Zoning Board of Adjustment

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Opening: The public meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood was called to order at 7:35 p.m. Present: Greg Brown, Matthew Bandelt, Gary Negrycz (7:40 p.m.), Diana Ruhl, Jonathan Papietro, Jason Curreri, Jamie Fox and Yelena Raytser (left 9:38 p.m.). Also present were Bruce Whitaker, Board Attorney; John Barree, Village Planner, and Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary. Minutes: The minutes from October 22, 2024 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 Wang, 850 Auburn Avenue, application was carried to November 26, 2024 without further notice. Old Business: LES DANN, LLC – An application for preliminary and final major site plan approval, expansion of a nonconforming use variance approval, use variance approval for the construction of an auto body shop, which will serve as the principal use at 246-264 South Broad Street, Block 3905, Lots 12, 13 and 14, in an R-3 Zone and Certificate of Non-conformity for Lots 12 and 14. (Continued from August 27, 2024, Carried from October 8, 2024 without further notice) Mark Semeraro, Esq., was present on behalf of the applicant. Robert Inglima, Esq., was present on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends, Ridgewood Friends Meeting and the Friends Nursery School, 224 Highwood Avenue. Mr. Whitaker confirmed that there was a full Board present and eligible to vote. Mr. Semeraro gave a closing statement, summarizing his memorandum previously submitted to the Board. Mr. Inglima gave a closing statement, summarizing his memorandum previously submitted to the Board. Mr. Semeraro had a rebuttal. The hearing was closed. Mr. Whitaker instructed the Board as per his memorandum. 1 Board members deliberated regarding Lot 12. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Negrycz made a motion to pass a resolution issuing a Certificate of Nonconformity for auto body shop work and that the auto body use was not abandoned for the entire Lot 12. Mr. Bandelt seconded and all Board members voted yes. Board members deliberated regarding Lot 14. Following Board deliberation, Mr. Brown made a motion that auto body repair use from the back of the house to the railroad, as per Exhibit A- 50A, the 1930 Sanborn map, and Exhibit A-82, the aerial view, existed and was not abandoned. Mr. Bandelt seconded, and six Board members voted yes, one Board member voted no. New Business: Mr. Brown announced that the Uhrich, 315 Kensington Drive, application would be carried to November 26, 2024 without further notice. Ms. Raytser left the meeting. JAMIE SCOCCIMARRO – An application to permit a circular driveway in the front yard with two curb cuts with a combined width of 24 feet, where 16 feet is permitted at 225 North Monroe Street, Block 1816, Lot 26, in an R-2 Zone. Jamie Scoccimarro, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the need for the proposed circular driveway. Mr. Whitaker explained that the Board needs to consider land hardship, not personal hardship, when considering variance approval. The application was carried to December 10, 2024, without further notice. DANIEL & LEAH PACK – An application to permit the construction of a first floor addition and covered porch which would result in a front yard setback of 37.43 feet, where 40 feet is required and a side yard setback of 12.22 feet, where 13.23 feet exists and 12.22 feet is proposed at 751 Hillcrest Road, Block 1404, Lot 20, in an R-1 Zone. Darryl Siss, Esq., entered his appearance on behalf of the applicant and made opening remarks. William Brown was sworn and his credentials as a licensed architect accepted. Leah Pack, homeowner, was sworn and testified regarding the need for the foyer and entryway addition. Ms. Pack explained the photos she had taken of the interior and exterior of the house where the addition is proposed. Board members asked about the survey and the fence and patio which are not shown. Mr. Siss stated that no coverage variance will be needed and Mr. Brown said he would update the drawing. Mr. Brown testified regarding the plans he prepared. Mr. Brown stated that the addition is coming out 4.2 feet from what is existing and the covered entry comes out 3 feet, adding 40 square feet to the front of the house. Mr. Brown said the porch will remain open. Mr. Brown testified regarding the floor plans and the elevation drawing and the zoning table. Mr. Brown said they looked at alternatives at the rear of the house, but that it would involve 2 renovating the whole kitchen and that the family uses the front door. Board members asked if they would stipulate that the porch would never be enclosed. There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Siss made closing comments and the hearing was closed. Following Board deliberation, Ms. Ruhl made a motion to approve with the condition that the survey is updated to show all of the existing conditions on the property, Mr. Bandelt seconded and the application was approved. Resolution Memorialization: The following resolution was memorialized: - Troast, 136 Hope Street, Block 4007, Lot 12 Discussion: Site Plan Committee review of Chow, 380 Graydon Terrace – Mr. Bandelt explained the revised plan for the driveway at 380 Graydon Terrace due to the existing tree in the location that the Board approved. The Site Plan Committee approved of the new location of the extended driveway and the approved plan will be attached to the resolution. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Jane Wondergem, Board Secretary Date Approved: November 26, 2024 3