20191008 Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

October 8, 2019

Opening:

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

Present:       Sergio Alegre, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow, Jonathan Papietro and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Greg Brown

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from September 10, 2019 were approved as presented.

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

Chairman Alegre announced that the TERENCE ROBINSON & WILLIAM HALL, 151 West End Avenue, application was carried to November 12, 2019, without further notice.

Old Business:

ED & KRISTINE DESCIAK – An application to permit the construction of a rear one-story addition which will result in a rear yard setback of 25.2 feet, where 30 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 20.7%, where 20% is permitted at 33 Barrington Road, Block 1501, Lot 8, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from July 9, 2019) (Carried from September 24, 2019 without further notice) Roger Schlicht, architect, and Ed Desciak were previously sworn. Mr. Schlicht distributed a photo packet, which was marked as Exhibit A-3. Mr. Schlicht testified regarding the plans, revised to 9/27/10, which show a reduction in lot coverage and explained that if the addition was to go to the side rather than the rear, a steep slope variance would be needed. Board members clarified the amount of the reduction in coverage by above-grade structures. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Lebow made a motion to approve, Ms. Ruhl seconded, and all eligible members voted yes to approve the application.

New Business:

KARO & MAGGIE TOULOUGHIAN – An application to permit the construction of a second story addition, front porch and deck on the existing dwelling, which will result in a front yard setback on Delaware Avenue of 36 feet, and on S. Pleasant Avenue of 26 feet, where 40 feet is required and a rear yard setback of 14.88 feet, where 30 feet is required at 443 South Pleasant Avenue, Block 4506, Lot 1 in the R-2 Zone. Maggie Touloughian was present. Lawrence Skott was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect approved. Mr. Skott testified regarding the property and the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Skott testified as to the drawings he prepared, describing the proposed addition and the floor plans.  Mr. Skott explained the variances being sought for front yard setback and rear yard setback. Mr. Skott showed photos of the neighboring properties.

Board members asked if the lots of the neighboring properties were similar in size to the subject property and if the front yard setbacks were similar. Board members asked if the attic space was counted into the gross building area. Mr. Skott said that it was not, but that it would not create a variance.

Maggie Touloughian was sworn and explained the location of the addition and how it would affect the neighbors.

Board members expressed their concerns regarding the massing of the structure and the front yard setback. Following Board discussion, the application was carried to November 12, 2019 without further notice.

MICHAEL & HEATHER ZYNCZENKO – An application to permit the widening of a driveway to 19 feet, where 12.6 feet is the maximum permitted at 598 Cliff Street, Block 1509, Lot 1, in the R-2 Zone. Mr. Lebow recused himself from this hearing. Heather Zynczenko, homeowner, was sworn. Ms. Zynczenko testified as to what was proposed in regards to widening the driveway and the necessity for the wider driveway. Board members had questions regarding the distance from the curb cut to First Street and if there would be any safety issues. Board members asked if the driveway could be tapered. After further Board discussion the application was carried to November 12, 2019 without further notice.

JOYCE CARUSO – An application to permit the construction of a new covered front porch and covered deck which will result in a front yard setback of 36.04 feet, where 40 feet is required and a rear yard setback of 25.3 feet, where 30 feet is required at 177 Katherine Road, Block 2302, Lot 2, in the R-2 Zone. Robert Caruso, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the proposed covered front porch and the deck. Mr. Caruso explained that the variances were caused by an irregular shaped property. Board members asked if the deck or porch would be enclosed. Mr. Caruso stipulated that the deck and front porch would never be enclosed. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Papietro made a motion to approve the application, Mr. Negrycz seconded, and the application was approved.

Resolution memorialization:       The following resolution was memorialized:

-        Carlone, 897 Best Court

The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       November 12