Good evening everybody. This is a meeting of the Allenale Land Use Board at which formal action will be taken on the items listed on the agenda and upon any other matters which may properly come before the land use board. The requirements of the open public meetings act have been satisfied
through posting on the public bulletin board and in the municipal building and in the burough website and by publication in the record on January 13, 2025 with copies being sent to the Rididgewood News and the Herald News. Certain agenda items will be open to the
public for comment andor testimony. The board will advise the public when such matters are open for their comment andor testimony. Uh before we get to the roll call, everybody join me for the flag, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you again everybody for coming. Linda, can I have a roll call, please? Vice Chairwoman Bergen here. Board member
Wala here. Board member Katrino here. Board member Luero here. Councilman Yakarino here. Board member Dalo here. Chairman CO here. Mayor Linski here. Board member Butler here. And alternate Conte is absent. Thank you. All right.
Thank you. And again on our on our line is Mr. Callie. Yes. Okay. Mr. Cali is here. Good evening everybody. Good evening sir. And we have uh your standard here as well. Thank you.
Okay. Um All right. Next on the agenda, approval of minutes from the March 19th, 2025 land use board meeting. Um I reviewed them. Uh Linda, I think I have maybe one change to take care of. Everybody else review them. Okay. Can I have an off can I have
a motion please to accept? So move second. Thank you. That was Tyler and Frank. Frank Chairwoman Bergen. Yes. Board member Wala. Yes. Board member Petrino. Yes. Board member Gugliero. Yes.
Councilman Yakarino. Yes. Member Dalo. Yes. German. Yes. Mayor, I think you were absent, right? I was, but I read them if I could say yes. Board member Butler. Yes. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.
All right. Let's get into the resolutions. Uh the first one I will um speak to them and then uh Larry, as we normally do, if you give a quick summary. Okay. Sure. Thank you. Uh, first one, application file number
2024-17, resolution 25-13. The applicant is Michael Maul and Dana Marino, 246 Park Avenue, Allenale0741, block 2206, lot 7. The application was for a two-story garage
and a twostory I'm sorry twocar garage and a two-story edition pursuant to 20 I'm sorry 270-63 parenthesis 3 270-64 C parenthesis 2 and 270-57D Hey sir so on this application the
applicant was before the board a number of public hearings there were three in total um it involved several architectural and engineering revisions including reductions to the floor area ratio which ultimately yielded the applicant a favorable vote of approval on the D relief as well as the bulk
relief. Uh there were a number of conditions of this approval, several standard conditions including the applicant's compliance with the recommendations of Mr. Veland's uh most recent engineering report that issued on the matter as well as securing other agency approvals before moving forward with the development of the property
which included D because they had areas affected um and subject to D jurisdiction. Uh a few of the other conditions that we made sure made their way into the resolution involved screening the accessory improvements and the setbacks which was something the board discussed at length during a
public hearing process. And of course the applicant's last plan iteration will control which includes the final reduced floor area ratio the reduced size of the structure and at all turns it included the applicant's removal of the offending structure which was that accessory
structure located within the uh D regulated areas which was part of the basis for the board's approval. Um beyond that relatively straightforward Mr. Chair and members. Okay. Thank you sir. Is there any discussion on this resolution?
Okay. Seeing none, do I have an offer for a motion, please, for approval? I'll make a motion to approve. Thank you. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you. Vice Chairwoman Bergen, yes. Board
member Petrino, yes. Councilman Yakarino, Board Member Dallow, yes. Chairman Crico, yes. All right. Our second resolution is
application file number 2025-01, resolution 25-14, Stephanie and Sha Morton, 73 Forest Avenue in Allenale, block 2206, lot 7. And the application was for an
addition over the garage pursuant to 270-64A, parenthesis 2. So, this application involved relatively nominal relief for an addition. It was in the ballpark of between 5 and 600 square feet total. There was limited bulk relief on the application. The
board voted unanimously during a a single hearing presentation by the applicant. Uh the conditions that we flagged as being particular to this application included no new lighting to the areas of the addition to be constructed. uh and it was a confirmation by the applicant which we
included as a condition which was the finished materials will match and complement the existing single family residential dwelling structure. Beyond that, nothing specific as to this approval, Mr. Chair and members. Okay. Thank you. Uh any questions, comments from the
board? Okay, seeing none, can I have a motion to accept the resolution, please? I'll make a motion. Thank you. Second. I'll second. Thank you. Vice Chairwoman Bergen. Yes. Board member Guala. Yes. Board member Petrino.
Yes. Board member Garo. Yes. Councilman Yakarino. Yes. Board member Dalo. Yes. Chairman Serico. Yes. Board member Butler. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Okay. And the third one is application file number
2025-02 resolution 25-15. The applicant is Edward Jagger and Jennifer Lavine. 18 Wilton Drive in Allenale, block 511, lot 18. The application was an addition to a single family home pursuant to
270-64B parenthesis 2 sideyard setback. So this application like the Morton one was a in addition to the single family residential dwelling structure there was bulk relief only on this one and the addition proposed and approved was to the non-offending side of what required
bulk relief and the applicant's appearance before the board. Interestingly, um a condition of the approval which um relates to the sideyard where we had the abuing neighbor appear and ask some questions as to stormwater controls was a
confirmation by the applicant that they would implement the stormwater management controls which was a coldtech chamber. I believe uh it was identified specifically during the course of the public hearing and ultimately the implementation that storm water management improvement is going to be subject to the review and approval of
the burough engineer um prior to final sign off. That was the only specific condition as to this matter. Mr. Chair and members otherwise relatively straightforward approval as well. Thank you. Uh any discussion by the board on this resolution?
Okay, seeing none, can I have a motion, please, for approval? Make a motion to approve. Thank you. Second. Second. Thank you. Vice Chairwoman Bergen, yes. Board member, yes. Board member Patrino, yes.
Board member Grio, yes. Counciloman Yakarino, yes. Board member Dalo, yes. Chairman Serico, yes. Board member Butler, yes. Okay. All right. Thank
you. Next on our agenda is the public hearing section of our meeting. And the first on here is a review of the amendments to the land use plan in the HVAS study uh by Mr. Snankis. Please, our planner. Good evening. What I have for you this
evening is the latest revised version of the land planning element. Um this document as you remember we've been doing this for the last several months. Um and we are also a sister document. These two documents are now in
their best form to establish a public meeting by which we can then present these new documents to the public. Uh I propose we schedule the next available meeting. looking at your calendar looks like May 12th is the next available
meeting with the following notice which circulated with the 10day required notice as well as notifying the case we'll have to have a copy of these two documents on file for the
potential and what I did was you can Since the last time the board had reviewed this or discussed this document is the mayor had gave us a few inputs in regard to a few items. Some of them are rather guess associated with the
structure of the document itself but there are a few which I'll just bring that revised. The first one is regarding historic properties within the community under item two that talks about kind of the
local issue impacting and this has been an ongoing effort of various master plans from the past is to recognize the historic significant structure in so we further develop on the paragraph associated with
them that it says to further this effort the burden uh update the inventory of historically relevant structures of properties to inform project. In this survey, the bure consider if the housing element of excuse me historic element of the of the
master plan would be beneficial to further support the preservation or encourage enhancement of the historic assets. So we just wanted to expand upon that describe that in order to establish more of an understanding of your
historic structures is to uh work from the counties have done sort of a initial mapping of historic structure and what we could be doing as interesting that document and expanding upon it to identify a specific property
some estate either establish a historic element of the master plan which supports sort of the historic films if you wanted to go that far. Many municipalities though are using it just to inform the planning process. So it's
understood where the historic properties are to see if there's any properties. So that was one thing that identified and just a quick question is there is there I don't recall if we've ever discuss this is there a definition
around age uh there really is countywise statewise wherever really is there I think it's more relevant to yeah infrastructure there is a certain time period at which it's considered more historic I can't really tell you exactly what that number is off okay because
most of the properties in our or good amount of the properties our town I guess are being built 50s60s maybe maybe I'm just a blanket swap on that but there may be a handful that historic existing parts of correct
you're far and the f house of course and so that's something that you may want to recognize sometimes what I've seen also is a list of historically significant properties let's say be put in the master plan so case a board is reviewing
application. They can see if the fact is asking for impact to an adjacent property. They can see if the fact that historic some communities obviously part of a board that refused a historic zone
uh in New Jersey and there they had very strict controls for a historic zone. I'm not sure we have that here in LA, but at the same time that's sort of the way historic system
site in addition to that there's a few things regarding the census data that the mayor asking just some additional information. So I provided those as well. Uh one statement to talk about under is that minimizing
compatibility upon that physical buffer that also discussion about the specific land use categories. If you remember this plan identifies the land use planes broken down by various types and
the residential zone. We recognize that had to recognize the prior Andrew plan that the agrarian or farming activities really sort of non-existent in our community with the exception of certain disting type of businesses and is to
recognize that they exist by not to say that they should not exist but valid to recognize those. In addition to that, what we've also added in the document is the recommendation about raising of
farms. Believe it or not, that's becoming issue in some where the chickens or roosters are being housed people's properties. there is nuance associated with how you go about regulating that sort of
activity have roosters as part of this poultry uh activity property but yet to allow certain size. So that's just something we touched on later some of the recommendations to consider the future.
In addition to that we talked about the senior population. What was an interesting fact that we didn't quite collaborate on is that the senior population um has grown since 2010 to 20120 increasing the senior population. So what that does identify the trend
where people are aging in place. And so what we identified is the potential for additional age restricted housing and more more affordable restricted housing
is an important consideration. So that really summarizes the changes within this document. Again like I said in the public hearing part of it include instru documents as well as plan aware for the public comments into
that document should finance appropriate for approval. You can approve it that come that really summarizes consideration and again the timing I know I know we're talking about next week was there some timing around
this that we had to have this done. Yeah, it's well it's something that you should be doing uh periodically. If you remember, we did a re-examination report. Um and so that reexamination report did another 20 years before
that. But it was important being important to claim the goals and objectives of the contemporary standard so that they represent our current as well as help. Yeah. Any uh questions from the board?
Okay. Thank you, Adam. Yes. Very very Okay. So, Linda, timing, please. Do we have May is May 12th? Make sure we also have Alan Dale Senior on that night, but we can put him on first.
That's the only application that's supposed to be on. How long? I'll make it succinct. I expect a half hour. I like that. In order for the board to get through their agenda and then I can get more
detail question. Okay. May 12th. Unless you want to do it on another meeting where there isn't such a big application about the 14th. What's on the 14th? Because I thought we were getting full on the 14th.
I believe the 12th is our regular meeting. The 12th is the Monday. The 12th Monday. Oh, Wednesday. Say the 12th. Maybe it is the 14th. 14th is the Wednesday. That's That's a regular meeting. Oh, so maybe we should just do it on
Monday. Then we'll leave it on Monday and then leave the Okay. Here we go. Yeah, the 14th. I'm sorry. The 14th is the um Allenale rehab. Okay. So, if you want to just do that for
yourself on the 12th. Do we have anything else? Do we have any other applications forthcoming? [Music] I don't think so. We have a few coming up, but I don't have anything on my desk yet. You don't have anything yet? All right. I You know, I'm trying to be
sensitive to everybody's time. I don't know how long again the nursery has been out, but I'd like to bring everybody just in case this could be quick or it could be some time given the public being here. So, I'd much rather let you have or have you had May 12th alone.
Yes. Okay. Discussion the board. Are you guys agree? Okay. There. Okay. All right. So, let's put in Ed in for the 12. Yes. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. Um, any other
questions relative to this? Right. Thank you, sir. Okay. Um, moving on. We now have review of ordinances that were in our packets of information.
