VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

August 13, 2019

Opening:

The regular public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:40 p.m.

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

Absent:        Gary Negrycz and Diana Ruhl

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from June 11, 2019; June 25, 2019 and July 23, 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 Desciak, 33 Barrington Road, application was carried to September 10, 2019 without further notice.   

Old Business:

NEIL & KATHERINE DOOLAN – An application to permit the construction of a rear 2-story addition which will result in a side yard setback of 11.2 feet on the left side and 10.3 feet on the right side, where 19.3 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 20.5 feet, where 24.75 feet is required; and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 21.2%, where 20% is permitted at 712 Belmont Road, Block 1304, Lot 10, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from July 23, 2019 without further notice) Katherine Doolan, homeowner, was sworn. Brian Duddy, PE for Village, was sworn. Mr. Duddy testified regarding the site inspection he and Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, did in regards to the drainage issues brought to the Board’s attention by the neighbor to the rear of the property. Mr. Duddy testified that the work being proposed did not require a seepage pit to be installed. Board members asked Mr. Duddy if a seepage pit would help the drainage issues. Mr. Duddy replied that it may help, but would not solve the problem.

Sandra Brainard, 715 Parsons Road, asked about the pitch of the driveway and the spouts on the back of the garage. Mr. Doolan agreed to work with the neighbor.

Roger Schlicht, architect, testified regarding the revisions showing the air conditioner condensers relocated to the rear of the house.

There were no further questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion to approve, Mr. Lebow seconded and the application was approved with four yes votes to one no.

ANGELA SIRIAC – An application to enclose a portion of the rear deck, extend the existing deck and construct a front entryway which will result in a front yard setback of 36.8 feet, where 44.4 feet is required and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 26.64%, where 20% is permitted at 322 E. Glen Avenue, Block 3202, Lot 3, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from June 25, 2019 without further notice) John Russo, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant and reviewed what was discussed previously. Mark Montalbano was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Montalbano testified as to the revised plans. Mr. Montalbano stated that the shed was going to be demolished and the deck would be reduced to what was previously approved.

Board members asked about the necessity of the larger family room and the increase in gross building area. Mr. Montalbano said that because of the decrease in the deck, the applicant wanted more space in the family room. Board members asked about the hardship, and Mr. Montalbano stated that the lot was narrow.

There were no public questions or comments. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Alegre made a motion to approve, Mr. Papietro seconded, and the application was approved.

BARTLEY & CYNTHIA O’DWYER – An application to permit the construction of a two-story addition to the rear of the home, new front porch and step, new driveway, an entrance to the home from the driveway, new rear landing and step, a new patio and a new exterior stair leading to the basement which will result in side yard setbacks of 11.3 feet and 11.9 feet, where 19.5 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 23.2 feet, where 24.75 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 20.4%, where 20% is permitted; gross building area of 33.3%/3,747 square feet and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 35.7%/3,747 square feet where 32% is permitted at 301 Hamilton Road, Block 1205, Lot 13, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from May 28, 2019 and July 23, 2019) David Rutherford, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicants and gave a brief description of the revisions made and explained that they are aware that the attic space needs to be included in the gross building area and is included in the calculations. Michael Scro, architect, was previously sworn and testified as to the revisions and the latest variances being requested. Mr. Scro clarified the gross building area calculations explaining that the attic space is included regardless of the proposed collar ties.

Board members asked for further clarification of the calculations and asked if the collar ties would still be put in the attic. Mr. Scro said they would be.

Mr. Rutherford made closing remarks.

There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Brown made a motion to approve with the condition that the porch will not be enclosed and remain open air, Mr. Lebow seconded, and the application was approved with four yes votes to one no.

