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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

May 28, 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, Gary Negrycz, Ines Bunza, Jonathan Papietro and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Diana Ruhl, Alyssa Matthews, Isaac Lebow

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 309 Westgate Associates, LLC, application was carried to June 25, 2019, without further notice. The Angela Siriac, 322 E. Glen Avenue, application was carried to June 11, 2019 without further notice. The Christian Wall, 142 Elmsley Court, application was carried to June 11, 2019, with further notice. The Cecchi, 367 Mountain Avenue, application was withdrawn.

New 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 20.8%, where 20% is permitted; gross building area of 35.2%/3,960 square feet and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 37.7%/3,960 square feet where 32% is permitted at 301 Hamilton Road, Block 1205, Lot 13, in the R-1 Zone. (Carried from April 30, 2019) David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks. Michael Scro was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Scro testified as to the existing conditions on the property and the proposed one and two story addition. Mr. Scro described the proposed floor plan and the gross building area, setbacks and elevations. Board members had questions regarding survey and if it was current. Mr. Scro stated the survey shows the existing conditions on the property. Board members asked about the size of the addition and the percentage of gross building area being added. Board members asked about the proposed driveway, the attic space and the basement. The hearing was carried to June 25, 2019 without further notice.

 

DONALD WARD – An application to permit the reconstruction of a wraparound porch which will result in a front yard setback of 38.39 feet to E. Ridgewood Avenue and 31.25 feet to Circle Avenue, where 40 feet is required at 756 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Block 4202, Lot 1, in the R-2 Zone. Donald Ward was sworn and testified as to replacing the porch as it exists. Mr. Whitaker clarified the setbacks and the variances being requested. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Papietro made a motion to approve the application as presented, Mr. Brown seconded and the application was approved.

 

SUSAN KWON – An application for the construction of a new deck and stairs which will result in a coverage by above grade structures of 20.8% where 20% is permitted at 537 Lynn Street, Block 2903, Lot 7, in the R-2 Zone. Ms. Kwon was sworn and testified as to the existing deck and what was being proposed. Mr. Whitaker clarified the dimensions. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve with the condition that the deck remains an open structure, Ms. Bunza seconded, and the application was approved.

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, where 18 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 21.4% and coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 23%, where 20% is permitted; gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 32.2%/3,599 square feet, where 32%3,584 square feet is permitted at 706 Belmont Road, Block 1304, Lot 11, in the R-1 Zone. Jeffrey Katz, homeowner, was sworn. Mr. Schlicht was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Schlicht distributed a packet with photos and elevation drawings. Mr. Schlicht testified as to the existing conditions and the photos. Mr. Schlicht described the proposed improvements and the variances being requested. Board members asked if it was possible for the applicant to make the addition compliant. Mr. Schlicht explained the hardship as the lot is undersized. Board members had concerns about the additional mass.

There were no questions from the public.

Public Comment: Dan Kletter, 711 Parsons Road, was sworn and stated that he lived behind the subject property and stated that the addition sits further back than the other houses. Mr. Whitaker said that there is no rear yard setback variance being requested. Mr. Kletter also stated his concerns about drainage. Mr. Schlicht said that seepage pits will be installed.

The hearing was carried to June 11, 2019 without further notice.

ANTHONY & ELIZABETH STEPHAN – Application for the construction of a 2nd story addition which will result in a side yard setback of 12.5 feet, where 16.6 feet is required at 733 Hillcrest Road, Block 1404, Lot 17, in the R-1 Zone. Scott Bella was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Bella testified as to the existing conditions and what is proposed. Mr. Bella explained that the addition will be above the existing garage and the side yard setback is not being exacerbated. Mr. Bella testified as to the proposed floor plans. Mr. Whitaker asked for clarification of the numbers on the zoning table. Board members asked about the survey and if showed the existing conditions. Elizabeth Stephan, homeowner, was sworn and stated that the patio adjacent to the pool was changed. Mr. Whitaker said that the Board could approve the application with the condition that an updated survey is submitted. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Brown made a motion to approve the application with the condition of a new survey being submitted, Mr. Bandelt seconded, and the application was approved.

Discussion:  Devins, 79 Park Slope – Mr. Devins was present and the Board reviewed and looked at the revised attic floor plan. The Board was satisfied that the gross building area was accurate.