Um the first one is an uh 25-06 an ordinance to amend supplement and revise the code of borrow validel concerning the additions to nonconforming structures in chapter
270-37 parentheses a um as far as summarizing these Do you want do you want to? Yeah, if you like. Please do then. I mean I could summarize them but I think it would be better. Yeah. So these were
couple codes that subcommittee and they were taken from the subcommittee council. I believe at first readings council will now
be consistency specifically regarding the first one on the list or 256 section 27037 additions to non-conforming structures.
Prior to this proposed amendment, there were really five items in subsection A. And the second one on the list uh caused a fair amount of confusion with the zoning officer and it really brought a
lot of applicants in for relief if they were doing an addition that have to be performing but there was another condition created on the property. So what the ordinance does is it basically eliminates subsection two of the
existing code and now just standard symbol that section. So like in other words, if they were building like a second floor, as long as everything new that they're building is and there's no
the footprint doesn't change or that's so for example, if they're putting on a second story addition to a house and that second story additionally, it's no need for all right. It's
not coverage and then causing the applicants. Okay. And then causing the applicants to incur time and etc. etc. So it's more like a pre-existing try to address that in because like our sideyard would increase
if the square footage increase. So, if you already have, you know, a sideyard that's whatever, you know, if it's non-conforming by a couple feet and you're just adding, you know, some square footage, it would automatically make it increase the way that ours was. So, it wasn't standard. And a lot of
other challenges have a standard side setback. Ours is varying. If you're going to put an addition out the bag second story edition existing footprint and that second story edition is conform like to make it easy on residents not time over nuances in our ordinance. So
that's what we're trying to do, eliminate that kind of stuff. So we don't even though we like to see everybody, we don't want to have to have you spend extra money with lawyers to implement that. Like I said, there was a section too that was being admitted and
gathered other parts of that code of saying it has to be permitted use alteration or enlargement applies involvement regulations. doesn't create a vertical expansion of if not
encloses. The section that we're eliminating is basically said the alteration does not create any new addition. That was always creating the issues. Okay. Okay. Well, I guess our
uh responsibility is to review the ordinance, provide any recommendations, and determine whether it's consistent or not inconsistent. And I know this is something that's come up multiple times with this board. Okay.
Um and before I have the board ask, you know, discuss it, do you have any comment? All right. I see no issues with this regulation. I can see clarification. In fact, I've seen other communities where
nonforming what's the issue. Okay. Okay. Thank you, Larry. No, no comments here. I think this one is pragmatic and makes sense and and might give a good explanation as to how you can get the administrative approval
process. It's essentially a compliant proposal when you've got a pre-existing condition. It's not being exacerbated for other use otherwise permitted in the subject zone. So, I think it's a relatively tight written ordinance and I think it's uh going to make for some efficiency in the burrow. So, no
comments here. Thank you. Okay. Board members, questions, comments, think it's a good addition. I I agree. Okay. All right. Um, Larry, forgive me. How do
we This is We're going to take one at a time. Okay. So, Larry, what do we do? Motion to accept the ordinance as it's written. Yeah, it would be a motion to and there's there's no opening to the public at this stage that that's reserved for governing bodies. So, this would be a a motion to find that the
ordinance as drafted is consistent with the land development code uh by the planning board members. All that needs to go back to the governing body is a consistency determination. So the motion would be a finding of consistency with this draft ordinance as written with the code. Thank you. Okay. Do I have a
motion? Make a motion. Thank you, sir. And do I And do I have a second? Thank you. Okay. Vice Chairman Bergen. Yes. Board member Wala. Yes. Board member Petrino. Yes. Board member Deluo. Yes. Councilman
Yakarino. Yes. Board member Dallow. Yes. Chairman Shereico. Yes. Member Wasinski. Yes. Board member. Yes. Okay. All right. And then the second one that we have is
2025, I'm sorry, 20, I'm sorry, 25-07, an ordinance to amend, supplement, and revise the code of the borrow of Allenale concerning accessory buildings. Chapter 270-14 parenthesis A. I'll let you take it. Okay. So it was just again discussed
in sub sections in our code that regulate sideyard setback based on size of principal structure or building area. But yet the bill allows accessory structure that are 21t high 6 foot
property but it provides some spacing and relief property. a section or a fair sentence that was added in here created establishing the setbacks to property lines to be at least the height of
the separation and this is consistent with the master plan which Ed stated that we want to provide adequate space in neighborhoods etc between
Okay. And Ed, that's that's final issue. Okay. Agreed. Agreed. Council, no comments here, Mr. Chairman. Right. Thank you, sir. Okay. Board. I know that some of these have
been talked, both of them have been talked about for some time. So, I mean, and just the origin of this being brought up, a lot of people are starting to build these massive garages that are like houses. So, in the past, people would just have a normal size garage. Now, they're like houses instead. So,
that's what's causing, you know, us to bring this to the tension. And in the past when they when they would be built, they could be was it six six feet off the property line if it was a regular size? If it was regular. So, but now with the vac, you know, no, this this I think will help help aesthetically and
for the neighbor. So, um again, Larry, same way. Correct. Yes, sir. Yeah. A motion to find consistency with the land development code and that's all the planning board, the land use board needs to do at this point. Okay. Can I have a motion, please? I'll
make the motion. Thank you, sir. What was that? Okay, Andy. Second. Thank you. Vice Chairwoman Bergen, yes. Board member Wala, yes. Board member Patrina, yes. Board member Fuo, yes. Councilman Yakarino, yes. Board member Dallow, yes.
Chairman Suro, yes. Mayor Wasinski, yes. And board member Butler? Yes. So, Larry, are you going to send a letter to the borrow clerk on this then? Yes, I will. Thank you. Okay. I I just want to say thank you to uh the council and and the
land use committee. This is this is long time. This is good. Thank you. Thank you very much. So all right. Well, we have the the the amendment 25-07A. The last
one is almost identical to the previous one. 27. Okay, that wouldn't So we we introduced it. So for example, if like Roslers wants to put his property something a little bit closer, he's exempt.
Okay. Okay. All right. Ed, we'll do one. Yeah. Again. Again, you're okay with this one. Okay. Council, no issues, Mr. Chair. All right. Thank you, sir. Okay. Any discussion up
here? Okay. Can I have a um a motion to accept, please? Or motions? I think 07A. I think 07A is exactly the same thing except they just added about farm shall be exempt from this these
requirements. It's exactly the same. Yeah, but we had to reintroduce it. So, I think we might have to You want to do Yeah, let's just get it on right now. Yeah. I'm not 100% sure, but we had a We pulled it from um and we reintroduced it at the council meeting. Okay. Okay. Let's just approve it. Let's just get
it. Yeah, let's just get it on there, please. So, I'm I'm sorry. The mo the motion you did the second, right, B? Yeah. Okay. So, first was Andy. Okay. Andy Andy.
Andy, right? Vice Chairman Bergen. Yes. Board member Wala. Yes. Board member Petrino. Yes. Board member Garo. Yes. Councilman Yakarino. Yes. Board member Dalo. Yes. Chairman Crico. Yes. Mayor Wisinski.
Yes. Honor. Yes. Thank you. Greg, you've been demoted. At least we have. Thank you. Okay. All right.
So, next on our agenda is applicant file number 2025-06, Valeria Leisung, Bari Capital Group LLC, 310 East Allenale Avenue, Allenale, block 701, lot 13. The
application is a second story addition to a one-story residential home pursuant to 270-64 parenthesis B parenthesis 2 sideyard setback. Council, thank you. Good evening. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, and good evening, members of the board. My name is
Christopher Rodriguez of our legal advisors LLC, my friend, New Jersey. I'm representing uh the applicant care capitals group LLC. Uh and of course, it's Oh, it's fine. I just seasoned litigator. It's a habit. Whatever you want to do, sir.
So, I'm representing G Capital Group L. I believe there's a small typo in the agenda. It was spelled with a B. Apologies. A G G A R R E G A R R E. That's correct. Oh, no problem. No problem at all. And it's with respect to the property located at 310 East
Allenale Avenue in Allen, New Jersey, block 701, lot 13. Is this coming through the mic? Uh in support of this application, uh we we furnished uh set of plans. We certainly furnished the application supporting documents and I also have uh
Mr. Fern Mr. Ricardo Fernandez is a licensed professional planner uh who'll be testifying in support as well and also Miss Valyriia Lisan who's the principal of of Capital LLC. Uh she she may or may not be testimony testifying. It just depends on whether or not the boards has additional questions that she
may be able to sort of provide some clarity on. U this particular application we're seeking a flexible C2 variance from the setback requirements uh mandated by Allenale code 270-64B2. uh this is impacting a single family residential property uh located in uh
zone doubleA. Uh we believe the document documents and testimony can be afforded herein uh will satisfy the requirements of the C2 variance namely that the benefits will substantially outweigh any potential detriment uh to the public. Uh Mr. Fernandez will testify as to those
points from the planning perspective. And with that said, I would like to now call uh Mr. Fernandez uh testify. Okay. All right, Rick. Rick, how are you, sir? How are you, Mr. Cali? Good to see you.
