20230228 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

February 28, 2023

Opening:

The public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:15 p.m.

Present:  Greg Brown, Matthew Bandelt, Gary Negrycz, Jason Curreri and Harold Maxwell were present. Also present were Sophy Sedarat, Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:  Diana Ruhl, Michael Pickholz, Jonathan Papietro, and Jamie Fox were absent.

Minutes:          The minutes from February 14, 2023 were adopted.

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 Noah, 703 Midwood Road, application was carried to April 25, 2023 without further notice.

New Business:

MICHAEL & JULIE KANTROWITZ – An application to permit the construction of an addition, reconfigure and relocate pool house patio, removal of existing detached garage and removal of existing covered porch, walkway and steps which would result in gross building area of 22.01%, where the maximum permitted is 20%; and gross building area within 175 feet of the front lot line of 25.59%, where the maximum permitted is 20% at 126 S Hill Road, Block 1907, Lot 4, in an R110 Zone. (Carried from January 24, 2023 without further notice)

Matthew Weiss, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks.

Michael Kantrowitz, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the purchase of the property and the reasons for the proposed changes. Mr. Kantrowitz stated that the location of the existing garage is not ideal and the proposed addition would also provide room for study areas and home offices. Mr. Kantrowitz said the area where the existing garage is would be replaced with garden and grass.

Vincent Falotico was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Falotico testified regarding the plans he prepared. He displayed and explained the floor plans and elevations. Mr. Falotico went over the zoning table and the gross building area of each floor.

Board members asked about the size of the home office area and necessity of that much space. Board members asked if they had looked at designs that went out the back and would have less impact on the streetscape. Board members expressed concern regarding the mass of what is proposed.

Board members asked about the passageway and if it was included in the gross building area. Following discussion and input from Mr. Barree, it was determined that it did not need to be included.

Mr. Weiss said there was an alternative plan. Ms. Sedarat explained that they would need to submit the alternate plan so the Board members could review it and the public could have access to it.

The application was carried to April 25, 2023 without further notice.

DANIEL & KATHERINE SAVITSCUS – An application to  permit the construction of a second story addition which would result in a front yard of 39.54 feet, where 40 feet is the minimum required; a front yard setback of 33.34 feet, to the proposed covered porch, where 40 feet is required; and for the construction of a one story addition which would result in a rear yard setback to the stairs of 23.9 feet, and maintain a rear yard of 27.5 feet to the addition, where 30 feet is required; and would result in a distance of 8.5 feet, to the existing     garage, where 12 feet is the minimum required at 8 Fairmount Road, Block 1501, Lot 2, in an R-1 Zone.

Michael Scro was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted.

Daniel and Katherine Savitscus, homeowners, were sworn.

Mr. Scro described the property and the existing nonconformities. Mr. Scro stated that the location of the dwelling on the property is due to the terrain and the lot depth. Mr. Scro testified that they are not seeking any coverage variances and they are not exacerbating the current setbacks. Mr. Scro went over the floor plans and the elevations and discussed the materials and trim to be used.

Board members asked about the existing setbacks and if they agree to not enclose the portico. Board members asked how far the second floor overhang would project. Mr. Scro stated it would project 12-14”. Board members asked for confirmation that any attic area over 7’ in height was included in the gross building area. Mr. Scro said it was.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mr. Savitscus made closing comments.

Following Board deliberation, Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve, Mr. Bandelt seconded, and the application was approved with the condition that the portico would never be enclosed.

Resolution Memorialization: The following resolution was memorialized:

-        Pollard, 679 Ellington Road – Front porch only

Discussion: Mr. Brown addressed the annual report, commenting that after previous discussion, he would include the need to have Mr. Barree do completeness reviews and that there should be an increase in the amount of escrow required. Ms. Sedarat agreed that it is beneficial to have the Engineer or Planner do completeness reviews.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           March 14, 2023