NORWOOD PLANNING BOARD

SPECIAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 10, 2003

The Special Meeting of the Norwood Planning Board convened at 8:00PM with Chairman Joseph Ascolese presiding. Mr. Ascolese announced that this meeting is held in accordance with the Open Meeting Act, has been advertised according to law, indicated the exit locations, and placed an 11:00PM curfew on this meeting.

The following board members were present:

Mr. DeBiasa Mr. Butti Mr. Casey

Mr. Ascolese Mayor D’Ercole Councilman Brizzolara

Mr. Byrne Mr. Jacobs Mr. Zacco

Mr. DeMaria

The following board members were absent:

Mr. Altenbach Dr. Koffler Mr. Van Dyke

Harold Ritvo, the Board Attorney, and Michael Neglia, the Board Engineer were present at this meeting.

Chairman Ascolese commented that this Special Meeting is to provide the board with a review of various zoning requirements with recommendations to the Governing Body for change with participation from the public.

Mayor D’Ercole read a statement into the record, which has been duly attached to these minutes.

The board agreed to open the meeting to the public following presentation by Mr. Ritvo and Mr. Neglia. Mr. Ritvo commented that the current zoning review has been proceeding since approximately 1997 to 1998. He explained the recodification of Zoning, Subdivision, and Site plan Ordinances and the inconsistencies included in the three separate volumes of requirements that were adopted. Because of many recurring inconsistencies, and following board authorization, he and Mr. Neglia, reviewed and made recommendation to the board in 1999. (Mr. Ritvo presented the board with a handout Norwood Planning Board Zoning Review, September 2003). These recommendations have not been adopted by the Governing Body and would clarify and make sense of the current zoning requirements, including many of the “definitions” i.e., building height, drive in restaurants, rear yard, slope ordinance, etc. Although a number of changes are indicated in the three ordinances, tonight’s meeting will focus on zoning code only.

Mr. Ritvo explained the twelve zones within the borough and these include, four Residential, one Business, one Light Industrial, two Laboratory Administrative, a Mount Laurel, Park, Town House, and Senior Housing zone. He explained the various bulk and setback criteria of the residential zones and their locations within the borough and noted that some of these are archaic and inconsistent. Both Mr. Ritvo and Mr. Neglia recommend replacing the “twenty-five foot reduction in frontage in a cul-de-sac” requirement.

Mr. Neglia explained that the Steep Slope Ordinance was passed at the time the East Hill development was proposed because of the sloping in that area; the intent was to increase bulk requirements because of the large houses proposed. They recommend that the board combine the 0-15% criteria in the bulk table revisions to provide consistency in all parts of town. Mr. Neglia commented that the State Residential Site Improvement Standards supercede all local ordinances. Mr. Ritvo observed that the board has adopted working checklists setting forth those items that applicants must include on plans submitted for an application.

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SPECIAL MEETING

Both Mr. Neglia and Mr. Ritvo recommend that the Planning Board eliminate inconsistent wording in the ordinance concerning steep slopes and propose that the borough adopt the tables and schedules as submitted. The “sight distance triangle” has also been modified for clarity and the board might consider that sight triangles be kept clear in general and as a part of the Maintenance Code. Wording of “number of parking places” currently appears in three different places, has been clarified, and placed in one location. A major recommendation defines and places requirements on a house of worship in a residential zone. Language has been made consistent on satellite antennas and swimming pools. Residential parking restrictions have been clarified and house of worship parking requirements have been added. Some language changes, including parking requirements, have been suggested in the Business, Light Industrial, and Laboratory Zones for discussion at another time.