Would you please raise your right hand? Yeah, but he can see you. That wasn't that wasn't meant for you, Rick. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. Thank you. And for So, the board knows, I've got a a long-standing
um professional relationship with Mr. Fernandez. Um he's an incredible professional and person. I'm sure his council is going to voad him shortly, but I look forward to hearing Mr. Fernandez testify shortly on this application. Thank you. Mr. Fernandez, could you
please offer uh your qualifications to the board so way they can properly assess you as a professional? Thank you. Uh my name is Ricardo Fernandez. I am a professional planner in the state of New Jersey licensed by the New Jersey Professional Planners Board as well as the American Institute of Certified
Planners. I have a uh bachelor's degree in urban studies. It's been long read this remember what the title was and uh a master's in community development. I've been doing planning and zoning for almost 27 years now and I've testified
before many many boards both on the municipal side as well as on the private side. This is my first time say it's your first time coming here and everybody's been very welcoming. Very nice. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Uh applicant
hereby requests uh board's acceptance of Mr. Fernandez by accepted. Thank you, chair. Thank you. All right, Mr. Fernandez, I understand that you prepared a brief presentation uh to outline the issues at bar. Um is it all right if I sit down? No, I tend to dance
around if I'm standing. So, I think you want to sit down, especially that I'm trying something a little different here with a PowerPoint. So, um, my understanding is that the board members received the PowerPoint. Is that correct? So, I just
want to make sure if, um, since the board members received the packet prior to the meeting, do you want me to put it in as A1 or Yeah, I I think so, Rick, if if we could just identify the deck. If if you know how many sheets are in it, that will be helpful, but let's mark it as an exhibit since it came in within
the 10 days, please. Okay. So, so the packet the council the packet that we all received. Is that what you were talking about? It wasn't in the packet. It was in an email that was sent today. Got it. Okay. Okay. Uh, so basically the email that was sent today is a carbon
copy of exactly what I'm going to go through um as the PowerPoint. So, and I want to thank everybody for being accommodating. I have an old projector and a screen in the car and I was hoping I didn't have to lug it out. So, I'm happy that we were I mean we could put it up there if you really had it up. Yeah, it's going to be up there. Yeah,
it's up there already. That's it. So, you see Okay, if I could just draw your attention to the Have that marked, of course. Yes, we could have that marked as applicant exhibit A1. Yes. Um, so again, this application is for 310 Allenale
Avenue, block 701, lot 13. Um, there is a blue star on the subject property. I want you to take note on kind of the sizing of the area and and looking at the lot sizes. It is located in the AA zone which is a single
family zone. It is surrounded by other single family homes. Um there's the circles, a lot of greenery. A lot of the properties are very long and large in the rear. So that is the aerial view. So when you're looking at single family
dwellings, the permitted they are permitted in the A zone, the AA zone, and the AAA zone, which this property is in the double A zone, which is a permitted use u for the application. So why are we here today? So, uh, one of the things, and I
heard the conversation that the board members were having just a little while ago, uh, under 270-54C, you had just a standard 20 foot setback. That would be the minimum setback. And then there's an additional um, code
270-64B, which now requires a calculation to be done for the size of the um, addition. The reason that I wanted to make sure 270-54C was there is because the new code, I believe it's stated in your code
book that came out in 1999. This home was built prior to that. So, there's going to be some existing nonconformities that are on the parcel. And I wanted just to make sure that u I covered that. So, as you can see here, the application
complies with every single one of the ordinance requirements with the exception of the preexisting nonconforming setbacks of the property. So, um, one side, actually the
driveway side, the side where the garage is, it's an attached garage to the property is 28.2 feet away from the neighboring property. And then on the right side, the pre-existing nonconformity is 17 ft from the um
neighboring property. The addition, however, that we're proposing will fully comply with the calculations based on that enhanced sideyard setback, which I will uh show the board in a minute. So, currently, this is the survey of the
property. I know it's a little hard to see here. Uh it's just showing where these deficiencies are under the current survey without any proposed addition on it. You'll see that the driveway has the 28 foot setback and then on the right
sideyard setback there's a bumpout um that creates that 17 ft. I'd also like the board members to take note that our neighbor as well has the same similar situation that we do. Their garage is 18 ft away from ours and is a two-story
dwelling, which I'll show you in just a minute. So, this is the subject property. Um, I went out uh maybe a month ago, so I decided that we'd take a picture of it when it's all green and the landscaping is in place so you can
see what it'll look like once all the leaves get back on the tree. So you can see uh cuz I know there was a question on the landscaping. The landscaping uh we're proposing to keep the way it is and clean up some of the brush cuz there hasn't been anybody living in there for a while. So we want to make sure we
clean out the brush, but the landscaping is going to be a lot like what you see there on the upper picture. Um I took a picture of the interior of the um property so you can take a look at how outdated it is. I mean, I'm sure in its
heyday it was a beautiful, gorgeous kind of living room area, but as you can see, it's a lot it's very outdated. You can see the even the old heating system that is kind of running along the side as you go into the rear yard. And this would completely upgrade the property into
really what I would say today's standards are of living and what people are accustomed to. So this is the neighbor on the 28T side. So this is the it's a two-story property. Oops, sorry.
Um, so this is the left side. This is our driveway abuts their driveway. This is where we currently have the 28.2. As you can see, the area, our setback even now is consistent with the setbacks that are in the area. Even
though this is a two-story building um with a bit larger footprint, it still kind of matches what the setbacks are. And the proposed second floor addition to comply with the burrow code would set
that second floor addition an additional 8.7 ft in uh from the garage. So you'll get from that side from where you I was standing to take that picture. My back is up against the garage door of the subject property. So there would be an
additional almost 9 ft further back than from that photograph. This is on the left side. This is the shorter side, the 17 ft side. Um, as you can see, the property to the
uh right of the subject property is also a two-story building. It has a pre-existing non-conforming setback similar to uh the applicants. And I wanted to take note of first the setback is covered with a lot of brush that once
the leaves come up, you can barely see the neighboring property owner. It also buffers the existing mechanicals that we're planning to keep exactly where they are. Uh so right there on that side, you'll see that there's two condensing units. They're going to be replaced and they're going to be upgraded with high energy, high
efficiency um units, but they're currently buffered and shrubbed by the uh landscaping that's there. And then the picture on the lower left hand side of the property
uh is just to kind of show the setbacks on that side. As you can see, even the two neighboring properties are significantly closer than the setbacks that we would be providing um this evening. And that's just to show that we
are more than this addition would continue the consistency with the homes in the area. And this second floor addition would also add uh an additional almost 20 ft from that side because we're
offering almost 37 a 37t set back from that second floor addition from that 17 ft. So you're almost an additional 20 and 1/2 ft from the neighbor on this new addition. These are the properties
across the street. Um they're they're actually those two properties are significantly larger than any of the homes on on our side of the street. Um they all have their two-story additions with much larger footprint.
Um there are many properties surrounding this property. The majority of the properties in this area are actually two stories. Our singlestory ranch is one of the very few that are ranches in the area and
that are quite frankly a bit older and dated. This is our addition uh that we're looking uh the prop that we're proposing. Hopefully the board sees uh what it is that we're kind of uh proposing here and um sees the
consistency. If you look at this design versus the design that you saw with the existing properties, I would say that it almost looks out of place now the way it is currently versus the way the addition's going to be uh when it's completed. Um the proposed finishes
right now, uh we have Hardy plank and like a synthetic brick veneer finish that you see on the bottom. We believe that's consistent with the area, but if there's an issue with that, uh we'd be happy to listen to the board's take on
that. So, uh this is not vinyl sighting. This will be hardy plank with your synthetic synthetic uh veneer finishes. Uh the rain leaders, there was a question in the engineering report. Right now, uh the intent is to keep the rain leaders where they currently are
and have the addition flow have the rain leaders from that addition then go down and flow into the current uh rain leaders that there are on the first floor. So, we're not anticipating any changes in the current drainage pattern of the property. So, this is what it would look
like with the new addition. These are the setbacks with the addition uh proposed. As you can see, it fully complies with the burrow's code and provides a much more significant setback than what is currently there. In fact,
it provides a a greater significance than even the the existing properties that are in the neighborhood from each other. Um, one of the one of the unique things and I just listening to the board, I'm glad that we came on a date that you were considering the ordinances
is that it doesn't take into account when you have an oversized lot. This lot is almost 80,000 square ft, but because of the width and the the um added advanced um setback, you can't even take
advantage of the the full use of the property of the property, right? which is almost 80,000 square ft. So in summation to to make it quick um the uses permitted in the zone we
comply with all the bulk standards with the exception of the pre-existing sideyard setbacks um which were there when the house was built. Uh the proposed addition will comply with the enhanced yard setbacks as discussed.
Um, I would say that just looking at the property in its current condition, looking at the neighboring property, this addition would be in greater um, consistency with the area. The fact that we're upgrading the property and
bringing it up to today's standards with energy efficiency, uh, you know, better sizing of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. I think that also plays into kind of that upgrade and and that benefit
outweighing any detriment to the sideyard setback especially that irrespective of the addition that setback would be there anyway right like there wouldn't be any difference it would stay um that deficiency would remain
um the site is well suited as we just discussed recently it's an oversized lot it's 80,000 square ft of a lot with um barely a 4,000 square foot addition which even under your standards is a improvement coverage of less than 10%
and your code permits almost 28 you know 27 and change percent. Um it the project I believe supports purpose C of the MLUL by providing adequate light air and space. Another reason is that this addition isn't
taking up any more of your open space. It's going straight up. we're not impeding anymore into any of the coverages. So that will remain the same. Um I also believe that under purpose I uh talking about the the second floor
edition bringing it to today's standards um no further encroachment on the rear yard. I believe it promotes a desirable visual environment through this creative um development technique and design. And then finally, the project is
consistent with the character of the neighborhood. If you look at this um rendering and you look at the neighborhood, we would fit right in. And that would conclude my testimony. Mr. Fernandez, uh as you know, uh we're to comply with the C2
variance, we're required to specifically identify positive versus detrimental criteria that the positive should substantially outweigh. Uh, I know we've went over a whole lot of testimony, a lot of different facts about this particular property and how it's situated. If you could highlight the
specific positive criteria that this particular project would bring to the public, uh, I think we would greatly appreciate that. Well, I think it would it creates a much better living condition. It would bring it up to today's standards. um you're you know
the outdated property now can be brought to something that is going to be consistent with your neighborhood. Uh the detriment really in this case would be the pre-existing non-conforming setback. That is the only thing that we have uh before the board uh to consider
and that's something that irrespective of the board's action would remain right that pre-existing setback is there but uh the pre-existing setback that h is the has the greatest efficiency is actually buffered by plantings and and
even uh buffers the existing mechanicals uh that will be replaced with the updated high efficiency equipment. Uh Mr. He testified about the Van Clee uh engineering memorandum that
is dated April 17, 2025. Uh council, Mr. C, Mr. Cali, uh could we put the memorandum as an exhibit? No, sir. It's in the record. Thank you. All right. So, Mr. Fernandez, there are several items that are identified in the technical
review comments of the memorandum. Have you had a chance to review this document? I have. I know we've touched upon a few uh that are on there. Let's just go one through one just one by one just to make sure uh that properly hit each of the points. Under technical review comment 4.1 uh the memorandum
states testimony to address the proposed building finishes, cutler colors and materials. Have you had a chance to review the plans? I have. And have you spoken with the applicant directly as to what their proposals are for the finishings of the of the property? I did. And what is your understanding of
the finishings of the property and are they consistent with the municipalities interests? Yeah, so currently um what's proposed before the board is a Hardy Plank board going across the property with a brick uh synthetic brick
veneer finish which is consistent with the neighborhood. not only the neighbor on the left side, but even across the street, the little older home that it's not little, it's larger, if it's a little bit uh older than the other ones,
most of them have stuckle on it. Um, I just say that from a planning perspective and a visual perspective, but when you have the hardy plank and you're talking, you were just talking about like historic preservation and things of that nature, a lot of that has hardy plank in it and
it kind of gives it a different texture um to that material. And with the brick veneer finish, you'll have a different different depth to the design. Um that could be very appealing uh you know definitely for uh the neighborhood. And
as to the exterior lighting and mechanical equipment, have you had a chance to speak with the applicant on those particular facets and review the plans accordingly? Yes. So, the mechanical equipment is proposed to stay right where they are right now. Would just be replaced with the new equipment. And the
um the lighting, it would be typical lighting for a single family home. You'll have a a light over the front door as you walk in and it's kind of recessed a little bit so it's not out. Uh there's a light between the two garages obviously for at night when
you're doing the garage taking out the garbage and then one in the rear uh the rear door heading out to the patio. Uh they're they're uh made for homes for homes. This is not industrial lights. Um and they're made to you know highlight
downward uh with limited illumination to cross property lines. Uh item 4.3 addresses uh request seeks a seeks testimony as to the landscaping and whether any trees were removed. Have you conferred with the applicant as to these particular items? Yeah, my understanding
is that they're keeping the trees as you know that are currently there on the property. There is some brush and weed cleanup that they have to do um as far as landscaping, but the landscaping is supposed to remain kind of consistent with what the property has always had as far as landscaping. If there's any
additional landscaping, the applicant is willing to have a discussion on what the board would like to see. So, no bigger trees are going to be removed. No bigger trees to be removed. If anything, it would just be like weeds and maybe some bush, some replacement of some bushes to make them a little hardier than what's
there now. Okay. And 4.4 addresses the drainage storm water management. I know we touched upon the the leads. Uh if you could just clarify once more. So, my understanding is that there'll be no additional changes to what the current drainage is on the on the parcel. Um,
the rain leaders, the additions going to lead to the existing rate leaders. Obviously, they're all going to be replaced. There'll be new rain leaders. Uh, but the first floor being the way the first floor is, it's going to everything's going to lead to the leaders on the first floor. And as to item 4.5, um, I don't
believe Mr. Fernandez has any direct knowledge as to the particular 4.5. Uh specifically the memorandum is requesting information regarding water and sewer connections and you know requests an inquiry as to whether a video inspection been done sewer lines. Uh Miss Leong is available to testify
should that question want to be further elaborated upon. My understanding currently is that the inspection of the uh through a video scope has not been done. uh if the board deems it necessary, of course the applicant is willing to comply. And should the board have further questions to those points,
uh Miss Leong is available uh to answer those questions as well. And does the board have any questions for Mr. Fernandez? Before we do that, Michael.
