20211012 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2021

 

Opening:

 

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

 

Present:         Present:  Greg Brown, Matthew Bandelt, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow, Jonathan Papietro, and Jason Curreri. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. 

 

Absent:          Michael Pickholz

 

Resolution memorialization: The following resolutions were memorialized:

• Evolve Med Spa Ridgewood, LLC, 189 E. Ridgewood Avenue
• Russo Family LP, 19 N. Broad Street

 

Non-agenda items:

 

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

             

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

 

Public Hearings:

 

Chairman Brown announced that the Outfront Media, LLC, 500 Route 17 South, application was carried to November 9, 2021, without further notice.

 

New Business:

 

KAREN & KEVIN McCANN - An application to permit the construction of an above ground pool which will result in coverage by above grade structures of 30.6%, where 20% is permitted at 236 Walthery Avenue, Block 3308, Lot 13, in an R-2 Zone. (Carried from September 28, 2021 without further notice)

 

James Stevens, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks as well as describing the existing conditions of the property and stating that the property is an undersized lot.

 

Karen and Kevin McCann, homeowners, were sworn. Ms. McCann testified as to the drawing which was submitted, marked as Exhibit A-1. Ms. McCann displayed photos of the proposed pool and safety ladder being proposed and photos of the existing conditions on the property and the proposed location for the pool, and photos of an inflatable pool used in the same location for the proposed pool.

 

Board members asked about the size of the pool and how it would be drained. Board members asked about the existing coverage by above grade structure which is greater than 20%. The existing deck is not part of the above grade structures as it is not more than 12 inches above grade. Board members suggested that an in ground pool would not require a variance. Board members asked about the existing landscaping.

 

There were no questions or comments from the public.

 

The hearing was carried to November 9, 2021, without further notice so an updated plan could be submitted and the question of hardship can be addressed.

 

 

RICHARD JACOBSEN – An application to permit the construction of a one story addition which would result in gross building area for the whole lot of 20.74%, and gross building area within 200 feet of the front lot line of 23.12%, where 20% is the maximum permitted at 175 Elmsley Court, Block 2104, Lot 3.04, in an R-125 Zone.

 

Richard Jacobsen, homeowner, was sworn.

 

Vincent Graziano was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Graziano testified as to the existing conditions and the proposed enclosure of a portion of the existing covered porch to create office space to work from home.

 

Board members asked about the hardship. Mr. Graziano said the benefit to the applicant outweighs any public detriment. Mr. Whitaker explained the need for office space as he is working from home. Mr. Whitaker explained there would need to be a substantial public benefit. Board members asked if the addition could be lined up with the existing patio. Mr. Graziano explained that he pushed the wall further out due to the existing built-in cabinetry and shelving and an in-swinging door. Board members asked if there was space in the existing structure that could be used for office space. Mr. Jacobsen explained that it could not. Mr. Graziano stated that the addition is minimal and is not visible from the street.

 

There were no questions or comments from the public.

 

Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion to deny, Mr. Negrycz seconded, and the application was denied.

 

Discussion: Annual Report – Mr. Brown said he would write a cover page and prepare the report to be reviewed at the next meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

 

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

 

Date Approved: November 9, 2021