VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AGENDA

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Village Hall Court Room – 7:30 P.M.

 Call to order

Pledge of Allegiance

Statement required by the Open Public Meeting Act “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in the Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including date and time of this meeting”.

Please note: A curfew of 11:00 PM is strictly adhered to by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood. No new matter involving an Applicant will be started after 10:30 PM. At 10:00 PM the Chairman will make a determination and advise Applicants as to whether they will be heard. If an Applicant cannot be heard because of the lateness of the hour, the matter will be carried over to a future meeting to be determined by the Board at 10:00 PM.

Roll call

Approval of minutes:          

Non-agenda items:

            Board member comments

            Members of the public comments

Public hearings

            Old Business:

JOSE PUELL – An application to permit the construction of an addition to the existing structure which will result in a front yard setback of 37.12 feet where 40 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures of 24.97%, where 20% is the maximum permitted, and where 23.38% is existing for the property located at 671 Newcomb Road, Block 4505, Lot 13, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from November 14, 2017)

 PRASAD/SRIVASTAVA – An application to permit landscape improvements, including a new patio and roofed patio, and other features, as well as an addition to a freestanding garage, which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 22.18% within 140 feet of the front lot line, where 20% is permitted; coverage by improvements of 48.1% of the lot area, where 40% is permitted; coverage by improvements of 52.1% within 140 feet of the front lot line, where 40% is permitted at 140 North Maple Avenue, Block 2012, Lot 5, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from November 28, 2017)

 JOHN & ASHLEY FRANCHINA – An application to permit the construction of a rear porch/deck, replace an existing non-conforming front open porch and the enlargement of same, and install a new walkway from the driveway to the proposed front porch which will result in a front yard setback of 43 feet, where 45 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 24.3%, where 20% is the maximum permitted; coverage by above grade structures w/in 140 feet of the front lot line of 26%/2,513 square feet, where 20%/1,932 square feet is the maximum permitted; coverage by improvements of 39.5%, where 35% is the maximum permitted; coverage by improvements w/in 140 feet of the front lot line of 40.4%, where 35% maximum permitted; Gross Building Area of 36.6%, where 34% is the maximum permitted and Gross Building Area w/in 140 feet of front lot line of 39.2%, where 34% is the maximum permitted at 208 North Walnut Street, Block 2002, Lot 9, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from January 9, 2018)

 New Business:

ROBERT & VERONICA OTTEN – An application to permit the construction of a full second floor, and an addition to the rear, along with the construction of a new front porch and steps, along with a new patio, entry platform and steps in the rear of the home which will result in a front yard setback of 22.5 feet, where 40 feet is required; side yard setback of 4.1 feet, where 10 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 28.2%, where 20% is the maximum permitted; coverage by improvements of 50.6%/3,061 square feet, where 45%/2,721 square feet is the maximum permitted and setback to patio of less than 10 feet at 426 Jackson Terrace, Block 1704, Lot 18, in the R-2 Zone. (Carried from January 9, 2018)

MICHAEL & ELLEN McKENNA – An application to permit the construction of a one-story rear addition, rear entry steps and walkway and second story addition which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 22.9%, where 20% is the maximum permitted and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 23.4% where 20% is the maximum permitted at 416 Colonial Road, Block 3609, Lot 3, in the R-2 Zone. (Carried from January 9, 2018)

SHAWN & DIANNE O’BRIEN – An application to expand and otherwise improve the home, and expand the driveway and construct a deck which will result in coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 22%, where 20% is the maximum permitted at 338 South Irving Street, Block 4105, Lot 13, in the R-2 Zone.

MARK & STEPHANIE BARONE – An application to permit the construction of a new deck and steps at the rear of the dwelling which will result in a setback distance from the deck to the garage of less than 12 feet, where 12 feet is the minimum required at 677 Arcadia Road, Block 4503, Lot 19, in the R-2 Zone.

SUNIL & VANITA PATEL – An application to permit the construction of a two-story covered entry and a 2nd story addition which will result in a side yard setback of 10.7 feet, where 20 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 21.8 feet, where 25 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 22.16%, where 20% is the maximum permitted; coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 46.95%, where 45% is the maximum permitted and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 32.28%/3,391sq ft, where 32%/3,360sq ft. is the maximum permitted at 713 Heights Road, Block 1403, Lot 14, in the R-1 Zone. (Carry to February 13, 2018 with notice)

     Resolution memorialization:

• SL Ridgewood 2015 d/b/a Serendipity Labs, 45 N. Broad St.
• Purington/Dickinson, 151 Grant St.
• Neiley, 660 Linwood Ave.