Uh yeah item 4.5 standard recommendation that we made particularly when applicants generally given the history of the burrow and each of replace it
super necessary. the general request and if the applicant has no issue um taking care of that during the course of construction I think that satisfies most most of these homes are built on septic original yes so certainly I've confirmed with the
applicant uh she's authorized me to state that she's willing to apply uh as as the board so requests so we're absolutely willing to look at it uh and to invest further in the property thank you and as far deal is concerned.
Yeah, I mean I would ask if they I mean the O is in the process of investigating service. Just so you're so you're aware. I don't know if they made it to this property or not, but certainly reaching out and getting confirmation from them to make sure that
work is undertaken when the property's being disturbed would probably be everyone's best interest. Okay, great. Thank you. Anything else rel the other obviously the other ones are No, I mean if you know this application came in the door a month or two later probably
wouldn't be here because it would be Mr. Hacket then stuck in his own. Okay. Those exact thoughts had run through our you guys were smiling as we were talking about it. Yeah, for sure.
Um and I think the uh the applicants plan summarized the positive and most of the negative criteria. I don't think it's worth investigating any further. Uh the only thing I would ask is regarding the the landscape uh maintenance or
let's say problem removal that's going to be done in order to maintain the appropriate buffer along that 17 foot area that believes the density of landscaping be replaced. Okay. recommendation. And the other piece of advice I we can give you is with plantings that are deer
resistant, deer resistant, whatever, especially and especially with the proximity fact. Okay. Yeah. Again, I just I I don't want to beat a dead horse, but definitely I would definitely take a look at the sewer. Okay. Trust me, horse will
definitely take a look at that. So, um, board members, questions on this witness, please. I just got a quick question. So, um, again, your testimony was was was good and I, uh, I just, you know, just to help me clarify, I guess,
a little bit a better understand the the hardship usually, you know, with in specifically this type of expansion. Is it intended for a large family? Is is it to accommodate a certain situation, unique living need, or perhaps is this
being built for another purpose? Like what's the whole is it what's the story behind the expansion? Is this is this being built for a specific family or a specific need or understood? Uh that might actually be a better question
suited for Miss Lee directly. Okay. But I from you know as council you know I've conferred with the with the applicant and you know the intention of course is to renovate and to sell the property. Uh they'd like to make sure that the property itself you know it's not presently intended for any specific
family or anything like that. Okay. Uh but it is intended to aesthetically appeal to the remainder of the the neighborhood. uh to to match and be consistent with the neighborhood, to be upgraded, more efficient, safe, to match current living standards, and to overall
appeal to what a modern-day uh resident township would find appealing. Anybody else? Board members. So, this is the board as much as it is the applicant. Is it required or do we recommend uh drainage put in
when there's renovation like this going on? Well, that's I mean we we absolutely require change or there's a change in the size of the roof or a change in the discharge
locations. Right. I I had written a note to myself here about the drywalls. Yeah. I I mean are there what's on the property? It's always it's always recommended there's a change in this particular case. They're not proposing to make any changes.
There's no change in the overall again these are things that we always you know that always come up in our in our deliberations and comments and questions. So um is that an as bill? No, I mean we wouldn't be in Nazville,
but I I mean what if there are there aren't secrets but we don't anticipate there to be any change in the pre and post conditions. But what we see a lot is once work is done on a piece of
property, whether it occurs or not, something's been done and now it generates a concern raised from an adjacent property or something changed. I mean, I think it would be a good idea if the applicant would be willing to,
you know, tie the group. I I I share the concerns to be frank and it's my understanding the applicant is willing to comply with any and all of those boards recommendations and you know she will testify shortly after. Okay.
You know again understanding you're not changing the footprint but you know we we're always concerned about water runoff to adjoining properties especially in these types of and uh you know protection of the neighbors if you may. Okay. All right. The applicant is very willing
to accommodate these concerns. Yeah. Okay. It's a 50-y old property. So, Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Is there currently someone living in the home now? No. So, who owns the home? The the Capital
Group owns the home. G capital Capital LLC owns the home you worked at. And that song works for Mr. Lee Miss Lee Song owns it. That's her. You own the capital group that owns this property. Correct. But do you plan, but you don't plan on
living in at all? Do you want me to We can have We can swear her in. Yeah, we're going to we're going to bring We're going to bring her up. We're going to bring her up. Assuming there's no further questions for Mr. Fernandez, we have to stay We have to stay right here for now. But good questions. Please hold that. Any other board members? Any other
questions of this witness? Okay. All right. I am opening up for any questions of this witness to the public on the testimony that you just heard. Just on this test. Okay. Seeing that, I'll bring it back to the board. Sir, thank you very
much. I think we're good. Okay. applicant would like to call Miss Valeria Lee Sun to testify on behalf of this application. Good evening everybody. Take a seat. Y ahead. Would would you please raise your right hand, Miss Leon? Your right
hand. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. Would you please state your name for the record and spell your last name, please? Valaria Lung L I S U NG Thank you council. Your I'm sorry your
address. Um 688 Wolf Avenue Ma. Thank you. Miss Leon, uh few questions have come up uh during Mr. Fernandez's testimony. Um I know you have a number of plans for this property and you haven't finalized
them as yet. Um, with respect to the landscape, could you provide the board with a little bit more clarity as to what you intend to do with the property? Um, yes. Originally, um, the backyard of the property is beautiful. Um, it's gorgeous and that originally the plan
was and continues to be to beautify it and keep it as the original owner had it because we had pictures and we were able to see how much love they put into it. So did you hear uh my apologies which was I
mentioned comment about the I think the chairman stated specifically about the type of landscaping like implemented and the density of the landscape being implements. Yes. Thank you. Now, have you conducted any
investigation as to the sewers uh of the property? Yeah, but if uh the board deems it needed, I'll gladly take care of that. Sure. Okay. Okay. Nothing further. Yeah.
Okay. Great. board members question regarding the drainage. Um, so essentially it's a new home on an existing footprint with with an additional second story. Um, if it was a new home, Mike, maybe
you can help me here. If it was a new home, we will require drainage, uh, seepage pits, calculations, things like that. But it's not required in this particular case.
Um, can we ask for that condition? I I the property the property is relatively flat as I correct. Yeah.
Again, I just as I stated earlier, I'm always concerned about water run, okay, to the giant properties, okay? Um, regardless of what is there and to to John's point, when we're doing something like this, that's, you know, we get deep
into all of that, no pun intended, where because this is existing. So, yes, I I would like to make sure that that is council. So, I think we can put that in there as a condition, right? We can, Mr. Chairman. All right. All
right. As long as you know everybody's in agreement, John, that's good. Okay, Miss Leong, are you uh in agreement to address uh the drainage concerns that raised, Mr. Chair? Yes. All right. Thank you. Thank you.
I would just like to make a comment. I've actually seen that property and I knew Carmen who lived there before and it is a stunning piece of property. So, it really um makes me very happy that you want to keep and maintain the property the way it is. It really it's probably one of the most beautiful properties in
Aladdin. Just have tours you can see it. No, seriously. It's really beautiful. Right. I'm good. Okay. Any other any other questions? Okay. Um, once again, I bring it to the
public for any questions of this witness on the testimony you just heard. Okay. Seeing that, I bring it back. That was easy. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Council, no further wetness for the the applicant. So, back in
close. Okay. uh consistent with Mr. Fernandez Lissan's testimony, we believe sufficient ground exists to grant the C2 varants uh sideard setback requirement specifically 270 that's 6642. Uh first it should be reiterated
that the uh sideyard setbacks are the right of the home with the pre-existing non-conforming condition. Uh and that neither of the physical sideyard boundaries of physical property are going to move an inch. Um rather this the code as it's presently written
mandates that if there's an increase in the gross uh building area and the property there are adjustments that need to be made to the cider setbacks which we've all discussed at length both in this particular application and prior applications concerning other ordinances. Uh notwithstanding we
believe the benefits greatly outweigh the detriments to the public. Specifically, we're talking about the modernization of a property uh that you know is a bit outdated. Uh beautifying what is already a very gorgeous lot and really putting it to full use. Uh you
know really taking only property and bringing it up to current modern living standards. Uh we're talking about taking advancing the purposes of the intent of the municipal land use code specifically subsections providing adequate light open space because we're really drawing
attention to really fills the space. I do not need to expand in the footprint in any way aside from just going off within the legal boundaries. Um, and then promoting a desirable visual environment uh through creative development techniques which Mr. Fernandez had testified at length uh
which the mayor gladly pointed out. Thank you very much. uh pres presently the subject property as is not entirely in parallel with discriminary and what Miss Leong proposes to do is really bring it to that harmonious point of the public. I think we appreciate it much.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Um board members, any discussion? Okay. Um, one final I open up again to the public on the application on everything
that you heard. Any comments? Okay, seeing none, I bring it back to the board. Again, no further comments. Um, I personally am very satisfied with the presentation and with what we
understand with the conditions that, you know, that we've talked about with the sewers, with the concerns over, you know, the drywalls, etc. that you've agreed to. Um, sorry. Okay. Um, but again, I I Well, I had the
landscaping, the dry well, and u and the sewer. Thank you. And the sewer. And the sewer. Those are the three. Or did I miss anything? Okay. Those are my Those are my comments.
So, if I'm not seeing rain, um I'd like to have uh somebody offer a motion um to approve this application with the conditions as written. No, Mr. Chairman, you've captured it all. Wow. Thank you. Wow.
Mr. some point is drainage study or is it a sewer uh is it scope of the main lines or what exactly sewer issue are we doing a full drainage study of the entire site I think they're two separate things two we're looking at two separate things one is the runoff
which is going to have to be addressed with Mr. office for the dry well storm water management y and then the other is for the uh your sewer discharge perfect one one's the san and I and I would recommend that
everything is looked after the sewer okay because some of these had you know two you know uh brown water and gray water and crazy pipes etc. Okay. Because I've seen this occur multiple times. So,
right. Applicant is more than welcome to Okay. All right. So, um having said that, do I have a do I have a motion to approve the application with the conditions um that I've already stated, which I'm
not going to go through again because we've talked about it twice. I'll make a motion to approve based on those conditions. Thank you. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, sir. Vice Chairwoman Bergen. Yes. Board
member Lozalo. Yes. Board member Petrino. Yes. Board member. Yes. Councilman Yakarino. Yes. Board member Dalo. Yes. Chairman Crico. Yes. Mayor Linski. Yes. Board member Butler. Yes.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you for your time. All right. Greatly appreciate it. Yes. You do. Thank you. Congratulations. Now, now what occurs next? Um, Larry, you know what? I'll let you do it. C. Certainly. Um, Mr.
