20220531 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

May 31, 2022

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

Absent:  Isaac Lebow and Michael Pickholz

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.

Public hearings

Mr. Brown announced that the Charles Ohrel, 444 Eastgate Road, application was carried to June 14, 2022 without further notice.

New Business:

ANDREW & LAUREN KUPIEC – An application to permit the construction of a two story addition which will result in a coverage by above grade structures for the whole lot of 21.7%, and coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 22.1%, where 20% is the maximum permitted; and coverage by improvements for the whole lot of 49.7%, and coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 49.9%, where 45% is the maximum permitted at 112 North Walnut Street, Block 2010, Lot 9, in an R-2 Zone.

Jordan Rosenberg was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Rosenberg testified to the existing conditions on the property and described the plans he prepared, revised to 2.14.22. Mr. Rosenberg described the existing and proposed coverage and discussed the length of the driveway, which accounts for a substantial amount of the improvement coverage. Mr. Rosenberg identified the variances and stated that the hardships are the lot size and the location of the existing structure on the property.

Board members asked if the applicant would agree to never enclose the front porch. They agreed. Board members were concerned about exacerbating the existing nonconformity and asked if would be possible to have more green space.

Andrew Kupiec, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the oil tank.

The hearing was carried to July 26, 2022, without further notice.

AARON LIEBHABER -  An application to permit a semi-circular driveway which will result in a total driveway width of 35 feet, where 25 feet is the maximum permitted at 20 South Pleasant Avenue, Block 4203, Lot 6, in an R-2 Zone.

Aaron Liebhaber, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to the difficulty and danger of backing out of the driveway, which is located very close to a school. Mr. Liebhaber explained that his property abuts a commercial lot.

Board members had questions regarding the measurement of the width of the driveway. Board members asked if he would be able to widen the driveway without making it a circular drive or narrow the drive on the right side to not exceed 25 feet.

The hearing was carried to July 26, 2022, without further notice.

FRANK AND JEAN TALIERCIO -  An application to permit the construction of a two-story and 2nd story addition which would result in a rear yard setback of 10 feet to the garage and 21 feet to the addition, where 30 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures of 24.7%, where 20% is the maximum permitted; coverage by improvements of 46.7%, where 45% is the maximum permitted; and gross building area of 45%, where 35% is the maximum permitted at 448 Cambridge Road, Block 3002, Lot 7, in an R-2 Zone.

James Delia, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks.

Cathy Benson was sworn and her credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Ms. Benson described the existing conditions on the property and the location of the garage. Ms. Benson testified regarding the proposed floor plan, explaining that they are enclosing part of the existing porch, building over the existing footprint and mudroom, and attaching the garage. Ms. Benson went over the zoning table. Ms. Benson identified the variances and showed a photo board to show other homes in the neighborhood.

Board members asked about the patio and the sheds, which Ms. Benson said were removed. Board members asked about the height and the width of the garage.

Public questions:

Andrew Schwenwede, 447 Bogert Avenue, asked about the height of the garage, the shed and landscaping. Ms. Benson said the shed would be removed and the homeowner is willing to bring the roof height of the garage down.

Public comment:

Andrew Schwenwede, 447 Bogert Avenue, was sworn and commented that the applicant is trying to put too much on the lot.

Board members commented that they did not see the need to connect the garage to the house and it is a lot for the property.

The hearing was carried to July 26, 2022, without further notice.

Resolution Memorialization: The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Tesser, 380 Bedford Road

-        Hearn, 324 Beechwood Road

-        Tepper, 300 Franklin Turnpike

Discussion:  Devins, 76 Park Slope – Request to extend the variance relief for one year to May 28, 2023. Following discussion by the Board the request for extension was denied as the variance approval dated to 2019 and no effort was made to obtain permits.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           June 28, 2022