New Business:

LEE & THOMAS WARDAN – An application to widen driveway and existing curb cut which will result in a driveway width of 25 feet, where 14 feet is permitted at 203 Spencer Place, Block 2301, Lot 5, in the R-2 Zone. Thomas and Lee Wardan, homeowners, were sworn. Xiomara Paredes was sworn and her credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Ms. Paredes testified as to the proposed widening of the driveway. Ms. Paredes explained that the reasons for the driveway were for function as well as concern for neighbor relationship. Photos, taken by homeowner over six months, were distributed and marked as Exhibit A-1. Mr. Wardan explained the photos and the hardship at different times of the year. Ms. Paredes explained that the garage is undersized and unusable so they rely on the driveway. Ms. Paredes explained that the neighbors park on the street right across from the applicants’ driveway.

Board members had questions about the size of other driveways in the neighborhood and the width of the existing driveway, which is already oversized.

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment: John Russo, 207 Spencer Place, stated that the previous owner widened the driveway and that he is aware of the friction the applicant has with the neighbor and has no objection to the proposed driveway.

Ms. Paredes distributed a rendering of the proposed driveway, which was marked as Exhibit A-2 and summarized the request.

Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion to deny, Mr. Lebow seconded, and all members voted yes to deny the application.

BRIAN & NORA DOWD – An application to permit the construction of a rear 2½ story addition which will result in a building height of 33.5 feet, where 30 feet is permitted; side yard setbacks of 12.1 feet to steps and 17.7 feet to the addition, where 22.33 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 20.2%, where 20% is permitted; and coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 41.2%/6,452 square feet, where 40%/6,160 square feet is permitted at 87 Madison Place, Block 2111, Lot 8, in the R-1 Zone. Brian Dowd, homeowner, was sworn. Roger Schlicht was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Schlicht distributed a sheet of photos which was marked as Exhibit A-1. Mr. Schlicht testified as to the existing conditions on the property, the proposed addition and the variances being requested. Mr. Schlicht testified regarding the existing nonconformities and previous variances granted in 2000 for improvement coverage for the pool and in 2005 for the covered porch.

Mr. Dowd testified regarding the process they went through to try not to increase the footprint of the existing house and decreasing the existing coverage by improvement.

Board members asked about the trees and the existing impervious coverage and what patio and walkway would be removed.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

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

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolution was memorialized:

-        Strauss, 231 Pearsall Avenue

Discussion:  Site Plan Review Committee report on Stiles, 674 Eastern Court – Mr. Alegre and Mr. Papietro reviewed the revised site plan for 674 Eastern Court and stated that it was compliant with the resolution.

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

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       September 10, 2019

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

July 23, 2019

Opening:

The regular public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:43 p.m.

Present:       Sergio Alegre, Greg Brown, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl (9:30 p.m.), Isaac Lebow and Jonathan Papietro. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Matthew Bandelt

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from May 14, 2019; May 28, 2019 and July 9, 2019 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

Chairman Alegre announced that the Mouravieff, 525 North Maple Avenue, application was carried to September 10, 2019 without further notice. 

Old Business:

BARTLEY & CYNTHIA O’DWYER – An application to permit the construction of a two-story addition to the rear of the home, new front porch and step, new driveway, an entrance to the home from the driveway, new rear landing and step, a new patio and a new exterior stair leading to the basement which will result in side yard setbacks of 11.3 feet and 11.9 feet, where 19.5 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 23.2 feet, where 24.75 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 20.4%, where 20% is permitted; gross building area of 33.3%/3,747 square feet and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 35.7%/3,747 square feet where 32% is permitted at 301 Hamilton Road, Block 1205, Lot 13, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from May 28, 2019 and carried from June 25, 2019 without further notice) David Rutherford, Esq., appeared on behalf of the applicants and briefly reviewed the revisions. Michael Scro, architect, was previously sworn and testified as to the revisions in response to Board members’ comments from the May 28 meeting. Mr. Scro testified regarding the open porch, floor plans, elevations and the driveway.