           Discussion

           Adjournment

Annual Financial Statements

2020 Annual Financial Statement (UNAUDITED)

2017 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)

2016 Annual Financial Statement (UNAUDITED)

In the early 1900’s, Ridgewood was growing as a commuting community. Most of the area was farmland with few trees. The Village government appointed a Commission for the purpose of planting trees in the business area and eventually the surrounding streets. Thousands of trees were planted over the years. At one point over 50 town employees worked on Shade Tree projects.

For decades, shade trees and plantings were the purview of the Shade Tree Commission. However; in 1964 the structure of Village government was changed and the Shade Tree Commission was eliminated.   By the 1980’s, shade tree responsibility was folded into the Parks and Recreation Department. Ridgewood was designated a Tree City, which meant it should have a Shade Tree Department as well as appropriate ordinance, but less attention was paid to trees.    

REAC (Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee) discussed this problem, researched the Village’s ordinance, noticed how out of date it was, and decided to look at other towns’ ordinances. After one year, a large study was presented to the Council for their comments. A Shade Tree Commission was also proposed, and presented to the Council. In 2014 the Council agreed to appoint the Shade Tree Commission. The commission is in the process of reinvigorating interest, appreciation and investment in   Shade Trees in Ridgewood.  

Mission Statement:

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission’s (STC) purpose is to protect, preserve and enhance the shade trees in the village. Shade Trees are defined as Trees planted next to streets on the Village’s property.   The STC’s goals are to foster public-private partnerships to 1) educate the community about the contribution shade trees make to the Village environment and, 2) increase the number of shade trees in the village by actively promoting community tree planting programs.

Who to contact:

• Emergency - a tree or branch is broken or down and poses a safety risk…………….……………..911
• Report problem or concern - ................(Parks and Recreation Dept.) ………........….…201-670-5565  
• General Information - about trees, regulations, getting involved: RST@RidgewoodNJ.NET 

Brief History:

After several decades of low Village priority a group of community members worked to increase awareness of the decline in the health and number of shade trees in the Village. Their efforts eventually resulted in the Village Council appointing a Shade Tree Commission in 2014. In fact, this was a reestablishment of a Shade Tree Commission which had prospered is the 30’s-50’s and was responsible for planting most of the trees we now enjoy.

History

Current Status:

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission has been officially recognized by the state.  Our Community Forestry 5 Year Plan was approved January 2017.  This approved status will allow us to apply for grants to maintain and plant shade trees.  Currently we are planning on surveying all Village street trees.  There are over 10,000.  This survey will indicate species, size, age, condition, exact location and also inform us about empty spaces in need of planting.

How citizens can get involved;

1. Request a town tree – a limited number of trees is planted by the Village each year. There is, unfortunately, a long waiting list and priority is given to areas with the most need.
2. Adopt-a-tree program
3. Encourage involvement of community groups in tree planting/adopting programs.  

How to Obtain a Replacement Tree?

Adopt a Tree Application

How can I get involved

Village Code Regulations

There are general guidelines and regulations such as recommended trees, planting locations and setbacks which apply to planting Shade Trees. The STC is in the process of developing additional materials to encourage successful planting or replacing shade trees.

Village Rules and Regulations

What is a Village “ Shade Tree”?

A Village shade tree is a tree which belongs to the Village and is planted in the right-of-way of a Village street.   This may include the median between the street and the sidewalk but can also include trees planted where no sidewalk exists or on the property owner’s side of the sidewalk. The width of the right-of-way can vary from street to street. It is measured from the center of the street to the property owner’s land. The distance can vary from 10 to 15 ft. depending on the location. (check village tax map for specific locations)

Village Shade trees are the responsibility of the Village and cannot be removed or pruned without Village permission.

Why Are Shade Trees Important?

Shade Trees:

• Provide shade to cool homes, streets, in fact, the entire Village
• Cooler homes require less air conditioning which reduces energy costs and its impact on the environment.
• Clean air and reduce ozone and C02 levels
• Generate oxygen for “fresher, healthier” air
• Reduce rainwater run-off and erosion and stream pollution
• Provide habit for wildlife
• Increase the beauty and serenity of the Village
• Increase property values and the sense of Village commitment to the community