Rodriguez, I'm sure you know the process. Um, I know Mr. Fernandez does as well. We'll prepare a resolution memorializing the board's action. We'll send you a draft for review for consistency to make sure we captured everything accurately. It'll be adopted at the next public meeting of the board. You don't need to
be there for the adoption. It's a formality, as you know. Uh, but we'll we'll trade paper between now and then to make sure the resolution matches everybody's expectations and we're all in agreement. Perfect. Thank you, council. And and that that the resolutions will be voted
on. Um, we'll probably do it on the 14th. Okay. We'll probably do it on the 14th. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Good night. Okay. Good night. Have a good evening. Okay, moving on to our second
application of the night. File number 2025-07, Joseph and Jennifer Kim, 124 Elbert Drive, Allenale, Lock 101, lot 11. The application is for a renovation and an existing to an ex I'm sorry
renovation and an addition to an existing single family residence pursuant to 270-54B and 270-64B parentheses 2. How are you?
How are you? Welcome. Welcome. There you go. Okay. Um Yes. Yes. Yes. Um, mayor, hang hang one quick second. So, um, council uh, Mary Scro who's been before
the board, so I'll leave this again. Certainly. We'll we'll we'll swear her in quickly and confirm her license current and in good standing and then I'll be qualified to the board satisfaction. Miss Crow, would you please raise your right hand? Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide will be the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Please state your name for the record and spell your last name. Marian scro architect from the architect. Thank you. And your license remains current and in good standing in the state of New Jersey. Yes, he does. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speak a little bit
louder. Yeah, Mary, we need Yeah. And Mary, who who's going to where in the Kim? Yes. So, if you're going to have witnesses, certainly. I I think you have two folks next to you. Um, assuming they'll both testify, Miss Crow. Uh, yes. I think you should swear them both in just in case they both have something
to share. Folks, if you would please raise your right hand. We'll swear at the same time. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Could you please state your name for the record and spell your last name one at a time, please? My name is Joseph Kim.
Last name spelled K I M. My name is Jennifer Kim. Last name J Kim M. And your and your address, please? The living address is 125 Myrtle Avenue, Island Deck.
All right, councel. All set. The the the Kims will be lay witnesses, I assume, so there's no need to voard them. And and Miss Crow is accepted as qualified by the board as an architect. So, I think you're all set, Mr. Chairman. Members, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay,
Mary, tell us what you want to do. So, uh, we're here tonight. The kids have purchased 124 Elba Drive. Um, and they would like a little more space for their family. Um, the house is currently a ranch style home. Um, the lot is a
narrow lot, so it's 115 ft wide where 130 is required for the the zone. Um, the house also sits off to the left of the property. Um it probably conformed at the time of being built, but with the changes in the regulation, um we have an
existing sideygard setback of um 16.5. Um the proposed addition that we're adding um we're going to add we're proposing a second floor addition to the existing house um and a bump out the
rear of the house. When we first looked at the drawings, we were exploring options of putting that rear edition out the left side, but with the enhanced sideyard set back, um, we have moved that addition at the rear of the home more towards the center of the home so
that that addition out the rear does conform with the new stepback requirement. Um however with the layout of the house um and the curb appeal of the home it was desired to go over the existing footprint of the house. So we
are constructing proposing the construction of a second floor over the existing footprint of the house part of that which sits within the the new enhanced side by side step back. We're only expanding it um above the existing footprint. We're not um
increasing any of that footprint as of now. Mr. Can you turn the microphone on? Yeah, I sure can. Sorry about that. Um, out the front, um, the front of the property sits on the north side of the lot, so it is
susceptible to ice, um, and weather. Um, so we are proposing a new covered front porch for um, when people come and arrive at the house. It is a street that's conducive to parking on the street. The garage is at the lower level. So, I do anticipate that guests
coming may park on the street and walk up to the front door quite often. Also, in the current day and age of packages, there's always packages at um at many people's homes and the front covered front porches are very popular add-on for um many of our clients um for both
of these reasons. I think that the scale of it, we kept it as small of a footprint as possible. Um, and it also helps break up that front facade and give us a little dimension and some aesthetic curve appeal. The existing lot is uh allows
for a house to be just over 7,000 square ft. Uh, the proposed house with the garage is 4,466 ft. So, it is well within the allowable square footage for the zone. Um there are other homes um two three
four doors down that have expanded. Um so the size and scale of the home will be in keeping with the neighborhood. Um at the front yard we're require we're requesting variance relief for a 31.26 I'm sorry
um a 31.3. Um the existing front step is 34.3. We would like to add some um additional 1 foot addition on the front stoop. So if somebody's standing there um there's enough room for them to stand
there and not be right on top of the stairs. When we add that, we also have to add in an extra spare tread or two um because of the grade of the front property. So we're requesting um some relief there for 31.3 instead of the 34.
Um, I do have aerial views of the of the neighborhood if that if the board thinks that that would be helpful. I don't know if anybody visited the property, but if that's helpful, I can distribute that as well. They're not included. They're not
included in that. No. Um, I think I think it wouldn't hurt to introduce them. I'd like to uh label that A1, please. So continuing um regarding the sideyard um currently the way the ordinance if
any addition to the house will require a trip to the zoning board um we're for uh sideyard setback relief. I understand that that may be changing which um will be welcomed. Um this sideyard um abuts
the corner property which also is on hillside. So, it is actually the rear yard of the house on the corner as opposed to the sideyard that were non-conforming. Um, there are a grove of trees and some uh deciduous trees and other plantings in that area. Uh,
nothing is planned to be changed or taken down in that area. No trees are going to be no trees on that yard. There is a tree in the rear of the home that will be coming down. It's in the center of the property. Um, and it is on the the you can see it
on the photos on SK14, but the idea is to uh maintain in regards of landscaping while we're on that maintain as much of the existing landscaping as possible. It's a very deep lot. Um, so the landscaping in the
back will remain not touched. Um, there are some shrubs in the front of the house that have probably seen some better days, so those will be freshened up. And and just for clarity, the picture in the upper right corner. Yes, correct.
Correct. Um, the garage is at the basement level. So, um, while it's included in the gross square footage of the house, it does reduce the mul of the home because of that. Um the rest of the basement's not included for the the floor area ratio
per the ordinance. Um the in terms of addressing Mr. Breland's letter uh the building finishes if you look at SK 15 you'll see the renderings of the
outside of the home. The proposed materials are going to be brick, stuck, and the paneling will be authority material paneling um board and batten. The colors depicted are creams and uh sand windows and um warm browns uh for
the overall aesthetic of the house. Another thing to note at the front door is that we did recess the steps into that front cover portico instead of putting them fully out just to minimize impact onto that front yard set back. Uh exterior lighting and
mechanical equipment 4.2 on um Mr. Freeland's letter. Exterior lighting will be to code this um lighting outside of doors. There's no um no plans for any flood lights. and the mechanical equipment. We're
planning on tucking that um behind the proposed office on the first floor to the left of the the bump out um in the rear of the hall. So, it will be it will not be in that existing sideyard. It'll be tucked in further. Tree removal. Um there is one
tree in the center of the um yard right behind the house that will be removed. um proposed landscape and we're just freshening up mostly around the new addition the equipment as depicted on the SK6 I have it in the right places.
Yes, exactly. Outside of that that area so it sits further in than the existing side of the house or you won't be able to see. Exactly. And it will be further from that neighbor as well. uh the sewer connection. We will
absolutely um investigate the sewer connection because um that's also a possibility here in terms of making sure that it's intact and working properly. Um and we will investigate um if they've made um they've made it to East Elbert or not. I don't know if the um water
department has made it through there or not yet. Um and then as far as a soil moving permit in Asville, um that is planned. We do have an engineer lined up. We were waiting to come through here before we um went through the expense of um having the civil engineer do their
storm water management plan, but that will be submitted with the permits and we are um always able to work with Mr. Reland on the requirements there. Sorry, I'm sorry. Yeah. So, the storm water management. Yeah, we we will
address that. Yeah. Okay. But the um leaders dry well. Yes. They'll all go into dry. We haven't had we didn't have the civil engineer design it yet, but that is the intention. Okay. Is to collect all the the new runoff into have later the all
the gutters tie into the pits. And again, that's up for that reason. Yeah. This particular They will be required to put together. But essentially I think the application um here is that while we are seeking relief from the existing sideyard
setback and front yard setback we are limited in the width of the property in the location the current location of the house. Um and the areas that we are adding on to and seeking relief to are still very in keeping with the neighborhood. Um there's no detriment to
the adjoining properties by these um these additions. They are existing jetbacks. We're we're adding on, but we're also updating the overall look of the house. And again, the add-ons gener basically all towards the back exception. Yes, the bulk of the
addition. Yes, it's towards the back. It's just there's a portion of the second floor where the aesthetic design and the layout of the house was really better to build on top of that existing footprint that put it all in the back. um by putting it all in the back, the
house would be a little un um unbalanced and we probably would yield a bigger house because of hallways to get to that space. Um this layout leads for a nice concise central hallway with the bedrooms off of it. Very traditional layout. Um and we were trying to keep
the footprints to a minimum as well because obviously that side setback also keeps growing. Um, but the width of the the property is also limiting in the terms of it is an oversized lot and it's very deep. If we were to tear down the
whole property, we could build a 7,000 square foot house. Not the intention here. The intention is to try to en enhance what's there now and really relate to these joining properties in the neighborhood. situations like this. We knowledge that they don't have
to address. You did make suggestion there's an opportunity here. That would be fine. We have a new shade tree commission. Okay. So just um thank you. In terms of the shade tree, how would that just so I can help make
ensure that this does happen? Is it something that we go through the building department or is we need to contact the shade tree commission because I know there'll be specific trees that they would want. Yeah. So actually um that we're it's just forming now. We've only had one meeting. Okay.
So, but I I they that's one of the remits I think we're going to have is having them actually go with my glumatola to the residents to make sure the trees are that were on the plan are actually planted. Okay. So um so I would put them like you know on the plans and then I guess as far as the ad is there
is there someone I can talk to doesn't have to talk to to get a suggestion for the best Mike start with him and then okay and then um they should they could be illustrated right because you prefer like a deciduous and there will be okay
I'll talk to Mike Um, so we'll if I speak with Mike and I think the best thing would be to come out to the site because there are some trees. That's what Jenny was noting. There are some trees in the front. Um, in terms of is it amendable to whatever
Mike agrees to like steel is best if it's one tree maybe on one side because there's other trees in the way. Okay. Yeah, that's great. Chairman just um in your testimony you indicated the lot
for zone. So therefore I guess what I'm hearing in your testimony that you're asking for some hardship relief. Also, we talked about benefits versus dash. Um, under the positive criteria,
we talked about benefits. So, um, could you identify service benefits that these benefit just? So, um the the home um will be updated
to the current standards. It will be enhanced and maintained. There are some shrubbery and some of the landscaping along the front of the house that will be um removed and replaced with something that's more aesthetically pleasing to um it's just kind of just
old, a little tired. So, I think those updates to the home um will benefit the neighbors. I think that the the scale of the house is in keeping with other homes in the neighborhood. So that benefits all the other neighbors who have invested in their properties.