Mr. Whitaker clarified the side yard setback dimensions and the height of the building. Board members had questions regarding the size of the patio and the floor plan, expressing concern about the overall gross building area increase. 

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment: Scott Bieler, 307 Hamilton Road and Joe Palughi, 241 Hamilton Road, were sworn testified in support of the application.

The hearing was carried to August 13, 2019 without further notice.

New Business:

NEIL & KATHERINE DOOLAN – An application to permit the construction of a rear 2-story addition which will result in a side yard setback of 11.2 feet on the left side and 10.3 feet on the right side, where 19.3 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 20.5 feet, where 24.75 feet is required; and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 21.2%, where 20% is permitted at 712 Belmont Road, Block 1304, Lot 10, in the R-1 Zone. Neil and Katherine Doolan were sworn. Roger Schlicht was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. A photo packet was distributed and marked as Exhibit A-1. Mr. Schlicht testified regarding the existing conditions and what was proposed as per his drawings. Mr. Schlicht explained the variances being requested, including the side yard setback variance for the proposed air conditioner condensers. Board members had questions regarding the condensers and if they could be placed behind the house and the homeowner said they would place them behind the house. Board members asked if the addition could go towards the rear of the property rather than exacerbating the side yard setback variance. Mr. Schlicht spoke of the narrowness of the property.

Public questions: Sandra Brainard, 715 Parsons Road, had questions about the drainage as she lives behind the subject property and there is already an issue with drainage. Mr. Schlicht stated that the proposed increase is below what would require a seepage pit.

Public comments: Sandra Brainard, 715 Parsons Road, was sworn and read a statement concerning the drainage and steep slope concerns.

Erin Katz, 706 Belmont Road, was sworn and spoke in support of the application stating that she resides next door to the property and had no issues with the side yard setback variance as there are bushes between the houses.

Mr. Whitaker said that the Board would request that the Village Engineer visit the site and review the application and the Board would defer to the Village Engineer’s review. The hearing was carried to August 13, 2019 without further notice

Diana Ruhl arrived to the meeting.

STEPHEN & MICHELLE STRAUSS – An application to permit the construction of a 1-story addition to the and covered front porch to the front of the home which will result in a front yard setback of 28 feet, where 40 feet is required at 231 Pearsall Avenue, Block 3212, Lot 10, in an R-2 Zone. Mr. Lebow recused himself from this hearing. David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicants who were not present. Mr. Rutherford made opening remarks. Jordan Rosenberg was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Rosenberg testified as to his drawings, which were marked as Exhibit A-1. Mr. Rosenberg showed photos of the property which were marked as Exhibits A-2 thru A-4. Board members asked about the gross building area and the attic space.

There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve, Mr. Papietro seconded, and the application was approved.

ANJU & MANOJ WAGH – An application to permit the conversion of the existing open front porch into living space which will result in a front yard setback of 34.67 feet, where 40 feet is required at 285 Midvale Street, Block 2317, Lot 3.01, in the R-2 Zone. Anju Wagh, homeowner, was sworn and made introductory remarks. John Musinski was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Musinski testified as to the drawings he prepared explaining that the footprint is not increasing as they are enclosing the existing porch and adding a roof overhang over the front door. Board members asked if the front yard setback would be exacerbated, Mr. Musinski said it would not. Board members asked about the gross building area and it was determined that the basement area was not calculated. The survey which was submitted with the application did not accurately show the existing conditions. The hearing was carried to September 10, 2019 without further notice so the applicant could have a new survey prepared and submit the correct gross building area calculations.

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Stiles, 674 Eastern Court

-        Johnson, 105 Somerville Road

Meeting was adjourned at 10:33 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       August 13, 2019

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

June 25, 2019

Opening:

The regular public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:50 p.m.