Discussion took place regarding rumors of development of parkland in the Fourteenth Street area and Mr. Neglia commented that the Governing Body and the Board of Education have jurisdiction of approximately 75-80% of this area and it is predominantly undevelopable wetlands. The borough has right-of-way access to that area without utilizing parkland and open space. Mr. Ritvo and Mr. Neglia reviewed the history of open land development and parkland as it pertains to a subdivision and in particular the Fourteenth Street area. The borough has occasionally sold small portions of land to adjacent homeowners so that they might better utilize their property. Although the issue of redesignation has been occasionally brought forth and recommended by the Planning Board, no action has ever been taken by the Mayor and Council.

As pertains cul-de-sacs, Mr. Neglia described several that currently exist and/or have come before the board in both the east and west parts of town. He voiced the opinion that, at times, two smaller homes are better then one larger structure. Increasing lot size in a zone to discourage residential development creates undersized lots that would require a variance for any construction including homes destroyed by disaster. Mr. Neglia commented that the east part of town is developed; however, the R10 and R22.5 Zone on the west side (Rockland Ave. to Glanz Ave. in Northvale) include several oversized lots, which might be subject to consolidation and/or subdivision.

At 9:15PM, Mr. Ascolese called a ten-minute break to allow the public to view the maps on display.

Following break, Mr. Ritvo and Mr. Neglia offered the following options and/or recommendations including those mentioned earlier:

· A tree replacement ordinance.

Six or eight inch recommendation and including a tree fund bank.

· Zoning requirements as follows: (Lot size changes not recommended)

Reduction of impervious lot coverage (following a study to determine

dwellings that might be affected) and consideration of floor-area

ratio requirements.

· Maximum Lot Coverage, Depth, Frontage changes not recommended.

Consideration of a change in cul-de-sac requirements, in particular,

the frontage requirement. A minimum 100’ straight-line distance

(R10 Zone) along street for entire width of lot.

· Further study of the Improved Lot Coverage and Rear Yard require-

ments in the R22.5 and R10 Zones.

It was duly moved and seconded to open the meeting to the public. All members voted yes.

George Hertzberg, 24 Carter St., proposed a golf course and suggested parks, hiking trails, etc.

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SPECIAL MEETING

Edward Lamp, 120 Summit St. suggested that the board consider a reduction of lot size in problem and/or specific areas in order to discourage additional development.

Judith Lamp, 120 Summit St. suggested a transportation plan, utility service plan, and historical preservation element, as recommended in the Municipal Land Use Law.

Irene Levy, 341 Westwind Ct., Cathy Mitchell, 91 Summit St., and Barry Scott, 345 Fifteenth St., with additional questions and comment regarding the Fourteenth St. parkland designation.

Bob Allen, 204 Kensington Ave., with various comments and a statement regarding disagreement with the Kensington Court developer as pertains to his property, which is adjacent to the project. Discussion took place among the board regarding options available to the borough and homeowner to bring about resolution.

Peter Yahr, 335 Westwind Ct., regarding reestablishment of the environmental commission.

A resident came forward and asked for copies of the handout. The board advised any member of the public that required a copy, to check with the Planning Board office in the morning.

Barry Scott, 345 Fifteenth St., with additional comment regarding parkland matters and sale of land. Mr. Scott was advised that the sale of borough land goes to the Governing Body.

Peter Yahr, 335 Westwind Ct., with additional discussion regarding the environmental commission.

James Elling, 263 Summit St., thanked Mr. Ritvo, Mr. Neglia, and board members for their time and effort. In response, to Mr. Elling’s question, the board agreed that members of the public should put any suggestions they might have in writing.

Charles Chiccone, 306 Tappan Rd., additional parkland questions. Mr. Ritvo reiterated that, to his knowledge, no action has ever been taken by the Governing Body to accept the Fourteenth St. property in question.

Ben Haynoski, 21 Kensington Ave., asked how much land is involved and he was advised that the Tax Assessor is in the process of compiling such information.

As no one else wished to be heard, it was duly moved and seconded to close the meeting to the public. All members voted yes.

As there was no further business to come before the board, it was duly moved and seconded to adjourn at 11:05PM. All members voted yes.

Linda Grove

Clerk to Board