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        DePinto, 419 Berkshire Road

-        Kaushansky & Favelyukis, 143 Kenilworth Road

-        Hogan, 82 John Street

-        Bombace, 854 Auburn Avenue

-        Devins, 79 Park Slope

Meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       July 23, 2019

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

May 14, 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, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Alyssa Matthews, Ines Bunza, Jonathan Papietro and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney andJane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Greg Brown, Isaac Lebow

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 Burroughs Poole LLC/Starbucks drive-thru, 363-381 Route 17 South, application was withdrawn and the Mouravieff, 525 North Maple Avenue, application was carried to July 9, 2019 without further notice.

Old Business:

MATTHEW DEVINS – An application to permit the construction of a two story addition which will result in a front yard setback of 23 feet, where 40 feet is required; side yard setback of 16.9 feet, where 22.4 feet is required and a height of 33.46 feet, where 30 feet is permitted at 79 Park Slope, Block 2110, Lot 1, in an R-1 Zone. (Continued from April 23, 2019) Matthew Devins, homeowner, and Robert Adamo, architect, were both present and previously sworn. Mr. Adamo testified as to the revisions in the plans revised to 4/25/19. The height of the structure was reduced and the height variance eliminated. Board members asked about the attic square footage and the applicant stipulated that the attic would not be finished. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve, Mr. Bandelt seconded, and the application was approved.

 

          New Business:

CHRIS & MELISSA BRENNAN – An application to permit the construction of a second floor addition over the existing garage which will result in a side yard setback of 8.1 feet, where 10 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 22.49 feet, where 24.59 feet is required; gross building area for total lot of 33.5%/4,374 square feet, where 32%/4,060 square feet is permitted and gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 41.9%/4,374 square feet, where 34%/3,360 square feet is permitted at 205 Katherine Road, Block 2302, Lot 7, in the R-2 Zone. Melissa Brennan, homeowner, was 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 as to the existing conditions on the property and as to what was being proposed. Mr. Schlicht explained the variances, stating that the hardship was due to the existing non-conformity. Board members had questions about the hardship, as the existing garage was built with prior variance approval. Board members questioned the survey as it was out of date.

There were no questions from the public.

Public comment:     Todd Rothman, 197 Katherine Road, was sworn and spoke in support of the application.

Following Board discussion the hearing was carried to June 11, 2019, without further notice.

Resolution memorialization:         The following resolution was memorializied:

-        657 Ridgewood LLC - 657 Franklin Turnpike - signage

Discussion:   There was discussion regarding 117 John Street, where an additional driveway area is being proposed and the Zoning Officer asked for input from the Board. Following the discussion it was determined that as no variances are being sought the homeowner does not need to come to the Board.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       July 23, 2019

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

April 9, 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 (7:50p.m.), Greg Brown, Gary Negrycz, Alyssa Matthews, Ines Bunza, Jonathan Papietro, Isaac Lebow(7:50p.m.) and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Brigette Bogart, Village Planner; John Jahr, Traffic Consultant for the Board and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Diana Ruhl

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from March 12, 2019 and March 26, 2019 were adopted 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

Old Business:

 

KEVIN & JENNIFER HOGAN – An application for variance relief to permit the construction of a front portico, a rear two story addition, and a rear covered deck, which will result in a side yard setback on the left side of the dwelling unit of 10.1 feet to the first floor, 10.2 feet to the second floor, and on the right side of the dwelling unit a side yard setback of 7.3 feet to the chimney, 10 feet to the covered porch and the first floor and 10.87 feet to the 2nd floor, where 18 feet is required; a combined side yard setback of 16.46 feet, where 16.5 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures of 20.5%, and coverage by above grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 21.5%, where 20% is permitted for both; gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 37.3%/2,614 square feet, where 35%/2,450 square feet is permitted and coverage by improvements of 45.2%/4,083 square feet and coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 48.2%/3,376 square feet, where 45% is permitted at 82 John Street, Block 3501, Lot 6, in an R-1 Zone. (Continued from February 11, 2019 and carried from March 12, 2019 without further notice) Sergio Alegre and Isaac Lebow are recused from this hearing. Greg Brown acted as Chairman.

The hearing was closed. Following Board deliberation Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve the application, Ms. Matthews seconded the motion and the application was approved with 4 yes votes to 1 no.

