Planning Board Meeting

WALDWICK PLANNING BOARD December 4, 2024 The Formal Session of the Waldwick Planning Board was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and was called to order by Chair, Adele Badalamenti, who made the announcement of adequate notice of all meetings. ROLL CALL: Ms. Badalamenti present Mr. Mysliwiec present Mayor Giordano present Mr. Oravetz present Mr. Schatz present Mr. Posillico present Mr. Ramundo absent Mr. Panfile absentt Mr. Vervoort present Mr. Kowalski present Also Present: Cliff Singer, Board Attorney Joyce Sinclair, Board Secretary GREETINGS TO THE PUBLIC: No one appeared. APROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made for the approval of the Minutes of November 6, 2024 by Mr. Vervoort and seconded by Mr. Kowalski. A unanimous vote was taken. The Minutes were approved as submitted. RESOLUTIONS: THOMAS 11 Highwood Avenue SM 24-2 Block 7, Lot 86 Soil Movement RESOLUTION A motion was made for approval of the Resolution by Mr. Schatz and seconded by Mr.Oravetz. A unanimous vote was taken. The Resolution was approved. APPLICATIONS: None 1 NEW BUSINESS: -Review of Ordinance 2024-33 37-49 Harrison Ave. & 13 W. Prospect Street Redevelopment Area Block 107, Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Mayor Giordano recused himself. The draft of the letter to the Mayor and Council with the summation of the Board’s comments regarding the Ordinance, as prepared by Cliff Singer, Esq., Board Attorney, was reviewed by the Board. Mr. Singer noted that this letter will go out to the Mayor and Council only if the Board so desires. The Board members commented on the letter. Mr. Oravetz thought it an excellent summation, precise and well worded and thanked him for preparing it and was in agreement with the facts stated. Ms. Badalamenti noted that it covered everything. Mr. Vervoort noted his agreement with the letter. Ms. Badalamenti asked the public if there were any questions or comments. Jim Schultz, 52 Harrison Ave., requested a copy of the letter. It was noted that it will be public record once it is sent. Mr. Singer noted that at the work session on November 25, the issues were defined. The first point being whether the proposed redevelopment is consistent with the intention of Waldwick's Master Plan. The conclusion is that yes, in that regard, it is consistent with the Master Plan in so far as it seeks to upgrade the downtown area. The letter then lays out concerns, the main points of which are summarized below: 1. It seems odd that this re development plan proposal, being the first, seems to deal with a section of the redevelopment area that was the least problematic. It does not address the intersection of Franklin and Prospect Street, the center of town, Rite Aid and parking lot. 2. Concern about the volume of residential and commercial space being proposed and parking in downtown area in general, this proposes 81 spaces, 53% short of what the code requires for those uses. 3. The Board was directed towards The Vale in Allendale and HoHoKus Crossing, both of which are tall residential uses. The Ho Ho Kus Crossing being what the proposed use is, both apartments and townhomes. The Board felt those things look awfully big and had concern that the Board was given something to look at, and that it is very large compared to anyone’s eye who lives in this town is used to. The question is, is it too big. 4. Many members felt going 4 stories is not something they are comfortable with. 5. There is concern that the Hair Cottage, and the Sharan Quan building is just sitting there and is not a part of it. 6. There is concern that the prominent corner in the Borough is not being addressed. 7. There is a feeling that the matter is being rushed, 8. There is concern about who exactly is behind this and how are they qualified to do it. There is concern of any project of this magnitude, the fear of having an “American Dream” building. 2 Mr. Schultz, 52 Harrison Avenue, appeared before the Board and questioned the $200,000 taxes generated in that area and if we will get that back. There are five residential homes there now. He questioned if anyone has done an analysis of the financial impact on the Borough. Mr. Singer noted that payment in lieu of taxes is something that is determined between the Developer and the Municipality. How that is structured is not on the table before the Planning Board. Mr. Schultz had further concerns with the cost of education, sewer and garbage. Mr. Singer noted that this is not in the purview of the Board. Mr. Schultz noted the disrepair of the parking lot which has been in this condition for quite some time and questioned why nothing has been done about that. Mr. Singer noted that when you are dealing with redevelopment you are looking at long standing conditions; buildings that are not generating the revenue or providing habitat that are needed, and you try to get it before it gets to that. Mr. Schultz noted that the train parking lot is half full now that many are working from home and not commuting to the city. Mr. Schatz noted that although people are not using it, there is a waiting list to get a parking spot. Mr. Schultz wondered if the proximity to the train station is the reason for the redevelopment. Mr. Singer indicated that the train is an asset and he can see reason to maximize the strength of it. Mr. Schultz noted that The Vale in Allendale, which was mentioned earlier, does not maintain the character of that neighborhood. Mr. Schultz questioned the affordable housing component. Mr. Singer noted that we don't know yet what we may or may not be able to negotiate. Right now we think the number we are responsible for is 180. Mr. Schultz noted a burned out piece of property in town which has been sitting for 8 years and wondered if that will be redeveloped. Mr. Singer noted that because of its location it could end up being something a builder wants to get hands on. Mr. Singer noted there are wetlands next to it. There were no further questions from the public. Mr. Schatz noted that he feels Ho Ho Kus Crossing is too massive of a building. Mr. Schatz noted the height and parking weigh heavy on him and wondered why the Hair Cottage building is not part of this redevelopment. Mr. Schatz is in agreement with the letter. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made by Mr. Schatz and seconded by Mr. Vervoort to send the letter. A vote was taken, all in agreement with the letter, with the exception of Mr. Mysliwiec, who voted no. Mayor Giordano rejoined the board. 3 -Mayor Giordano noted a new Alternate #2 member, replacing John Cabibo, will be joining the Board. Mr. Panfile will move up to Alternate #1. Mayor Giordano advised that Cliff Singer will be the Zoning Board and Planning Board Attorney. OLD BUSINESS: None ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made for adjournment by Mr. Schatz and seconded by Mr. Oravetz at 8:30 p.m. Joyce C. Sinclair, Secretary 4