The intent of the ordinance custody addition. What is it about that addition that helps to mitigate the impact? roof line performance. Yes. So the the roof line the gable is
towards the front of the of the towards the street. So the slope of the roof is facing that property that is on the corner. Um also the placement of the rooms inside are lower use rooms. The dining room is you know used on occasion. Upstairs it's the bedroom. So
um it's not uh as though it's their kitchen or their family room. Um what we did do with the design is we put that family room all within the propos the set within the new required setbacks um in the middle of the home in the rear so that it won't impact the neighbors where
those high use spaces are in the kitchen essentially is in the center towards the back. Correct. In the center looking out the looking through that family room and towards the back. And then to the right is where uh where we do comply. That's where all the in
and out of you know the the car the driveway is the the mud room is the access to the mud room and all the driveway location all of that curve etc. All right it's the same. Yes driveway stays the same. Okay. All
right board members. very question setback. It's currently 34 and a half round. It's going to finish out at 31 33 versus 31 and a half round.
when you when you look at the elevation that that's already fairly significantly uh you know difficult to to deal with when when 40 is required. And then you know the front elevation shows a
twostory front portico. It has uh it's not opened. It's it's enclosed on both sides. So you know when you look at it coming in the street it's fairly substantial. And I think
it's it's it's a big ask. I do want to note that that the wall of that um it's the story and a half um front entrance is 34.3. Um so it's really to that bottom step that we're um that we're measuring
that 31.3. um we were conservative in terms of estimating the grade because we have not engaged the field engineer. Um I do think that there's along the path there's the opportunity to take a step and put a step in the path and take one
step out and reduce that by um 10 in um if the board felt that that was more appropriate. It's the front entrance. Yeah, the front entrance. So the grade can help you lose uh maybe a foot. Correct. Because you may pick up the
grade on the walkway and eliminate a step. Yeah. Um my my point was it is essentially almost it's a twotory two and a half story almost uh two stories front entrance
portico with and it's not open and it just seems kind of not quite two stories because the that it's just there's a transom window over the door. It's really I would call it a story and a half. And you did open the sides with some um some cutouts on that side of the
of the opening. You're proposing brick there. Yes, it is brick. That's all brick. Yeah. Yeah. And how does it compare with the adjacent setbacks from the adjacent houses? I don't have the I mean I was only able
to measure in Google and it measures to the it measures to the road, not to the property line. Right. So I don't have the the property line for those adjacent properties but there it is about you know it looks like the existing houses are all give or take in that same area
and then have the um the front stoop. So my my guess is the adjacent houses um their front streets also go into that 40 if I had to you know bet on it then they're also going into that but I don't have precise numbers for that and that
has to to the right it's you know starts to curve there so correct there's more to the front looks like there's there are a lot of trees too
along that the the property line closest to Hillside. So when you're entering into the street that those trees um do uh hide the h the existing house currently. And none of those need to come down for
not in the front corner. down. There's just some shrubs that along the front of the wall that may very close to the house that may come down, but then they will be replaced. Johnny, you're questioning that perhaps that's a little lower. Well, redesign.
Again, you know, I'm I'm looking at the foundation plan and it's it's it's a little wider probably now, Mary. It's a little bit wider. wider and and you know it has the one and a half story. It's you know it just seems a strong element uh it's really impactful to the setback
that is already uh under a requirement. So I I just feel like uh not as it relates to the two sideyards they are what they are and you're not exacerbating just seems to exacerbate the front and that's that's
what I'm I'm seeing. I mean, has an alternate, you know, elevation been considered possibly, uh, you know, just to reduce that? We had looked at other front porches that really spanned more
across a more condensed square footage rather than putting a a front porch across the entire twothirds of the house was another consideration. What about a recess? But um we did not want to bring deal with the water issues of recessing
the recessing the steps into the existing foundation. So we did recess the steps into the front porch but we didn't want to start recessing the outside above the existing space and space. It can be done but it always
becomes a water issue. So how how deep is the landing at the top? It's four feet. 4T. So, it could be reduced to three. Three is code. We were hoping to get a little bit more space if that's something that the board was um
more we could reduce that to 3 ft. And if we um take a step out and put it into the walkway um we can get under tenant. I mean, it's the aesthetic of it precise. I I like it.
Um, you know, at least taking it. I mean, there's other reasons you can do it, obviously, but it is a nice feature of the plantation. Yeah, I think that the with the stucco and the brick that this is more in keeping with that style of home
rather than an open porch. Um, I think that we would be more prone to pull it in a foot, maybe a three-foot stoop instead of the 4ft stoop. Um, to keep that aesthetic with different design. You know, I understand the the masking, but
there's that that stucco feel um that having that enclosure kind of helps tell that story of the aesthetic. Well, maybe what what you mentioned grade at the at the front steps reduction of the
platform, get it back to where it was existing essentially. I don't think we'll get it back to where it was existing. I think we'll be close. So right now it's let me just double check
that the front group 30 33.5 we add um close Mary 32 we probably could get it to 33 Um, but I think we, you know, if you really felt that keeping that 33.5 to
that front bottom step is important, then we'll work with the landscape and pull that back. Our goal will be to come to a a something that's a minimal with the board tonight and avoid having to come
back in a month just because of timing season. Um so it would be nice for us to move on. And I think we're willing to say that we would conform that bottom step to be the
um the 33.5 and then that front wall of the of the front stoop. We can make it push it back one foot. So it would be 35.3. Y um the front the front wall of the porch we would push back to one foot and
it would yield a 35.3 step back there and then we would um do the bottom step so that it would match what's there today. The 33.5. Thank you. And if we need an an extra step, we'll put that in the walkway.
You got an answer, John? Yeah. Is that satisfying? I think, you know, I think the massing is certainly troubling to me, but um you know, just as we're holding the sideyards,
you know, trying as well at the front. Is it ever considered maybe we have asked this answered this question already was that the root for the portic it would just be a floating roof for the portico as opposed the thing that makes it look imposing is that the walls are
closed in so it looks like the entire structure comes out the aesthetic of the house with the stucco and the brick really um yielded something an aesthetic uh like a somewhat enclosed porch to to
convey the aesthetics that they um that they would like. The open porch um would probably be more of a colonial um clapboard style home um for that open porch rather than the seems more of a front door for a much larger house is
when it comes across knowing the neighborhood pretty well. Right. Right. And if house around like if on the other end of Elbrook there is like a U there is a big stucco house with you know the coins and um it's a like a much larger
scale than this house. So um that style is in the neighborhood. This isn't exactly that style, but still more of a tutor an updated tutor look. The very large house going up
across hillside on the other side. On the other side, that's an example. That's just a floating roof. It's not a closure coming out. So, I think that's more traditional, right? If you look at SK13 and again I'm
getting stuck on the mapping piece of this. So if you're coming out of uh Elbrook and and you'll be looking to the right you're going to see a lot of house at that point. Uh it's a full 2
and a half story and then then the front porch. Um and so there is heavy landscaping there. So it's not going to be as barren as what our our renderings show. Our renderings really don't show the the trees. But if you look at the
coming out of the street coming into Elbrook also hillside. Yes. Coming out of Elbrook. Oh you're leaving you leave. Um, so the elevation that you show on SK13, it's a lot of house again where
there's a ranch on to the right, you know, to the house to the right and and the setback being quite uh well with the grade we have the lower garage level which contributes to that. Um, we did add some additional roof lines to break that up so it wasn't a
clear um flat roof all the way up. We've also taken that roof line and and dropped the roof line over the bedrooms down. So, we haven't we haven't built, you know, so that it looks more of two and a half stories rather than a full three stories, right? Um and we are not
building out that entire footprint on the second floor there. So, you'll see on that on the second floor plan that we um you know pulled those bedrooms in and it's um an SK8 I think it is. You can see that the that bedroom and bathroom
um are pulled in from the front to so we did not build out the entire front to back on that side for that reason to start to break down the scale. But it is a 40 to 400T house. It is, you know, it the property can yield a 7,000 foot
home. So this is not out of scale for what the the ordinance allows for the property. you know, they could go straight back, but I also don't think that that would be an aesthetically pleasing um look. Um they really want the colonial with the second floor.
Having that also limits the footprint and the impervious coverage. We start going back, we start ripping out more trees and shrubs. Um and you're going to have more of a view if we were, you know, from that angle. If we were to go straight back because we could build, we've kept that addition out the back in
the middle. It could be off to the right and and we could keep going back. Um but we felt that this was more aesthetically sort of thing. Yeah. Listen, I I think you're playing bubbly. I just I'm just a little um I look at that front and the setback as being a lot of massing in a
in in an area that needs a a variance uh uh with an existing situation that that's already undersized. So that's that's the only thing I'm really looking at. Yeah. I have to admit when I first looked at the plans everything in here to John's
point I thought everything was great except I did see that whole front portico can be a little much. Okay. Okay. Where or perhaps the roof line and I were just discussing perhaps the roof line could be dropped a little
bit without maybe um do you mind if I just take a couple minutes to you know if there's I know that there's people from the public here. Maybe I would like to hear if there's other things that um um any is that possible to we we I could open it up to the public
as long as the board doesn't have any I'm sorry. Open up to the public. I'm sorry. That's okay. Or the board can if there's other questions so we can take in all the considerations instead of you know to because this is all this is all your witness group right that's correct.
So um all right I am going to open up to now for public comment okay based on everything that you've heard here so please come up state your name address okay hi
I am downhill now excuse me ma'am that's that's uh your name and address please okay 116 would you last name please I'm Sorry, Laura. Can you spell the last M O 116 Alberta? Thank you. So, may I'm
assuming that you might provide commentary in addition to just questions of cross-examination of the the applicant and the witness. Um, let's swear you in. Okay. If you would please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth? Yes. Okay. Please proceed, ma'am. Okay. Um, very interesting. It came to me because I didn't know if the new ordinance was in place because we wouldn't have appearing
to all non-conforming existing and all the new additions fit into the 16T by 12 no 30 26 foot by 12t addition to my near to my property actually falls within the 20 foot requirement set back on the
side. Um, so I think if you change that towards not interested in being a large development, so yeah, the ordinance is just general. It hasn't passed yet. until it the
board makes sense. Okay. But you shouldn't need to let us know that happens if you're coming if it's going to fall in the 0007%. Anyway, um and the other thing is I do have one of those scrappy little ranch houses
that I encourage myself to. And lastly, if I'm also falling into the category of wisely living and aging. [Music] Okay, ma'am. But we're relative to relative to the application of what
you've heard, please. In this one concern here is as you were all discussing drainage. I'm in downhill. It's from the hill from the northern highland hillside hill down to Valentine Brook. It's a pretty large. Um, and this property is just above me.
We both have a non-conforming size property. Mine is shorter, but their property is to the left of the property is the non-conforming property and my property is that 16 foot non-conforming side of their um drive.
So, um it's about uh from the height that they're going to place the um backyard patio is 5 foot higher than the property. So, I think the property looks
beautiful by the way and I think that they should be allowed to build their port to go as far as um which because I think it will enhance it and also whenever you build a house on my own the that they're going to need a little bit more more room for the
porch because the porch is not sufficient. Um, also, uh, I agree you don't need trees on the right hand side of the property. You might need Okay. Y um, and then, uh, my concern purely is that there should probably be
a French drain because my house was flooded by overflow runoff from the property. um into the basement. Um so they adjusted the driveway so that there was a um Belgian block fiddle up so that the water would stay in the driveway, not
flowing. Um so I am really concerned about that. No. Um, also I'm concerned about they're building the um the patio much wider in the back of the yard which would be the same distanceing the new
house which would be the right here. Right at the 4ft line and then it goes straight back. Right? So you're going to be at the 4ft 5 foot line with the new patio in the back. Right? So that's going to make that look much narrower
and much sharper. And then so the runoff that my background is going to be um so I I don't I guess it's a way of what I say is you can put probably put a French drain right to the storm drains
at the end of the property. Not being a civil engineer I don't want to answer that but what I will say is that this this patio the the ultimate the height has not been established yet. We will work with the civil engineer. We didn't go through the whole design of the civil because we knew we had to come
before the board for a variance. What I will say is that we will provide seepage fits and it should improve what you have because there's nothing there now. So we are going to actually rot. Um I mean in terms of a retention basin they're going to take a concrete you
know probably underneath here and put a retention basin there. So it should definitely all the gutters will be lined so it should improve what you have now and they don't want water either and it's you're right it's you know like highlands it's much higher so that's just the area of town that is draining
down. So, ma'am, all of this comes up with I think you heard again what Mary just said and the testimony that if this thing goes, you know, if if this gets voted on affirmatively, then there's all the civil engineering work that has to be done and then is reviewed by Mr.
