VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

May 10, 2022

Opening:

The public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:48 p.m.

Present:  Greg Brown, Matthew Bandelt, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow, Jonathan Papietro, Jason Curreri and Harold Maxwell. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney; Chris Piersa, Village Engineer; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:  Michael Pickholz

Minutes:          The minutes from April 26, 2022 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 Michael and Stephanie Tesser, 380 Bedford Road, and the Nate and Kelly Hearn, 324 Beechwood Road, were carried to May 24, 2022 without further notice.

Resolution memorialization:   The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Clifford, 318 Richards Road

-        Gnerre, 280 South Pleasant Avenue

Old Business:

OUTFRONT MEDIA LLC – An application for preliminary and final major site plan approval for the construction and operation of a single pole, double faced, digital multi-message advertising sign which is a prohibited use and will result in a second principal use; expansion of an existing non-conforming use and bulk variance relief at 500 Route 17 South, Block 4703, Lot 10, in the OB-2 Zone. (Carried from February 8, 2022 without further notice)

Lou D’Arminio, Esq., was present on behalf of Outfront Media, LLC.

Robert Inglima, Jr., Esq., was present on behalf of Bergen Convenience Flagship, Inc.

Douglas Standriff, Esq., was present on behalf of AK Realty LLC.

Jon Antal, General Manager of the New Jersey operation for Outfront Media, LLC, was previously sworn and continued his testimony with Exhibits A-9 a & b and Exhibits A-10 a & b which showed a rendering of the billboard on Route 17 from the northbound and southbound lanes. Exhibits A-11 a& b and Exhibit A-12 a & b showed the billboard on Route 17 in Maywood from the northbound and southbound lanes.

Board members asked about the distance from the roadway and the height for both the proposed sign and the Maywood sign and questioned why the Ridgewood sign is taller. Mr. Antal said the location and height is based on the individual lot and the proposed height of 39 feet is believed to be appropriate at that location. Board members asked if the location and height of the proposed sign is due to the agreement with Bergen Convenience Flagship, Inc. Mr. D’Arminio said that the proposed location is appropriate and also benefitted the property to the south.

There were no questions from the Board professionals.

Mr. Standriff distributed an aerial view photo which was marked as Object AK-1, and asked if the applicant considered that the location for the proposed sign was near a historic cemetery and across from a residential zone district. Mr. D’Arminio said that would be addressed by the planner.

Mr. Standriff showed Exhibit Object AK-4, a zoom of the applicant’s Exhibit A-4, to show how the sign may look from the second floor of 545 Route 17 South. Mr. D’Arminio questioned the accuracy of the simulation. Mr. Standriff showed more photos of what the sign may look like from various locations at 545 Route 17, asking Mr. Antal if he thought the sign would be visible from those locations. Mr. Antal said he believed they would see the pole, not the sign. Mr. D’Arminio had objections to the accuracy of many of the exhibits shown by Mr. Standriff.

Board members asked if the location of the simulations shown by Mr. Standriff were from 10 feet from the roadway or 30 feet from the roadway. Mr. Whitaker asked that the applicant’s engineer measure out what 30 feet would be and simulate that from the property line.

Questions from the public:

Denise Lima, 319 E. Glen Avenue, asked if there were any views of the signs closer than 500 feet. Mr. D’Arminio said there were not but they could check into it. Ms. Lima asked if Ridgewood had any authority in regards to the advertisements shown on the sign. Mr. Antal said that Ridgewood could reach out to them to change something, but Ridgewood would not control what is shown. Ms. Lima asked if any research was done on the amount of accidents on that stretch of highway. Mr. Antal said there was not.

Susan Knudsen, 120 Circle Avenue, asked at what point would someone with perfect vision clearly read the billboard. Mr. D’Arminio said another witness would answer that. Ms. Knudsen asked why the distance study was 750 and 500 feet. Mr. Antal stated that at 750 feet you see that something is coming up and at 500 feet you should be able to read it. Ms. Knudsen asked if homes within 500 feet should be able to read it then. Mr. Antal stated that different angles would affect the visibility of the message. Ms. Knudsen asked if there was any agreement, or if anyone had met with anyone from the Village regarding Ridgewood advertising. Mr. Antal said they have not.