Present:       Sergio Alegre, Greg Brown, Gary Negrycz, Alyssa Matthews, Jonathan Papietro and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Diana Ruhl, Isaac Lebow, Ines Bunza

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from April 23, 2019 and April 30, 2019 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

Chairman Alegre announced that the Bartley and Cynthia O’Dwyer, 301 Hamilton Road, application was carried to July 23, 2019 without further notice and the Ed and Kristine Desciak, 33 Barrington Road, was carried to July 9, 2019 without further notice.

Old Business:

ANGELA SIRIAC – An application to enclose a portion of the rear deck, extend the existing deck and construct a front entryway which will result in a front yard seback of 36.8 feet, where 44.4 feet is required and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 26.64%, where 20% is permitted at 322 E. Glen Avenue, Block 3202, Lot 3, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from April 30, 2019 and carried from June 11, 2019 without further notice) John Russo, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant. Angela Siriac, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to the enclosing the deck and extending the deck. Ms. Siriac stated that she is not going to construct the front entryway, therefore the front yard setback variance is eliminated. Board members asked about the hardship. Mr. Russo commented that the lot is deep and narrow. Board members expressed concern that the existing coverage is over what was previously approved. Mr. Russo said that the applicant would consider decreasing the size of the deck. There were no questions or comments from the public. The hearing was carried to August 13, 2019 without further notice.

MARTIN PIND – An application to permit the expansion of a deck which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 22.7%, and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24.3%, where 20% is permitted at 325 Wastena Terrace, Block 1907, Lot 20, in the R-2 Zone. (Carried from June 11, 2019 without further notice) Martin Pind, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to what was proposed. Board members asked about the hardship as the lot size is compliant. There was discussion as to how the coverage was already in excess of what is permitted. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion to deny, Ms. Matthews seconded, and the application was denied.

TERENCE ROBINSON & WILLIAM HALL – An application to renovate and update the interior and exterior of the existing detached carriage house/garage and to renovate, update and expand the second floor guest suite of the carriage house, which will result in a use variance for an apartment over the garage and the expansion or alteration of a nonconforming structure or use at 151 West End Avenue, Block 2511, Lot 1, in the R-110 Zone. (Continued from April 23, 2019) Steven Ross, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicants. Richard Brovarone, Esq., was present on behalf of Marcia Ringel, the objector.

Joanne Reissner, 141 West End Avenue, was sworn. Ms. Reissner testified in support of the application stating that the apartment over the garage had been used as an apartment in the past. Board members asked if Ms. Reissner would support the application if it were to be rented out. Ms. Reissner said it was to be used as an extension of the living quarters, not as a rental.

Thomas Peay, III, 295 Ferris Place, was sworn and testified in support of the application stating that up until the last couple years, the apartment had been used. Mr. Brovarone asked if usage of the apartment had been continuous, and Mr. Peay said it was to his knowledge. Board members asked who would be using the apartment.

Alan Weitzman was sworn and his credentials as a professional planner accepted. Mr. Weitzman testified regarding the property and location of the carriage house. Mr. Weitzman testified that there was no zoning prior to 1941. Mr. Weitzman distributed and testified regarding a pamphlet entitled ‘Carriage Houses of Ridgewood’ which he prepared, stating that what the applicants propose is smaller than most.

Mr. Brovarone cross examined Mr. Weitzman, asking about the use variance, explaining how it is detrimental to his client, and why the Board should grant it. Mr. Brovarone asked if carriage houses or garages with apartments were addressed in the master plan review, or if this is a permitted use in the ordinance. Mr. Weitzman stated it was an existing use. Mr. Brovarone asked if the carriage house could be renovated without variances.

Mr. Ross followed up asking if the benefits outweighed the detriment. Mr. Weitzman testified that the proposed project would be an improvement to the property and the neighborhood.

Mr. Whitaker clarified that Mr. Weitzman established that the building was built prior to Ridgewood Code but not if the facilities in the living space above the garage existed at that time. Mr. Whitaker explained to the Board that the height variance being requested is for a ‘C’ variance, not a ‘D’ variance, as it is for an accessory building.