Greenland's office for acceptance and and conformity. Correct. Okay. And Michael, I know that's that's our that's our normal right now. Even with the hardcape that they have in the back, there's free flowing water going. Um, so and more hardcape back
create more water and all of us have a drainage problem. Mhm. Um, so property next to me has floods actually floods most of the water from your property going down because my property is unimproved. In fact, we had to close in
1960 and so the water just kind of flows across and goes into the next person's property. I mean, the board does take water runoff seriously. Yeah. Very seriously. And and you know, these are things that we get with Mr. office to make sure that all of this in
plans walker form and if things need to be we we have the applicants may we do have a proposal planning proposal with the civil engineers so as soon you know as soon as we confirm the footprint of the building it will go to them and they will do the
full calculations as to what all the water runoff is and how big the tank needs to be for the detention basin okay so you're putting the tank the goal the goal is I don't know yet but Mr. will also review that. So, it's not just us saying this is what we're going to
do. It will be reviewed by the town, right? Which helps protect you as a resident next door, you know, that that we hired a legitimate we are, but just it just double checks, you know, there's checks and balances in the system, right, for that reason, right? This board does take it very serious. Yeah. I
I Okay. Michael, I don't know if you want to just if you want to comment on any of that, please. So, uh there's a section in the code regarding soil movements that requires a storm water management system designed to installed by
professional areas. Part of that before it's constructed or during construction I'll take soil samples to make sure the soils generally it's size to accommodate 3 in of what I understand given the location of your
property they didn't So the applicant is okay. Make sure that any down at a minimum on that side down. Okay. Yeah, that was my beautiful and uh the people that lived there
before were on five or so want to keep as much as possible that Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Please. My name is Jim Lewis. I live at 123 Oak directly across the street. Okay.
Haven't met the kin yet. So, welcome to the neighborhood. All right. Sure. It's going to be a beautiful home. Mr. Lewis, we Mr. Lewis. Sir, one more. Council, would you We're going to swear in Oh, I'm sorry. Okay, that's okay. We've got to swear in, sir. Would you raise your right hand, Mr. Lewis,
please? Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to provide will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes. Thank you, sir. Thank you. My my concern is primarily what was expressed by board member Dalo, the front. I live directly across the
street. I heard about how it's going to look coming in going out of Elro. I come out of the house and look at this. The current structure right now is a lot of landscaping in front. It's recessed back and it's a green house. I almost don't
see it when I come out of my house. This is going to be a stark difference. And they're asking for an additional variance that already preconditioned. I don't understand why they can't go back a little first a little further. I mean, you have tried to address about maybe some landscaping
in the front to kind of buffer it a little bit, but I have a concern on on how moving it even closer to the street is going to change the whole dynamic, not just of my view, but but the rest of the neighborhood as well. And that's my primary concern. I don't understand why they
really need an additional go go even further to towards the front. Is it just the stoop that's coming up? My concern is that the whole structure and that's what I'm hearing with with the portico and everything is actually going to appear to be much closer to the street than it is already exists. It's my
understanding and correct me if I'm wrong the foundation remains. It's only relative to the port but the appearance of it is going to see is going to be much much larger and and much closer. It's going to be much more
imposing if even you give it additional there will be a mass will be a cover. So what we're proposing we were going to come out um have a 4 foot student uh we're announcing that we'll cut that
back to three feet and we'll keep the town measured right there step back to the bottom stair. So so right now it's at 34 and that goes from the property line to the bottom stair. Correct. It's actually at 33 and a half. at 33 and A2. No, 33. 33 and a half. So, you want to
come one foot forward off of that? Uh, we're going to actually we to keep that 33.5. So, the actual building itself is that going to remain where it currently is. The footprint of the building remains where it is. So, the actual structure
itself will not move towards the street and and any closer I think. Let me reaffirm that please. So there is this is this wall here is the front wall of the existing house. Okay. And there is a stoop here, right? We are bringing
this stoop out right now because we have a landing and then there's the the wall. So it's coming the walls about is a foot. So we're coming out with a little footprint here that is six feet wide by six feet wide.
going to reduce this to five feet um and reduce the trike count supposedly here. We're going to take this out to take this out and we're going to pull this back. But so that way this bottom step
will be the 33.5 like it fits today. Right now it's an open porch. for proposing yes a closed porch because it's the north side so it tends to get icy um and also packages people coming to the house. No,
I understand that. And then as far you mentioned the front the people who were there previously this woman had an obsession with her landscaping. She was out every day pruning, weeding. So I kind of take a little offense to you saying that uh that it didn't look so
good. I I No, the backyard is beautiful. Well, I think I'm referring to Well, no, the backyard is beautiful, but it just in if you look at some of the shrubbery, but up close to the house, I I just want to do her the the honor of all her work for the last 30 years that I've been there. No, you can tell that they took
very good care of that was my concern as really expressed by by Mr. about how it's going to look and it's going to be so imposing and what can we do to kind of subdue that a little bit as I walk out of my house and the houses
around me as well. Okay. Well, again, the structure is going to two levels. Yeah. Okay. Um and again just just for clarity further clarity the front of the ship being part of the home is remaining there. That's reminiscent. Okay. It's
only what you've been hearing. You heard the board uh throw some concerns there. Okay. All right. Oh, just out of curiosity, there is this is a hardship application. What's the
hardship? The there's a narrowness to the narrowness. That's what I thought. Okay. and and and and the fact that it's existing and all the work with the exception of what we just discussed 40 area everything else is towards the back the sides are there's plenty room in the
back thank you sir okay members of s please thank you good evening everyone my name is Lawrence Freriedman Mr. Mr. Freeman, would you please uh
provide an address and then we'll swear you in your address? Mr. Freeman, your spell your last name, please. And your address. The address is 397 Hillside. Would you please raise your right hand, Mr. Freeman? Right. Do you do you swear
or affirm the testimony you're about to provide will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Thank you. Thank you. Please proceed, sir. First of all, to my new neighbors, welcome to the neighbor. Pleasure to meet you. Although I hope to meet you at
a picnic or something, not sitting. This is a little stilted, but we'll we'll get over that. Um, I was pleased to uh confirm that the narrow barrier that separates, we're kind of top of the
street. the street moves uh channel and uh sir if I may just interrupt you I apologize for interrupting you are the corner home yes okay okay just everybody understand that go back thank you so
we're the we're the corner home and there's a uh there's a long line there and that uh where there's a lot of shrubbery bushes trees some of the trees we might need a survey to find out which tree is mine and tree is yours. But I
was pleased to hear, just want to confirm that I heard it properly, that the extensive vegetation that exists between your property and ours will remain and that it's there's an intention to have this
pleasant park-like setting with evergreens and other plants and that that will remain. That's part of the plan, right? Okay. That's just wanted to confirm that and as you heard as you heard again Mary
we confirmed there was only one tree that you were planning to take down there Mike and that that is somewhere deeper into the property property down yeah I'm talking about just again for clarity so we don't
have a tree yes she wants to try to keep it so it's Recently I visited I found out that student if it allows me to keep it I will keep it if we have to make that
little I don't That's beautiful. And you can see that tree from the hillside. We have a wonderful view of your yard. More of it than you expected. I don't know if anybody went to
like the So, what I'll tell the board is the patio area that we put there. It's just a placeholder quite honestly just to show that they put a patio in there if we're still within the coverage. And we will design for some
of you know we will get engagement. Let's suggest I was pleased also to see that that V is in the minutes for this meeting. work every day, including an inclement weather, to keep the beautiful parklike setting that's in the back with
the pathway and she was always there doing something to improve the property. So, I'm glad she's This is like a testimonial. That's it. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. All right.
Mary is absolutely right. She's just have to get you back on the record. Okay. You don't have to be smart. I hope so. back on the record, please. Um, go ahead. State your name again. Laura Engel, 116 Elbrook Drive. Thank you. And you're ready, so please go ahead. I just
wanted to uh make a comment in support of Mary's statement about the covers covering the steps. It's very important. Those steps get turned to complete ice all winter long. So if there's nothing, mine only have a semi coverage. So
everywhere lot beyond that coverage turns to complete ice. Every house that has been reloated on that side of the street has coverage over the desk. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Any other members of the public
comment on anything you've heard? Okay. Seeing none, bringing it back to the board. Discussion. Um, so Mary, we going to talk to our clients about possibly not making it so bulky.
maybe just having it covered but maybe more open so it doesn't some of the comments. Yeah. Or even if we drop that through. Okay. All right. So go ahead go ahead and and we'll give you a couple minutes a recess.
Recess. Five minute recess. All right. We're gonna Mary Mary sorry for interrupting. We're going to take a five minute recess one. Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you. years. I think I haven't talked to you.
Yeah. And and it's an A. the first award. Yeah, I think I think it's just These are just two steps. [Music] No, she's going to raise the grave here.
I think she'll just walk with him as far as walk. Like that. Oh, and then it'll step down here and then step back down here. And then this will stay the same. You're just going to take this height and move
here, which will then pull that in. She's talking about possibly lowering that. Not a big deal. Well, she's going to take two steps here. Put a step here. Okay.
shrink it. So, right now, I think they're at 335. They're going to stay at the dimension from the street is going to stay the same. This is going to come down.
Yeah, it's going to be kind of like shrunk. I remember which is fine. I mean the one thing we think maybe I know because if you do that then
you're at least you're splitting this a little bit where it's soften. They used to use these a lot like mid to late I would say late 80s into the late 90s everybody
was they used to keep if the grade was different this would kind of be open up until here all the way down so you can so it was like a real open three sided porch and really just to cover yourself in
Somebody's waiting for nothing to say. Hour reserve. Don't worry, Linda. You know me. If I got something to say, I'm going to say it. You got to give them all in favor. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Got to watch a teleprompter.
Hey, listen. We got the last four years. You're on minute six. a couple more minutes. Did you sign a little resolution? All that stuff is fine. I've been talking to people since 6:30 this morning.
I started a half hour. Oh, I didn't even literally left the Facebook and came straight. I didn't make dinner. Jules now you're [Music] born. Yeah, we got we got the same type of uh welcoming from
uh Ridgewood. We really haven't. Um, we, you know, I've been saying that we're just, we didn't really, the boys have been doing now they're eating,
but they really didn't, you know, and I knew and Ridge was up until I felt like a tougher schedule to start. I know those boys and that's what we
do winning. Just know we have three notes. buy everything. We're going to I'm going to bring it back now. bring it back. All right, everybody.