Jacqueline Hone, 30 Carriage Lane, asked about the view from her residence across the highway and if any photos had been taken when the trees are bare. Mr. D’Arminio said there should be some. Ms. Hone asked about traffic studies, Mr. D’Arminio said someone else could answer that question. Ms. Hone asked for an explanation on ambient lighting, about the size and height of the sign, how many of this type of sign in New Jersey and where they are located. Ms. Hone asked for clarification of the setback of the Maywood sign in comparison to the proposed sign.

Salvo Infantino, 6 Betty Court, asked why the applicant’s simulation was more realistic than the objector’s simulation. Mr. D’Arminio said the engineer will answer that questions.

Patricia Infantino, 6 Betty Court, asked about the traffic on 17 North and the exit to West Saddle River Road and if the sign would be a distraction to drivers. Mr. D’Arminio said no traffic analysis was done.

Matthew Rossi, 516 West Saddle River Road, asked how long Mr. Antal has been doing this job and if he was familiar with any studies about depreciation of residential areas around these billboards. Mr. Antal said that has never come up. Mr. Rossi asked about their public service and impact to the community. Mr. D’Arminio said the planner will testify to that.

Mr. D’Arminio asked Mr. Antal about the zoning and where billboards could be located. Mr. Antal had testified that billboards can only be located in industrial and commercial areas and no state permit for a billboard could be obtained for a billboard in a residential area.

Board members asked if there were any rules on how far a residential zone has to be from a commercial zone to put up a billboard. Mr. D’Arminio said the NJDOT has no rules about that, but towns may.

Mr. Brown and Mr. Whitaker explained the hearing procedure to the public.

The hearing was carried to June 28, 2022 without further notice.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           May 31, 2022

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

APRIL 26, 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 (8:40 p.m.), Matthew Bandelt, Gary Negrycz, Jonathan Papietro, Michael Pickholz and Jason Curreri. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:  Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow and Harold Maxwell

Minutes:          The minutes from April 12, 2022 were adopted.

Non-agenda items:

            Board member comments: Mr. Whitaker announced that David Rutherford suffered a heart attack and asked for prayers.

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

Public hearings

Mr. Bandelt announced that the Tesser, 380 Bedford Road, and the Hearn, 324 Beechwood Road, applications were carried to May 10, 2022 without further notice.

New Business:

JAMES & CORINNE CLIFFORD – An application to permit the construction of an at-grade, two-car garage on the Norman Dr. side of the home, which will replace the existing garage underneath the home, which would result in a front yard setback of 10.2 feet on Norman Dr. and 24 feet on Richards Rd., where 40 feet is required; Coverage by above grade structures of 23.9%, where 20% is permitted and gross building area of 32.5%, where 32% is permitted at 318 Richards Road, Block 1106, Lot 1, in an R-1 Zone. 

Rocco Orlando was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Orlando made opening remarks describing the property, undersized lot.

James Clifford, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding flooding which took place on the property and testified as to the photos and video which were submitted showing the flooding and the damage caused by the flooding. Mr. Clifford explained the drains and pumps he has in place at this time and how they are not solving the issue.

Mr. Orlando testified regarding the drawings he prepared and the variances being requested. Mr. Orlando read from the rider submitted with the application by David Rutherford, Esq. to address the legal basis for variance relief and explained the hardships. Mr. Orlando referred to the memorandum by the Village Engineer which recommended approval of the proposed renovations.

Mr. Clifford showed pictures he submitted of other properties in the neighborhood which had similar garages.

Board members asked about prior steps taken to address the issues. Mr. Clifford described the existing seepage pits and drains. Board members asked how the 600 square feet of additional basement space would be utilized, Mr. Clifford said it would be storage only. Board members suggested relocating the mudroom.