Mr. Ross presented census information and there was discussion that the document should have been presented earlier. The document was marked as Exhibit A-1 6/25/19.

Terence Robinson, the homeowner, was previously sworn and testified as to the census report, which he states shows that people were living in the carriage house in the 1930’s. Mr. Robinson testified regarding the plumbing fixtures.

Marcia Ringel, 250 Ferris Place, was sworn and testified as to the proximity of her house to the subject property. Ms. Ringel described her home and how the proposed improvements will negatively affect her quality of life. Ms. Ringel stated her home was built in 1917. Ms. Ringel stated that she is not opposed to the garage being renovated, but it did not need to be bigger.

Mr. Ross asked if Ms. Ringel made specific requests of the applicants regarding the garage. Ms. Ringel stated she did make suggestions because of the proximity to her home. Mr. Ross asked how the proposed work would impact her and if she had signed an affidavit that she would not object and that the garage had been used as an apartment. She said she had signed the affidavit and she regretted doing that.

Board members asked Ms. Ringel about her knowledge of people living in the apartment as per other witness’s testimony. Ms. Ringel said that people lived there over the years but it was intermittent, not constant. Board members asked if she objected to the use of the structure if there was no addition to it. Ms. Ringel stated she did not want someone to live there.

There were no questions or comments from the public. The hearing was closed, and the application carried to September 10, 2019 for Board deliberation and vote.

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Wall, 142 Elmsley Court

-        Gondris, 30 S. Murray Avenue

Meeting was adjourned at 11:11 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       August 13, 2019

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

June 11, 2019

Opening:

The regular public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:50 p.m.

Present:       Sergio Alegre, Greg Brown, Gary Negrycz, Jonathan Papietro, Isaac Lebow and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Ben Cascio, Esq., substituting for Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Brigette Bogart, Village Engineer and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Diana Ruhl, Alyssa Matthews, Ines Bunza

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from April 9, 2019 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

Chairman Alegre announced that the Angela Siriac, 322 E. Glen Avenue, and the Martin Pind, 325 Wastena Terrace, applications were carried to June 25, 2019 without further notice.

Old Business:

CHRIS & MELISSA BRENNAN – An application to permit the construction of a second floor addition over the existing garage which will result in a gross building area for total lot of 33.2%/4,324 square feet, where 32%/4,060 square feet is permitted and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 41.5%/4,324 square feet, where 34%/3,360 square feet is permitted at 205 Katherine Road, Block 2302, Lot 7, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from May 14, 2019) Isaac Lebow recused himself from this hearing. Following Board discussion, the applicant asked to have the hearing carried until there would be more Board members present. The hearing was carried to July 9, 2019 without further notice.

JEFFREY & ERIN KATZ – An application to permit the construction of a 2-story rear addition and front portico which will result in a front yard setback of 37.5 feet, where 40 feet is required; side yard setback of 15.1 feet to fireplace, 17 feet to addition and 16.73 feet to roof where 18 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 21.2% and coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 22.7%, where 20% is permitted at 706 Belmont Road, Block 1304, Lot 11, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from May 28, 2019) Mr. Lebow recused himself from this hearing. Roger Schlicht, architect, was previously sworn. Erin Katz, homeowner, was sworn. Mr. Schlicht testified as to the plans, revised to May 31, 2019 and marked as Exhibit A-2. Mr. Schlicht explained the revisions and reductions made in response to the Board comments, stating that the gross building area variance was eliminated. Board members asked if the applicant was committed to addressing the drainage issues. The applicant agreed to the containment of water. There were no questions from the public.

Public comment: Daniel Kletter, 711 Parsons Road, submitted a letter requesting a containment tank be installed. Mr. Schlicht described how they would contain the water.

Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion to approve with the conditions stated and Mr. Papietro seconded. The application was approved.

