20191029 Zoing Board of Adjustment Minutes

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

October 29, 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:       Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Matthew Bandelt and Daniel Perlman. Also present were Ben Cascio, Esq., substituting for Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Sergio Alegre, Greg Brown, Isaac Lebow, Jonathan Papietro

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:

MARK & CARYN FOLLENDER – An application to  permit the construction of a new one and a half story single family home which will result in coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 29.94%, where 20% is permitted; coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 45.78%, where 40% is permitted; gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 34.11%, where 29% is permitted, and a driveway width of 21 feet, where 20 feet is permitted at 244 South Pleasant Avenue, Block 4303, Lot 11, in the R-2 Zone. Mark Follender, Esq., 414 Overbrook Road, homeowner, was sworn and made introductory remarks. Conrad Roncati was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Roncati testified in regards to the drawings he prepared. Board members asked about the placement of the garage and how the homeowner would get their cars into it. Mr. Roncati said they would need to make k-turns. Board members asked about the distance between the driveway and the neighbor’s home, Mr. Roncati said the driveways meet. Mr. Roncati listed the variances needed, testifying that the reason for the variances is because it is a single story home and the Village ordinances seem to be for two-story homes. Mr. Follender said that he would put curbing between the driveways as there is no room for landscaping.

Board members asked about the setbacks of other homes in the neighborhood. Board members asked if a detached garage in the rear of the property was considered. Mr. Roncati said that would result in a variance for impervious coverage.

Mr. Roncati described the floor plans. Board members asked about the necessity of the large mudroom/laundry room. Board members asked about the hardship considering that it is a new home and the lot is not undersized. Mr. Roncati said that many options had been considered and they decided that what is being proposed is best. Mr. Follender stated that moving the garage to the back or constructing a detached garage would affect the neighbor.

Gary Cirillo, 252 S. Pleasant Avenue, was sworn and commented that he will also be constructing a ranch style addition next door to this one and that he supports what is being proposed.

There were no further questions or comments from the public.

Mr. Follender made closing remarks. Following Board deliberation Mr. Bandelt made a motion to deny the application, Ms. Ruhl seconded, and all members voted yes to deny the application.

Resolutions:          The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Arciprete, 355 Fairway Road

-        ASK Property Group, LLC, 448 Berkshire Road

-        Wormser, 415 Arden Court

Discussion:  The Board discussed a request from Levent Okumus, 291 Midvale Street, for a one-year extension on his variance approval. Following Board discussion, an extension of 6 months was granted. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       November 26, 2019