Mr. Whitaker confirmed the variances being requested and the distance to the street from the proposed garage.

Corinne Clifford was sworn and stated that they are requesting the variances out of necessity only due to the severe flooding.

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment:

John Cavanagh, 770 Norman Drive, spoke in support of the application.

Peter Safirstein, 780 Norman Drive, spoke in support of the application and stated that it is a necessity.

The hearing was closed. Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve with the condition that if the plans are revised without increasing the variances being sought, the applicant will not need to come back to the Board. Mr. Pickholz seconded and the application was approved.

Greg Browned arrived to the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

ANDREW & CAROLYN GNERRE – An application to permit the construction of a one and two-story addition which would result in coverage by above structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 22.4%, where 20% is permitted at 280 South Pleasant Avenue, Block 4303, Lot 16, in an R-2 Zone.

Carolyn and Andrew Gnerre, homeowners, were sworn and Ms. Gnerre made opening remarks.

Rick Migliorelli was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Migliorelli testified regarding the proposed addition, stating that the narrowness of the property creates the hardship.

Board members asked about the additional coverage area. Board members asked if a variance would be needed if the lot were conforming in width. Board members asked if an additional variance is needed due to the distance between the garage and the house being 10 feet where 12 feet is required. Mr. Migliorelli stated that the state requires 10 feet and that the pertinent area of the garage that is within 10 feet of the addition will be fire proofed with fire rated material to standards required by the UCC code. Mr. Whitaker said the variance could be approved at this time.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

The hearing was closed. Following Board deliberation Mr. Bandelt made a motion to approve, Mr. Pickholz seconded, and the application was approved.

Discussion:    Starbucks, 121 Franklin Avenue – proposes signage – Mr. Whitaker did not participate in the discussion due to a conflict of interest.

Board membered reviewed and discussed the proposed relocation of the pre-menu board and the menu board at the drive-thru Starbucks. Board members determined that the benefits from the proposed relocation were not clear and a more detailed drawing should be submitted to the Site Plan Committee for review.

JOSEPH & KATHRYN SCHMIDT – An application to permit the construction of a two-story addition, including an attached garage, which would result in a side yard setback of 5 feet, where 24.88 feet is required at 123 South Irving Street, Block 4005, Lot 25, in an R-1 Zone.

Mr. Pickholz recused himself from this hearing and left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Joseph Schmidt, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the lack of a garage on the property. Mr. Schmidt testified that the proposed garage would be aesthetically attractive.

Board members asked about the existing garage. Mr. Schmidt said the structure which is labeled on the survey as a garage is actually an 8 x 10 foot shed and no car would fit in it. Board members asked if the garage could be put on the other side of the house. Mr. Schmidt said it would be awkward and disruptive to the existing layout of the house. Board members asked if a detached garage in the rear of the yard had been considered. Mr. Schmidt said they would need to take down trees. Board members commented that the lot is oversized and there should be a way to construct a garage without variances. Board members asked if a smaller version had been considered.

The hearing was carried to June 14, 2022 without further notice.

Resolution memorialization:            The following resolution was memorialized:

-        Fels, 227 Sunset Avenue

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           May 10, 2022

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

APRIL 12, 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:  Matthew Bandelt, Diana Ruhl, Gary Negrycz, Jonathan Papietro, Jason Curreri and Harold Maxwell. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Ron Reinertsen, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:  Greg Brown, Isaac Lebow and Michael Pickholz

Minutes:          The minutes from March 22, 2022 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

New Business:

JARED & JULIA PILOSIO – An application for a Certificate of Non-Conformity to continue the use of a two-family house and an existing carriage house at 438 Van Dyke Street, Block 1701, Lot 6, in an R-2 Zone.