New Business:

CHRISTIAN WALL – An application to permit construction of a single family home, driveway, walkways, patios, pool and pool house which will result in gross building area within 200 feet of the front lot line of 142 Elmsley Court, Block 2104, Lot 3.07, in the R-125 Zone. (Carried from May 28, 2019) David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks. The following exhibits were marked: Exhibit A-1, the Plot Plan; Exhibit A-2, the Slope Plan; and Exhibit A-3, the architectural plans. Thomas Stearns was sworn and his credentials as a professional engineer accepted.

Brigette Bogart, Village Planner, addressed the completeness issues.

Mr. Stearns testified regarding the property and topography and zoning table for the proposed improvements stating that the only variance being requested is for gross building area within 200 feet of the front lot line. Mr. Stearns testified as to the soil movement calculations, steep slope issues and drainage calculations. Board members had questions regarding the trees and landscaping. Mr. Rutishauser said that most of his concerns were addressed by the engineer and that he would prepare a soil moving permit resolution for the Council if the application is approved. Mr Rutishauser asked about what was proposed between the house and the pool area. Mr. Stearns stated that it would remain open at this point. Mr. Rutishauser said that additional walkway may trigger a variance for impervious coverage. Board members had further questions about the drainage which were answered by Mr. Rutishauser and Mr. Stearns.

Mr. Rutishauser and Ms. Bogart were sworn.

Ms. Bogart asked that trees be identified by size and species on the landscape plan.

There were no questions from the public for Mr. Stearns.

Colin McCabe was sworn and his credentials as an architect design consultant accepted. Mr. McCabe testified regarding the floor plans and the elevations of the proposed home. Board members asked about the hardship. There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mr. Rutherford made closing remarks and addressed the hardship, being the topography and the need to access the driveway, and the narrowness of the lot.

Mr. Rutishauser and Ms. Bogart stated that their concerns had been addressed.

Following Board deliberation Mr. Alegre made a motion to approve the variance fro gross building area, the variance for steep slope disturbance, and to recommend to Council to approve the major soil removal permit with the conditions that a landscape plan is provided to the Site Plan Committee and that the completeness issues are addressed. Mr. Bandelt seconded, and the application was approved.

STEVE & GISELLE STILES – An application to permit one story and two story additions which will result in a front yard setback of 39.7 feet on Eastern Court and 12 feet on Pershing Avenue, where 40 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 23.4% and coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24.9%; gross building area of 38%/3,707.25 square feet and 41.1%/3,707.25 square feet, where 45% is permitted at 674 Eastern Court, Block 3505, Lot 19, in the R-2 Zone. Steve Stiles were sworn. John Halsey was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted.  Mr. Stiles introduced the application. Mr. Halsey testified as to the proposed additions and the floor plan and the elevations. Mr. Halsey explained the variances being requested. Board members asked that Mr. Halsey break down the coverage by improvements. Board members asked about the amount of square footage being added to the house and the need for two driveways. Board members asked about drainage issues. After Board discussion the hearing was carried to July 9, 2019 without further notice.

ALEXANDER & CAROLYN GONDRIS – An application to permit the construction of two low-level wooden decks in the front yard, where a deck is not permitted at 30 South Murray Avenue, Block 2402, Lot 5, in the R-110 Zone. Alexander and Carolyn Gondris were sworn. Mr. Gondris distributed a packet entitled ‘Garden Design for 30 S Murray Ave’, which was marked as Exhibit A-1. Mr. Gondris testified by going through the packet. Board members asked if the existing trees would be disturbed. Mr. Gondris said not. Board members asked that a landscape plan be submitted for review by the Site Plan Committee. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve, Mr. Lebow seconded, and the application was approved.

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Ward, 756 East Ridgewood Avenue

-        Kwon, 537 Lynn Street

-        Stephan, 733 Hillcrest Road

Discussion:  There was Board discussion regarding the upcoming reorganizational meeting on July 9, 2019.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:52 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       August 13, 2019