LISA LAI – An application to permit the construction of an addition which will result in a front yard setback of 30.6 feet, where 40 feet is required; side yard setback on the left of 8.92 feet and on the right of 8.23 feet, where 10 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures of 21.32%, where 20% is required at 643 Wall Street, Block 3403, Lot 20, in an R-2 Zone. (Continued from March 12, 2019 without further notice) David Rutherford, Esq., reviewed what was discussed at the previous meeting. Jordan Rosenberg, architect, was previously sworn and testified regarding the revisions and reductions made to the plans. Mr. Whitaker asked for clarification on the height of the second floor addition. Board members had questions regarding how the house will fit with the character of the neighborhood and Mr. Rosenberg said that there were various styles of homes in the area. Board members asked about access to the attic, Mr. Rosenberg stated that there would be a pull down hatch. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Rutherford made closing comments. Following Board deliberation Mr. Papietro made a motion to approve, Mr. Lebow seconded, and the application was approved with 6 yes votes to 1 no.

BURROUGHS POOLE LLC – An application for preliminary and final site plan approval, use variance, variance and waiver approval to implement a drive-thru component to be used by a Starbucks retail coffee shop at 363-381 Route 17 South, Block 4807, Lot 1, in the HC-Highway Commercial Zone. (Continued from 1/30/18; 3/13/18; 4/24/18; 7/10/18) (Carried from March 12, 2019 without further notice) James Delia, Esq., addressed the issue regarding the drive-thru Starbucks on Franklin Avenue and asked that they be able to separate the two sites and move on with this hearing. Mr. Delia reviewed where they left off when last before the Board.

Charles Olivo, applicant’s traffic expert, was previously sworn and testified as to the revisions to the direction of traffic. Mr. Rutishauser asked how the law would be enforced in the shopping center. Mr. Delia stipulated to having an ordinance established for the RPD to enforce. Mr. Jahr asked about the parking spaces being affected. Mr. Delia stipulated that they the parking would be in compliance.

Public questions: Jack Ingraham, neighbor behind the shopping center, had concerns about how the ‘no left turn’ would be prevented.

Lizanne Kile, a Starbucks representative, was sworn and testified as to the type of delivery truck being used and the hours of delivery.

John McDonough, Professional Planner, was previously sworn. Mr. McDonough distributed the 657 Ridgewood LLC site plan and compared the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru to what was being proposed at the subject site. Mr. McDonough testified as to the positive and negative criteria and stated that the Board’s approval of the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru shows that the use is appropriate. Mr. Whitaker, Ms. Bogart and Board members addressed the differences in the properties.

Mr. Poole, applicant, was sworn and testified as to the previous uses proposed at this site, what was previously approved and the advantages of the existing shopping center. There were no questions from the Board or the public for Mr. Poole.

The hearing was carried to May 14, 2019 without further notice.

 

New Business:

 

PATRICK WARREN – An application to permit the construction of a 2½ story addition which will result in a height of 35.33 feet, where 30 feet is permitted at 208 Kenilworth Road, Block 4302, Lot 3, in an R-2 Zone. (Carried from March 26, 2019 without further notice) Isaac Lebow recused himself from this hearing. Patrick Warren, homeowner, was sworn and described the existing conditions on the property and what was being proposed. Mr. Warren testified regarding the height of the proposed addition. Board members clarified that the proposed addition would not exacerbate the pre-existing conditions. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Ms. Matthews made a motion to approve, Mr. Brown seconded, and the application was approved with 6 yes votes to 1 no.

 

MATTHEW BOMBACE – An application to permit the construction of two dormers on the front of the home, and a full dormer at the rear of the home which will result in a side yard setback of 9.6 feet, where 15 feet is required at 854 Auburn Avenue, Block 5002, Lot 11, in an R-1 Zone. David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks. Leandro Dickson was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Dickson testified as to the existing conditions on the property and what was proposed, explaining that there would be no expansion of the existing footprint. Board members asked if the side yard setback would be exacerbated and Mr. Dickson stated that the existing nonconformity would be continuing. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Rutherford made closing remarks. Following Board deliberation Mr. Brown made a motion to approve, Ms. Bunza seconded, and all members voted yes to approve the application.

Chairman Alegre announced that the Devins, 79 Park Slope, application was carried to April 23, 2019 without further notice.