I don't think we check the walls. Okay. All right. I'll bring it I'll bring it back. Um Mary, give you two more minutes. Thank you very much. Thank you. Um so I would like to propose the
following amendments to the drawings that are before you. Um in speaking with the Kims, um the front covered roof right now it's six six feet off of the existing foundation. we can reduce that to 3 foot 9 and then we would maintain
the steps off of there to be the existing 33.5. Um we would also we can drop the roof 2 feet so that the height of that roof I know height was one of the concerns. We can drop that roof 2 feet. The column the brick on either side of
the archway will narrow we can narrow that up. Right now it's four feet. will narrow that up to 3 ft so that it's not so thick and wide. Um the openings on the side of the covered front porch, we'll drop those openings all the way to
the ground and we can put an open railing in instead of having it be solid so that when you're coming in from either side looking at the house from the corner, you'll be able to see through that opening that's on the side of the front
porch. Okay. Um, and one other thing we did want to note, there is a tree, just so it's clear to everybody, there is a tree up close to the house, tall evergreen tree at the corner of the house, and the current wires run through it. The electrical lines run through it. That
tree we would like to take down, but we can replace it with something maybe closer, a shade tree on to the street, or it will be replaced, but something further from it's really up against the house. You can see it on um
SK14. It's actually the top right. When we look at it from the rear of the house, you can see it. It's kind of right in front of the garage. All right. Um Yes. Yeah. That I see up in the upper up in the upper the upper right hand
corner. Correct. All right. Um, so that is but in the back we would like to try to save space that tree and we will reconfigure the patio area to that tree. Um, I I I would feel more comfortable and I think the board would feel
comfortable seeing the revised plans. Okay. All right. make him come back. Why? Yeah. I don't think I What are we doing? No, I don't think we All right. Wait. And Larry.
Yeah. I mean, look, my my thought is we're talking about several dimensional changes of the area that involves the impacted um aspect of the structure and the relief. I I I don't know that we're going to capture all this on the fly and bake it into a resolution with the
dimensions just caught. I mean, I um I I think that I understand the applicant wants to move forward. Every applicant wants to go go, but my thought is the applicant should probably show the board revised plans. If that's the board's wish, um that's my thought. If the board, you know, is inclined to vote
tonight um with these changes, we're going to have to work with Miss Crow's office to understand the scope of those changes um the specifics, and I think we've got to put them on the record um in thorough detail. I captured some of your dimensions, Miss Crow, but not all
of them. Um, because there are about five or six, I think, changes you're making to the front area that you just mentioned that are going to be part of the board's consideration for an approval. So, the board can go either way. I I don't particularly see it being prudent to vote tonight if you don't
know what you're looking at, but if the board's comfortable with the application, that's, you know, it's the voting board's choice. Think maybe as a If the board felt that it was something that was going to be [Music] approach next
meeting then could be to confirm those were the plans that we're satisfied with the same night as the resolution to be ready for the record. This way this way we get it. I I think that's Is that a possible
Larry? Is that a possibility? Yeah. No, the board the board could certainly authorize me to prepare a resolution of approval um and they ultimately defer um voting on the case until you see those revised plans. And what would happen at the next meeting is the memorial the
memorialization of the resolution and the board vote will be contemporaneous. This way the applicant doesn't lose time. It could be a limited appearance, but that would require the plans to still be revised between now and the next meeting subject to board and board professional review, which is exactly what I think should happen. Me preparing
a resolution is, you know, kind of prefuncter. It's it's a matter of whether it's next month or the month after. I don't mind preparing it for May, but I still think that the board's vote should postate the board's review of the plan revisions that are being assured will be implemented here to
satisfy the concerns on the relief. I can get a updated plan to you with these five items for next week. You get the updated plans to us as fast as you can. Okay. Um, what was that before? Not next week, next month. No, no, no.
Well, I would get it to them next week so that you could review it and then the Yeah, it's visible for the board. I you'll review it formally in the meeting, but I will get it so it can so Linda can
distribute it correct the board members. Correct. And then we and then we put you on first tibs. We review it because I think it's it's an aesthetic, you know, it's aesthetic and and and the changes, you know, that we that we've laid out there. We have a meeting on Wednesday. Could you do it by
Wednesday? That's a good We're not going to have a resolution prepared by Wednesday, I don't think, on this. It's not a resolution, but could we come back on Wednesday with the revisions for review? What do we have on? How do How's our Wednesday? It's um we have three applications that night. So, I guess if
it was quick, maybe if we put you on first and if it was quick, might go with that with that. I'm still a little lost. I'm going to be capture everything. They're they're dimensions on a portico, not on any other part of
the house. So, I I don't I don't know why we're we're asking for we're we talked about streamlining the process when we started the meeting and now we're doing something that's going to make an applicant come back to revise four or five dimensions on a portico
that I'm almost positive Mary is probably one of the most professional architects to be able to that that we have faith in that comes before us. Why are we making her do this? Why can't we just resolve it? Let her put it on the
record. We could review it when we vote on the resolution to make sure that everything conforms and we move ahead. That's what you would do. That's what Mike Breland suggested. That's exactly what would happen. That's what you got to do. Not rush to get a plan to do
Well, let's vote on it. So, I agree. I mean I mean if she had the plan ready and we looked at the plan, you're going to vote. You're going to vote and then vote a resolution. You're done. That's fine. But I think we we could still vote
on the conditional approval based on what she's testifying to. I mean, again, we can go through up and down the board. I don't have a problem with it. If some if there's enough people that have a problem with it, then we'll go a certain way, but to sit here and say that the board wants to see a set of
drawings when we don't even deliberate about it is not really fair either. Well, isn't that what we're doing? So, we'll vote on it contingent on the what it looks like and we'll see it in the meanwhile and if we don't like it and you know Well, Larry, can we don't have
to pass a resolution? Okay. Then, and that and then that's that's the way that's the way it doesn't get approved by not best in a resolution. That's right. The only action the board would take tonight if if you want to proceed that way is authorizing me to prepare a resolution presumptively approving the application as as anticipated to be
amended by the the scrier of record. In this case, it's architectural plans. So, it would all happen at the next meeting. That's when the vote would occur. If the board looks at it, there's no promises. The board gets a mulligan. The board can say, "This is not consistent with what we thought we were approving." Uh, and a board member can certainly vote no as
you go up and down. that's when the motion to vote would be at the next meeting. And again, it will be contemporaneous with adoption of the resolution. So, it's it's a favor. Make no mistake, this is this is an accommodation to the applicant to save them time so that everything happens um to finality at the next meeting when a
resolution will be adopted, even if there was a verbal vote tonight. The board's pleasure is to see revised plans, which I think is reasonable, notwithstanding the credibility of the witness tonight. um you would authorize me prepare a resolution which the applicant loses no time in that
process. So it covers everybody. You know my interest is covering the board and the board is covered in that in that endeavor. Comments on the board what we'll do then I think I and then and then then council I think that's what we're going to do if
if it makes a difference. I will be here Wednesday for a different applicant. So I'm going to be here anyway. So, thank you for So, I can bring I can bring I I can't bring the I don't think I will be on the renderings, but I could bring an update
if it if it makes a difference to the board to have that on Wednesday. I will make sure I get um it documented. Um I I mean, I think that would be beneficial to you because if we say, "No, we don't like it. I don't like it. I don't want to find out a month from now. I'd rather
find out on Wednesday." I mean, Larry, are we are we I just don't want to put the board in any kind of position here. We're doing things out of line or etc., etc. Well, if we look at it Wednesday, that means that Miss Crow's got to go on the record. We have to mark an exhibit on this application. So, this application will have to continue
Wednesday. So, there might be no use to hurrying it for Wednesday because again, there's nothing happening until the resolution's adopted and the board votes. So, bringing something Wednesday means this application continues Wednesday and you get a May resolution either way. I I you know, Miss Crow
doesn't need to hurry the plans in in the next 48 hours. It doesn't advance any timeline as I see it. Mathematically, it changes nothing. So, I would simply resubmit and at the main meeting, the board can review for consistency and vote. You can be here. You don't even need to testify at that
meeting, presuming everything is in accord with what the board thinks they're hearing tonight and what they're going to see on paper. Ultimately, that's probably the more efficient route for you and your client, I would think. But if Mary can come in with some type of rending for us on Wednesday
nights just then she definitely would have to go on the record on this application offer continued testimony would have to be reopened to the public um and everything. It would be a continuation of the application on Wednesday night in that case with an exhibit. What do you think you could do?
Uh, I can I would feel more comfortable having it visually seen by everybody in I don't want to find out in May that maybe it doesn't meet the expectations of what the the board is looking for. Um, unless you feel like I can go
through the the proposed amendments and just see if you all feel comfortable with that. Um the the proposed would be the stoop would be 3'9 instead of 6'0. Um so we're going to take
uh depth off of that front stoop. The steps will meet the existing um steps of 33.5. So the bottom step will be the existing front yard setback. The roof will drop 2 feet. um the columns would become more narrow.
If they're four feet now, we would make them 3 ft wide. So, the massing of that front facade, it will be thinner. Um and then there's openings on the side of the porch, those will go down all the way. And instead of they were at railing height, the the sill of that opening,
we'll drop that all the way down and we'll put a railing instead. We I think we need to see something personally. I mean two feet we Is that below the gutter line? Is it still above the gutter line? It's still above the gutter line. I don't want to expose that gutter line because it's going to be
ugly that you know there's just it's the aesthetic. We need to break that gutter line for the massing of the house. So to your point probably makes sense for everybody to see it. I think we need to see it. Yeah. I that's how I feel. I think we need to see it.
Okay. Board members, I'm willing to listen. Okay. So, we'll review it Wednesday. Well, I'll have something for Wednesday. You'll have something for Wednesday. So, then we'll do a continuation. Continuation for Wednesday. Okay, that's fair. All right.
All right, Linda, we'll adjust the agenda. Okay. Yes, please. Okay. And that's what we're doing. All right. Okay. So, again, you're
agreeing to a continuation to the next meeting. Members of the public who are here for for this for tonight, we're going to continue it Wednesday night. Okay. Same time, 7:00. All right. Are we going to vote on Wednesday night then? Chairman,
I resolution next month. I think we're going to vote Wednesday, provided everybody's accepting it and then we do the resol. It just follows the normal process. Same time, same the resolution in May. We're just trying to avoid you having to come back in May.
That's what you're trying to do. Yes, I'm here on Wednesday. Okay. I'm not. Who's not here? Who is here? You're not here. I'm not here. That's great. You're not here. So, it's Andy, Melissa, and who else? I will not be here. One second. But we have enough to do votes, right?
Yeah. Okay. Council, you getting this? Yes, sir. Okay. All right. So, you're agreeing to a continuence to Wednesday night. Members of the public, again, Wednesday night, 7 o'clock. Okay.
and we're going to try and make this this is the first thing on the agenda. Okay. All right. Council, am I missing anything else? No, you've you covered it all and and you said it for the public. There's no further notice. This is the notice of the continuation of this application.
It's April 23rd at 7 p.m. at at Burrow Hall in the council chambers. Um that's it, Mr. Chairman. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, fair enough. All right. All right. But we will see you Wednesday night.
Okay. Yep. All right. Thank you. I just wanted private public like where was that? So online and then um just sign it if you want. Anything about any
Mary, thank you. Wednesday and then burning the midnight oil. That's what happens when you All right. Thank you. Good night. Thank you. Okay, bringing it back. Uh, next is uh open
the meeting to anybody in the public for any comments. Okay, seeing that I bring it back. Any other business? Okay, we know who's Please go. No, go ahead. Okay. Um, we know who's going to be here Wednesday.
Who isn't? And that's it. Mayor, do you have anything? No. Okay. All right. On Wednesday. All right. All right. All right. Then motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn. Is saying they're attending other than the the three. It's really
important that everybody here is here for this because we have to have a correct plus we have three other applications. Yeah. All right. All right. Motion to adjurnn. So move. Second. All in favor? I I against. All
right. Thank you. Good night, everybody. Larry, thank you.