuttle buses and if the bus shelter was big enough. Board members asked about safety issues. Mr. Drill said that the buses would carry 12-16 people and that the shuttle driver would see that everyone gets to their cars safely. Board members asked how they would prevent people from sleeping in the bus shelter during off hours. Mr. Drill said they could lock the shelter at night.

Board members asked about the route the shuttle drivers would use. The applicant didn’t know that at this time.

Board members asked if spaces along the eastern property line could be reduced for compact cars and the curb moved in 2 feet to provide more landscaping. Ms. Bucci-Carter said that would be an additional variance for parking space size. Mr. Drill said that they would do that and requested the additional variance.

Board members were concerned about the condition of the building and safety issues on lots 20 and 21. Mr. Drill explained that the insurance company will not permit them to repair the building until an investigation is complete. The Board asked them to put a temporary fence around the building for safety reasons.

Public questions:

Beth Ann DiLorenzo, 576 Barnett Place, asked about the lighting and Mr. Lapatka explained about the LED lights and the programmability and that they should not spill over to the neighbors. Ms. DiLorenzo suggested they should lock the bus shelter.

There were no comments from the public and the hearing was closed.

Following Board deliberation, Ms. O’Brien made a motion to approve with the conditions discussed. Chief Van Goor seconded, and all Board members voted yes to approve the application.

Discussion re: Updating Master Plan – Mr. Joel said the Master Plan subcommittee met and reviewed the RFQ which was submitted to the Board. Mayor Knudsen suggested that the RFQ should be more specific about the start time and that there should be a projected date of completion. The Board agreed that the RFQ should be advertised and they should move forward with the Master Plan update.

Adoption of Minutes:  The minutes from March16, 2021, were approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

                                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:   April 20, 2021

Ridgewood Planning Board

Regular Public Meeting

September 20, 2022

The following minutes are a summary of the Planning Board meeting of September 20, 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, Melanie Hooban, Frances Barto, James Van Goor, Darlene Johnson and Igor Lyubarskiy. Also present were Lina Corriston, Esq., substituting for Stephen Wellinghorst, Esq., Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner, and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Sergio Alegre was 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.

Public Hearing on the Village of Ridgewood Master Plan – Mr. Joel made opening comments regarding the Master Plan hearing and the process.

Members of the Master Plan Consultant Team, John Barree and Annette Schultz, were in attendance to present the Master Plan. John Barree began the PowerPoint presentation and he and Ms. Schultz discussed how the Master Plan is to be read and went through the goals, objectives, and the various elements.

There were no questions from the Board.

Public Questions:

Joseph Tauriello, Esq., representing Valley Hospital, referred to a letter sent to the Board commenting on pages in the Master Plan that mentioned Valley Hospital and suggested changes to the language regarding Valley Hospital.

Cynthia Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, made suggestions to add to the draft and made comments regarding the minutes of the meetings where there was discussion about the Master Plan which have not been posted. Ms. Halaby commented that there were few meetings where the Master Plan was discussed and the public given a chance to give their input.

Hans-Jurgen Lehmann, 234 Union Street, commented that this has become a political issue. Mr. Lehmann addressed what he felt were shortcomings of the Master Plan, including the Central Business Area, high density housing, special needs, seniors and assisted living.

Nancy Brennan-Hill, 136 Doremus Avenue, spoke regarding trees and suggested including the specifics of the tree-inventory done recently in the Master Plan.

Caitlin O’Leary, 420 Bedford Road, from the Green Ridgewood committee, spoke regarding the Green Building and Sustainability Element. Ms. O’Leary said the Green Ridgewood Committee is open to assisting in coming up with the green building checklist. Ms. O’Leary said there should be more of a sense of urgency in light of climate change.

Terri Anzano, 464 Fairway Road, asked about the H-Hospital District, mentioned in the Master Plan. Mr. Barree said the Valley Hospital property is part of the Village’s Affordable Housing plan and explained the Ordinance which was adopted last year amending the H-Hospital District/Redevelopment plan. Ms. Anzano asked for clarification regarding the matter and what is happening on the hospital site. Mayor Knudsen explained the settlement agreement with Valley Hospital and the current redevelopment plan.

Pam Perron, 123 Kenilworth Road, commended the committee and the document and made suggestions, such as adding a keyword index, having the Village professionals review relevant elements, correct the typos and grammatical errors, review the corrections sent by the Open Space Committee, and add a photo of the butterfly garden.

Carolyn Jacoby, 160 Godwin Avenue, from the Shade Tree Commission, commended the work which has gone into the document and was pleased to see how the trees were in so much of it and said the Shade Tree Commission is preparing to go to the Council with specific recommendations for moving forward.

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, appreciated everyone’s work and asked how the recommendations would be prioritized and asked what was being done with the Historic Preservation Commission, and thought that the history of Ridgewood should be included in the plan and on the Village website.

Catherine Schmidt, 123 S. Irving Street, asked who is responsible to move forward with the strategic planning. Mr. Barree said the Council is in charge of the budget, the Council and the Planning Board are involved with ordinance adoption, and there are various activities, groups and departments involved with policy change. Ms. Schmidt said someone needs to say what is going to happen. Mayor Knudsen said different departments need to look and make recommendations and that the Planning Board has the opportunity to prioritize.

Sheila Brogan, 302 Kensington Drive, complimented the Master Plan and commented on the marriage of keeping historic traditions and housing as well as updating and being progressive. Ms. Brogan recommended that the possibility of auxiliary dwelling units should be looked at and other ways to help Village residents age in place and commitment to universal design. Ms. Brogan would like to see more community programming and recommended more street furniture and better bus shelters.

Rurik Halaby, 1 Franklin Avenue, commented that pedestrian safety is very important. Mr. Halaby said the Master Plan should be drafted in a user-friendly format and that there should be a section on how to improve governance.  Mr. Halaby feels that the document concentrates too much on the streets and structure of the Village, but not enough on the residents and volunteers that make it work. Mr. Halaby is concerned about the lack of input from the Board members. Mr. Halaby commented on the implementation matrix section of the document and his concern about when any of the changes will be implemented.

Yu Sun, 420 Racetrack Road, from the Open Space Committee, thanked those involved in the Open Space section. Mr. Sun feels that what is lacking is a section on the diversity in Ridgewood. Mr. Sun feels that due to the size of the document more time should be given to the public to read and comment on it.

Glenn Carlough, 200 Dayton Street, spoke on behalf of the Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC), commented on the Downtown Economic Development Element and the Circulation Element appreciated the research put into them. Mr. Carlough said that the CBDAC agrees with the goal of maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the CBD as well as promoting a variety of businesses. Mr. Carlough said the possible formation of a special improvement district was something the CBDAC has been exploring and their Committee is looking forward to assist with accomplishing the items outlined in the Master Plan.

Board members discussed when the hearing on the Master Plan should continue.

The hearing was carried to October 4, 2022 without further notice.

Adoption of Minutes:   The minutes from July 19, 2022 and September 6, 2022 were adopted.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                      Jane Wondergem

                                                                                      Board Secretary

Date Approved:               October 4, 2022