MICHEL & LINDA MOURAVIEFF – An application to permit the applicant to continue to use dwelling as their personal residence and lease home professional office to a third-party at 525 North Maple Avenue, Block 2904, Lot 16, in an R-2 Zone. Robert Inglima, Esq., entered his appearance and made opening remarks. Mr. Inglima entered the following exhibits:

          Exhibit A-1 – application

          Exhibit A-2 – zoning table

          Exhibit A-3 – variance application checklist

          Exhibit A-4 – letter dated March 28, 2019

          Exhibit A-5 – survey

          Exhibit A-6 – existing office plan

          Exhibit A-7 – affidavit of mailing

Michel Mouravieff, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to the use of the property to this point and described the existing conditions regarding the house and office in detail. Dr. Mouravieff explained that he has been unable to sell the house with the office and would now like to maintain the home and rent the office space.

Mr. Inglima entered the following additional exhibits:

          Exhibit A-8 – photos of home

          Exhibit A-9 – photos of office

          Exhibit A-10 – tax maps

          Exhibit A-11 – composite map showing area of site

          Exhibit A-12 – zoning map of Ridgewood

          Exhibit A-13 – close up area of subject site on zoning map

          Exhibit A-14 – aerial views

Dr. Mouravieff testified as to the office plan and the parking conditions.

Board members asked if the home was going to stay on the market and if the office space would be expanded. Dr. Mouravieff said that he would take the house off the market and that any renovations would be interior. Board members had questions regarding what kind of practices/professions would be considered. Ms. Bogart discussed her report regarding the use variance.

There was discussion regarding the difficulty in making a decision without a proposed tenant as it would make a difference in regards to hours, parking and other items specific to type of practice. Mr. Whitaker said a deed restriction would be required for any tenant.

The hearing was carried to May 14, 2019 without further notice.

Resolution memorialization:      The following resolutions were memorialized:                        -    Hartley, 396 Godwin Avenue

-        Tasko, 296 Woodside Avenue

-        Dunleavy, 572 Hillcrest Road

-        Harinstein, 310 Heights Road

-        Oelkers, 42 Ethelbert Place

-        Calkins, 80 Crest Road

-        Abraham, 415 Red Birch Court

 

Discussion:  310 Heights Rd., Landscape, Patio plan – The Site Plan Committee reviewed the proposed landscape and patio plan for 310 Heights Road and the Board voted to approve the plans on the Committee’s recommendation.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       June 11, 2019

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

MARCH 26, 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, Diana Ruhl, Ines Bunza, Jonathan Papietro and Isaac Lebow. Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

Absent:        Greg Brown, Gary Negrycz, Alyssa Matthews and Matthew Bandelt

Approval of Minutes:       The minutes from October 30, 2018 and February 26, 2019, were adopted 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 the following:

-        The Warren, 208 Kenilworth Road, application was carried to April 9, 2019 without further notice.

-        The 309 Westgate Associates, LLC, application was carried to May 28, 2019 without further notice.

Chairman Alegre gave applicants the opportunity to have their hearing carried to a later date due to the absence of 4 Board members. No one opted to carry.

Old Business:

 

ROBIN OELKERS – An application to permit the construction of a one story addition which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 27.9%, where 25% is permitted and gross building area of 37.9%/2,258 square feet, where 35%/2,083 square feet is permitted at 42 Ethelbert Place, Block 2209, Lot 5, in the R-3 Zone. (Continued from February 11, 2019)(Carried from February 11, 2019 without further notice) Rocco Orlando, architect, and Mr. Oelkers were present. Mr. Orlando, previously sworn, testified regarding the updated information submitted to the Board. The survey showing lot coverage was marked as Exhibit A-1; the GB Engineering, LLC document was marked as Exhibit A-2 and the chart comparing zoning information was marked as Exhibit A-3. Mr. Orlando testified regarding the drawings he prepared, revised to 2/28/19, explaining the revisions and describing the floor plans. Board members had questions about the coverages and asked for more detail. There was discussion regarding the coverage by above-grade structure and what was included. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Papietro made a motion to approve the application with the condition that the chart is corrected and that the landscaping is to be maintained, Mr. Lebow seconded and all eligible members voted yes to approve the applications.