David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance and spoke to the Board regarding alternative means to present the testimony of a witness who is unable to attend the meeting due to health concerns. Following discussion with the Board it was decided that the witness would testify via Zoom. The hearing was carried to May 24, 2022 without further notice.

ANTONY ARACKATHARA – An application to create a rockery which will result in the disturbance of a steep slopes and height of a retaining wall in the front yard at 481 Upper Boulevard, Block 1513, Lot 1, in an R-2 Zone.

David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks.

Mark Martins was sworn and his credentials as a licensed engineer accepted. Mr. Martins testified regarding the survey, marked as Exhibit A-1, stating that it was done prior to demolition of the existing house and before construction of the new house. Mr. Martins described the topography of the property and addressed Adams Street, which is a paper street behind the property which is not improved. Mr. Martins explained the steep slope and grading of the property.

Mr. Martins testified regarding the plot plan, marked as Exhibit A-2. Mr. Martins testified that the applicant wanted to make the backyard useable, but did not want to build retaining walls. Mr. Martins described the area of steep slope and the proposed rockery.

Mr. Rutherford referred to Mr. Rutishauser’s report and Mr. Martin addressed any concerns regarding the rockery, soil moving and storm water issues.

Board members asked what the exception to steep slope ordinance they are relying on and Mr. Rutherford said it was 190-120E(1)(b)[4]. Board members asked what the hardship is and if there would have been a hardship if the new house was put in the same location as the previous house. Mr. Martin explained that the location of the house does not change the hardship of the inability to use the yard. Board members asked if it was unstable. Board members asked if a rockery is a retaining wall. Mr. Rutherford said the zoning officer did not consider it to be a retaining wall.

Board members asked if the wall was impervious. Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, was sworn. Mr. Rutishauser said it is not considered impervious and that storm water management has been addressed properly on the site.

Public questions:

Rich Mazzela, 467 Upper Blvd., asked about drainage and how to be sure the water will be contained and asked why they are looking for more land when it is a large lot. Mr. Martin explained that they are not looking for more land but to maximize what is there.

Mr. Rutherford asked Mr. Martin about two areas of storm water concerns, one with the house and the other with the rockery, which are two separate and unrelated issues which are each being addressed.

Board members asked if the rockery would absorb as much as the trees would. Mr. Martin stated that there would be plantings in the rocks.

Scott Greer was sworn and his credentials as a landscape designer accepted. Mr. Greer testified regarding the landscape plan, marked as Exhibit A-3, and showed photos of sample rockeries with landscaping. Mr. Greer testified regarding the construction and maintenance of the plants and the technique of stabilizing a slope with rocks and plants.

There were no professional or public questions for Mr. Greer.

The hearing was carried to June 14, 2022 without further notice.

SALIM BHORE & GAZALA DAVE – An application to permit the construction of a two story addition which would result in total coverage by improvement of 57.61% where 45% is the maximum permitted; total coverage by improvement within 140 feet of the front lot line of 59.8% where 45% is the maximum permitted at 85 Oak Street, Block 2010, Lot 21, in an R-3 Zone.

Salim Bhore, homeowner, was sworn and made opening remarks.

John Musinski was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Musinski testified regarding the drawings he prepared. Mr. Musinski described the property and what was being proposed, the existing non-conformities and identified the proposed variances.

Board members asked how the existing non-conformities came to be and about the existing driveway. Mr. Musinski explained that it is a narrow lot and the driveway needs to go to the garage and needs to have room to turn around as the driveway is long and narrow.

Mr. Whitaker explained that the lot coverage is well over what is permitted and they need to prove a hardship as the lot is not undersized. Board members said they would like to see a reduction in coverage by improvement.

The hearing was carried to May 24, 2022 without further notice.

RICHARD & CARLA FELS – An application to permit the construction of a one story addition which would result in a side yard setback of 15 feet, where 21.44 feet is required at 227 Sunset Avenue, Block 1918, Lot 12, in an R-110 Zone.

