Board of Adjustment Public Meeting Minutes 20150310

Opening:

The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:45 p.m.

Present:       Joel Torielli, Hans-Jurgen Lehmann, Diana Ruhl (8:16p.m.), Shiroy Ranji, Gary Negrycz, Jeffrey Voigt, Jennie Wilson and Sergio Alegre. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Board Attorney and Anthony Merlino, Board Secretary.

Absent:         Alyssa Matthews               

Non-agenda items:

            Board member comments: There were no comments at this time.

            Members of the public comments: There were no comments at this time.

Chairman Torielli announced that Bruce A. Eisenstein, Ph.D., P.E., the radio frequency and cell tower expert retained by the Board was also present.

Public hearings

Chairman Torielli announced that the application of HYUN JUNG SONG and TRICIA SONG, 359 West End Avenue, Block 2311, Lot 17, was being carried to April 14, 2015 without further notice.

Chairman Torielli announced that the application of NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS to modify the existing telecommunications facility and pole at 601 Franklin Turnpike, Block 4703, Lot 17, was being carried to May 12, 2015 without further notice.

Old Business:

MICHAEL HARKIN – An application to permit the construction of an open front porch which will result in a front yard setback of 31.83 feet where 40 feet is the minimum required at 676 Ellington Road, Block 4606, Lot 16, in an R-2 zone. (A continuation from the February 10, 2015 meeting) Mr. Harkin and Stephanie Pantale, Architect, were present. Ms. Pantale was sworn and her credentials accepted by the Board. Mr. Harkin submitted three Google Earth satellite photos which were marked as Exhibits A-1, A-2 and A-3 and described the front yard setbacks for other neighborhood properties. Board members had questions regarding the dimensions of the proposed front porch, the setbacks and the

hardship. Ms. Pantale stated that the position of the house on the property and the curve of the street create the hardship. Mr. Harkin said there is a drainage easement on the property. The Board asked if Mr. Harkin would be willing to consider a narrower porch.

John Frielink, 684 Ellington Road, was sworn and stated that he thinks what Mr. Harkin proposes to do is the right thing for the neighborhood.

After Board deliberation Mr. Voigt made a motion to approve the application as presented, Mr. Lehmann seconded. All members present voted yes.

LINDA CHUANG & KAI-PING WANG – An application to permit the construction of a detached garage which will result in total lot coverage of 24.4%, and lot coverage within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24.4% where 20% is the maximum permitted for both at 131 Oak Street, Block 2210, Lot 27 in an R-2 zone. (A continuation from the February 24^, 2015 meeting) Mr. Wang was present. Mr. Wang said the garage size was reduced and said that the total lot coverage and lot coverage within 140 feet of the front lot line would be 23.75%. The Board members had questions regarding the changes in the driveway. There were no questions or comments from the public. After Board deliberation Mr. Lehmann made a motion to approve the application with the condition that a curb is constructed from the rear corner of the house to the corner of the garage. Ms. Wilson seconded the motion and all members presented voted yes.

Discussion Item:     There was Board discussion regarding upcoming applications and agendas.

There was Board discussion regarding the time allowed for public questions.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Jane Wondergem, Board Clerk

Date Approved: September 22, 2015