 

New Business:

 

DANIEL & DIANE CALKINS – An application to construct a second floor addition to the rear of the house which will result in a side yard setback of 21.27 feet, where 21.67 feet is required and gross building area of within 140 feet of the front lot line of 42.72%, where 34% is permitted at 80 Crest Road, Block 2107, Lot 4, in an R-1 Zone. (Carried from March 12, 2019 without further notice) Douglas Battersby was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Daniel Calkins, homeowner, was sworn. Mr. Battersby testified regarding the drawings he prepared. Board members clarified that the increase in gross building area was 64 square feet. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Chairman Alegre made a motion to approve the application as presented, Mr. Papietro seconded and all members voted yes.

LISA LAI – An application to permit the construction of an addition which will result in a front yard setback of 30.6 feet, where 40 feet is required; side yard setback on the left of 8.92 feet and on the right of 8.23 feet, where 10 feet is required; coverage by above grade structures of 21.32%, where 20% is required at 643 Wall Street, Block 3403, Lot 20, in an R-2 Zone. (Carried from March 12, 2019 without further notice) David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made introductory comments. Jordan Rosenberg was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Rutherford marked the architectural plans as Exhibit A-1, the survey as Exhibit A-2 and a photo board, prepared by Mr. Rosenberg, as Exhibit A-3. Mr. Rosenberg testified regarding the existing conditions and what is being proposed. There was discussion regarding the gross building area. Mr. Rosenberg displayed the photo board to show the existing conditions on the property as well as a couple of the neighbors’ homes. Board members asked Mr. Rosenberg to explain the coverage by above-grade structures numbers. Board members had questions and concerns about the massing of the addition and the pitch of the roof. After some discussion, the applicant was agreeable to reducing the ceiling height on the second floor. There were no questions or comments from the public. The hearing was carried to April 9, 2019 without further notice.

CONNER & SARAJILL HARTLEY – An application to permit the construction of a one story addition which will result in a side yard setback of 2.69 feet, where 15 feet is required at 396 Godwin Avenue, Block 2501, Lot 4, in an R-1 Zone. Sarajill Hartley, homeowner, was sworn. Cesar Padilla was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Padilla testified as to the existing conditions and the hardship due to the odd shaped lot. Ms. Hartley testified as to the fence along the property where the addition is proposed. Board members had questions about the fence and the dimensions of the addition. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Ms .Ruhl made a motion to approve the application as presented with the condition that it remains one-story, Mr. Papietro seconded, and all members voted yes to approve.

JOZSEF TASKO – An application to permit the construction of a detached two-car garage which will result in a side yard setback of 1.3 feet and a rear yard setback of 1.7 feet, where 5 feet is required for both and will be located 8.5 feet from the principal building a distance of 8.5 feet, where 12 feet is required at 296 Woodside Avenue, Block 3914, Lot 3, in an R-1 Zone. David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening comments, explaining that the previous garage was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. Bruce Rigg was sworn and his credentials as a professional engineer accepted. A property survey, dated September 13, 2018 was marked as Exhibit A-1, and a plan prepared by Rigg Associates dated 11/28/18 and revised to January 10, 2019 was marked as Exhibit A-2. Mr. Rigg testified as to the plans to rebuild a garage on the existing slab. Architectural drawings prepared by Mark Braithwaite were submitted as Exhibit A-3. The Board members asked if there was anywhere on the property to put a conforming garage. Mr. Rigg said there was not. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Rutherford made closing comments. Following Board deliberation Ms. Ruhl made a motion to approve the application as presented, Mr. Lebow seconded, and all members voted yes to approve.

LISBI & KAREN ABRAHAM – An application to enclose an existing covered front porch which will result in a gross building area within 140 feet of the front lot line of 32.46%/4,090 square feet, where 32%/4,032 square feet is permitted at 415 Red Birch Court, Block 3003, Lot 20, in an R-1 Zone. Karen Abraham, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to the proposed plans to close in the existing front porch. Board members clarified the numbers, and asked about the hardship. They are using the existing structure and not increasing the footprint. There was discussion regarding the existing building coverage being over 20%. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation Mr. Papietro made a motion to approve, Ms. Bunza seconded, and all members voted yes to approve.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       April 9, 2019

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting Minutes

MARCH 12, 2019

Opening:

The special 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, Gary Negrycz, Diana Ruhl, Alyssa Matthews, Ines Bunza, Jonathan Papietro, Isaac Lebow and Matthew Bandelt. Also present were Joseph Cerame, Esq., substituting for Bruce Whitaker, Esq., Board Attorney and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary.