Claus Rademacher was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Rademacher was present on behalf of the homeowners. Mr. Whitaker said that Mr. Rademacher will need to submit a notarized authorization from the homeowners giving him authority to represent them before any resolution is memorialized.

Mr. Rademacher testified regarding the drawings he prepared explaining that the variance for side yard setback is continuance of the existing non-conformity and it is not being exacerbated. Mr. Rademacher testified that the plans were seen by the Historic Preservation Commission who recommended approval.

Board members asked about the gross building area which will need to be corrected on the zoning table, but is not a variance. Mr. Whitaker confirmed the variance being requested.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mr. Rademacher made closing remarks.

Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve, Mr. Maxwell seconded and the application was approved.

Resolution memorialization:            The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Cabranes, 329 Stilwell Place

-        McCann, 236 Walthery Avenue

-        Joyce, 217 Highland Avenue

-        Carr, 250 Gardner Road

-        Leventhal/Gorgo, 143 Brookside Avenue

-        Davis, 721 Newcomb Road

Discussion: Russo Family LP - 19-23 North Broad Street – Buttresses at rear of building.

Mr. Whitaker explained that a construction issue came about regarding the cantilever of the building which requires that buttresses be used for support. The Board discussed the change and determined that it is de minimus in nature and would not need to come back to the Board. A revised plan is to be submitted to the Board secretary for the file.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:47p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           April 26, 2022

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2022

Opening:

The public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:48 p.m.

Present:  Greg Brown, Matthew Bandelt, Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow, Jonathan Papietro, Jason Curreri and Harold Maxwell. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney; Maryann Bucci-Carter, Village Planner and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:  Gary Negrycz and Michael Pickholz

Minutes:          The minutes from March 8, 2022 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

New Business:

DOUGLAS LEVENTHAL & JESSICA GORGO – An application to permit the construction of a rear covered open porch which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 23.2 %, where 20 % is permitted and coverage by improvements of 45.6%, where 40 % is permitted at 143 Brookside Avenue, Block 4010, Lot 14, in an R-1 Zone. (Carried from January 25, 2022 without further notice)

Mr. Bandelt recused himself from this hearing.

Douglas Leventhal was sworn and made opening remarks.

Roger Schlicht was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Schlicht described the lot as being undersized and ‘L’ shaped, as the property along the rear of the lot is a driveway easement used by neighbors. Mr. Schlicht stated that they propose to remove the rear deck and replace with a covered porch. They are reducing the coverage by improvements, but a variance will still be needed. If the easement was not there, they would not need any variances.

Mr. Schlicht said that the plans were reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and their report recommending approval was included with the application.

Board members asked about the improvement coverage if the rear easement was not paved. Mr. Whitaker clarified that the rear drive is a deeded easement and cannot be removed. Mr. Schlicht stated that they would be compliant if the easement was not there.

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment: Denise Vollkommer, 137 Brookside Avenue, spoke in support of the application.

Mr. Schlicht summarized the application and stipulated that all porches will remain open and never be enclosed.

Following Board deliberation, Mr. Lebow made a motion to approve, Ms. Ruhl seconded and the application was approved.

The WARREN, 408 S. Pleasant Avenue, application was carried to May 24, 2022 without further notice.

NATE & KELLY HEARN – An application to permit the construction of a one story and 2^nd floor addition which would result in a side yard setback to the first floor of 11.9 feet, and to the second floor of 14 feet, where 18.66 feet is required; and setback of air conditioning units of 6.5 feet, where 10 feet is required; and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 33.3%, where 32% is permitted; and for the construction of a covered patio, side patio and garage which would result in coverage by above grade structures of 21.1%, and coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of  23.8% where 20% is permitted; setback to the side patio of 5 feet, where 10 feet is required; and a distance from the garage to the dwelling of 6.5 feet, where 12 feet is required at 324 Beechwood Road, Block 1811, Lot 5, in an R-1 Zone. (Carried from March 8, 2022 without further notice)

David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks.