 

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 the following:

-        The Hogan, 82 John Street, application was carried to April 9, 2019 without further notice.

-        The Burroughs Poole LLC, 33-381 Route 17 South, application was carried to April 9, 2019 without further notice.

-        The Calkins, 80 Crest Road, application was carried to March 26, 2019, without further notice.

 

Old Business:

 

JASON & SARAH HARINSTEIN – An application to permit the construction of a pool and patio which will result in coverage by improvements of 41.85%, and coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 41.24%, where 40% is permitted for both at 310 Heights Road, Block 1907, Lot 16, in the R-1 Zone. (Continued from February 11, 2019) David Rutherford, Esq. was present on behalf of the applicant. Thomas Skrable, Eng., was previously sworn and testified regarding the revisions and reductions as shown on the revised site plan, marked as Exhibit A-3. Board members asked if the applicant had looked into using permeable material. Mr. Skrable said they would use it for the patio by the garage. There was some concern regarding the chlorinated water and Mr. Rutherford said that a salt water pool was proposed. Mr. Cerame clarified the coverage numbers. Board members asked about the trees and landscaping. Mr. Rutherford said that a landscape plan would be submitted. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Ms. Ruhl made a motion to approve with the condition that permeable material is used for the patio, Ms. Bunza seconded, and all members voted yes to approve the application.

 

DEVEN & SURBHI SHAH – An application to permit the construction of a rear one-story and two-story addition, front covered portico and steps, rear landing and steps, rear patio and driveway widening which will result in coverage by above-grade structures of 21.5%, where 20% is permitted and a driveway width of 21 feet, where 12 feet is permitted at 215 Emmett Place, Block 3308, Lot 24, in the R-2 Zone. (Continued from February 11, 2019)  Mr. Brown recused himself from this hearing. Deven Shah, homeowner, and Roger Schlicht, architect, were both previously sworn. Mr. Schlicht testified regarding the revised drawings and described the revisions, reductions and the variances being requested. Board members had questions regarding the garage and the driveway width. Mr. Cerame asked for clarification of the variances being requested. There were no questions or comments from the public. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Alegre made a motion to approve the application as presented in the revised plans, Ms. Matthews seconded, and the application was approved with six yes votes to one no vote.

New Business:

 

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. (Carried from February 26, 2019) Steven Ross, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicants. Richard Brovarone, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of Marcia Ringel, an opposing neighbor. There was discussion regarding proof of nonconformity.

Terence Robinson, homeowner, was sworn and testified as to the existing conditions of the property and importance of the garage apartment. Mr. Robinson testified that the garage had gas and electric utilities and has a kitchen and bathroom and is currently being used as a home office. Mr. Robinson testified that he had spoken with the previous owners and researched the history of the use of the apartment.

Frank Hall was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Mr. Hall began to testify as to the drawings he prepared.

Following Board discussion the hearing was carried to April 23, 2019 without further notice.

Chairman Alegre announced that the Lai, 643 Wall Street, application is carried to March 26, 2019 without further notice.

MARTIN & LAUREN DUNLEAVY – An application to permit the construction of second floor and two-story addition which will result in a front yard setback of 29.83 feet, where 40 feet is required at 572 Hillcrest Road, Block 1503, Lot 9, in the R-1 Zone. David Rutherford, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicants and made introductory comments as to the variance being sought and the c(1)(a) and c(1)(c) hardships. Albert Zaccone was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted.  Mr. Zaccone testified regarding the drawings he prepared, marked as Exhibit A-1; the survey, marked as Exhibit A-2 and the photo board, marked as Exhibit A-3. Board members questioned the survey as it did not have setback dimensions marked on it. Mr. Zaccone stated that he asked Robert Weissman, the surveyor, for an AutoCAD file which had the dimensions and setbacks. Mr. Zaccone continued his testimony regarding the existing and proposed floor plans. Mr. Zaccone used the photo board to compare what was being proposed on the subject property to what exists in the surrounding neighborhood. Board members had questions about the existing sunroom. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Rutherford made closing comments. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Negrycz made a motion to approve the application as presented, Mr. Papietro seconded and all members voted yes to approve.

Resolution memorialization:      The following resolutions were memorialized:

-        Holder, 22 Maynard Court

Meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

Minutes submitted by:  Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary

Date Approved:       April 9, 2019

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