Roger Schlicht was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Schlicht testified that the survey accurately depicts the improvements on the property. Mr. Schlicht explained the zoning table and described the lot as deficient in size noting the existing nonconformities. Mr. Schlicht described the existing conditions on the property and testified that they propose to turn the existing attached garage into a family room and add a detached garage. Mr. Schlicht described the existing and proposed floor plans and the variances being requested. Mr. Schlicht testified that the proposed location for the garage made the most sense due to topographical issues. Mr. Schlicht explained that the proposed air conditioning condensers will be screened by an existing fence.

Mr. Schlicht distributed photos of neighboring homes and a rendering of what is proposed.

Board members asked if the air conditioning units needed to be in that location, Mr. Schlicht said they could be moved. Board members were concerned that there is a lot of coverage for a lot of that size. Board members had concerns about the amount of patio space and the covered patio.

Mr. Rutherford reviewed the concerns of the Board members. The hearing was carried without further notice to April 26, 2022.

OUTFRONT MEDIA LLC – An application for preliminary and final major site plan approval for the construction and operation of a single pole, double faced, digital multi-message advertising sign which is a prohibited use and will result in a second principal use; expansion of an existing non-conforming use and bulk variance relief at 500 Route 17 South, Block 4703, Lot 10, in the OB-2 Zone. (Carried from February 8, 2022 without further notice)

Mr. Whitaker went over the procedure for the hearing.

Lou D’Arminio, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of Outfront Media, LLC.

Douglas Standriff, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of AK Realty LLC.

Robert Inglima, Jr., Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of Bergen Convenience Flagship, Inc.

Mr. D’Arminio made opening remarks.

Jon Antal, General Manager of the New Jersey operation for Outfront Media, LLC, was sworn. Mr. Antal described the business.

An aerial map (Exhibit A-1), and the site plan (Exhibit A-2), were distributed and Mr. Antal showed the proposed location of the sign. Mr. Antal described the dimensions and appearance of the sign.

Photo simulations showing the location and size of the sign while traveling northbound (Exhibit A-3) on Route 17 and traveling southbound (Exhibit A-4) on Route 17 were distributed. Mr. Antal explained how these photos were developed.

Mr. Antal distributed a copy of the Outdoor Advertising Permit they received from NJDOT, which was marked as Exhibit A-5, and testified that the proposed sign meets all state criteria.

Mr. Antal described the technology used for the sign and distributed a sample panel and photo of a panel, which was marked as Exhibit A-6. Mr. Antal testified as to maintenance and how often the display changes and the amount of advertising spots. The picture will not blink, flash or have video and is operated remotely.

A photo packet of sample emergency messages, public service messages and municipal announcements was distributed and marked as exhibit A-7. Mr. Antal distributed the protocols for local emergency service messages and for non-emergency local municipal messages, which were marked as Exhibit A-8.

Board members asked for clarification on the setbacks of the proposed sign. Board members asked for a simulation of the sign with pictures being displayed as the simulations provided showed a transparent screen. Board members asked about the content of the advertisements and Mr. Antal said the DOT has rules and regulations regarding content and also will need local approval.

Board members asked why the sign was moved from the original proposed location. Mr. Antal said it was moved so it would not block the sign of the business to the south. Board members asked about the brightness of the sign and how far away it could be seen.

Ms. Bucci-Carter asked why this site was chosen. Mr. Antal said they looked at lot suitability, ease of access for construction and where they could meet code and safety requirements of NJDOT. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked about the size of the sign and the location of similar signs. Ms. Bucci-Carter asked about monitoring and the possibility of hacks. Mr. Antal stated that they have high network security and can darken the screen and reboot quickly. Mr. Antal said it has not happened since he became a manager in 2012.

The hearing was carried to May 10, 2022 without further notice. That hearing will start with questions from Mr. Standriff.

Resolution memorialization: The Nafash, 404 Beveridge Road Resolution was memorialized.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:           April 12, 2022