RAMSEY PLANNING BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MARCH 7, 2017

Transcription

1 REGULAR MEETING RAMSEY PLANNING BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MARCH 7, 2017 Acting Chairman Kirk called the regular meeting of the Ramsey Planning Board to order at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mr. Weber led the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR. KIRK This meeting is being held in accordance with the Sunshine Law. Acting Chairman Kirk read the Open Public Meetings Law notice. MEMBERS PRESENT ABSENT Mr. Carey Mr. Cantor Acting Chairman Kirk Mr. Torchin Mr. Weber Ms. Woodbyrne Mr. Hayward Alt. I Mr. Daul Alt. II Councilman Verdone Mayor Dillon Chairman Iorio IN ATTENDANCE PRESENT ABSENT Mr. Whitaker, Board Atty. Mr. Hals, Board Engineer Mrs. Lupo, Admin. Secretary 1

2 COMMENTS OF BOARD MEMBERS - None APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the minutes of 11/30/16 was made by Mr. Weber seconded by Mr. Daul. All eligible members voted in favor. Carried. CORRESPONDENCE - None COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - None ORDINANCES - None WAIVER APPLICATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Community/Senior Center Pool House Project 75 East Oak Street, Ramsey, NJ Kara A. Kaczynski of McNally, Yaros, Kaczynski and Lime, Somerville, N.J. appeared as special counsel to the Borough in connection with this project. Ms. Kaczynski said that notice of the March 7 th hearing was provided to all property owners within 200 of the subject property and published in the Bergen Record, despite the fact that it s not required by statute. Mr. Whitaker asked Ms. Kaczynski to submit a copy of the documentation including the certified mail receipts and a proof of publication. Mr. Whitaker said that this is not an application for development as defined in the Municipal Land Use Law. Mr. Whitaker said that the Planning Board will review and make recommendations pursuant to N.J.S. 40:55D-31a. The Planning Board has jurisdiction because the Planning Board has adopted portions of the Master Plan. The Governing Body is considering the expenditure of public funds for this project. The Planning Board must first review and recommend the matter in connection with the Master Plan. The Governing Body shall not act without recommendation, or until 45 days have elapsed after such reference without receiving such recommendation. Ms. Kaczynski said that this project has been around since 2013 and the Borough has been considering a number of different locations for this senior center, including properties along South Central and East Oak Street, Finch Park, former Orange & Rockland Sub- Station, DPW Recycling area and a few others. Ms. Kaczynski said that the proposed location was considered for a number of reasons. There is existing parking, buildings and green space that can be leveraged. The sight does lay fallow for nine (9) months out of the year. Ms. Kaczynski said that there was a June 1, 2016 Town Hall Meeting where various comments were made with regard to the proposed location of the senior center and the rest of the project. As a result of this meeting, certain changes were made including improving safety to the pool entrance, relocating the senior center to the easterly property line and reducing parking to address concerns of residents in regards to buffer areas. Ms. Kaczynski said that green space will be increased, the site lines are being improved and sunlight will not be reduced. Ms. Kaczynski said that the Borough will apply for any and all approvals that are deemed necessary for the project in connection with drainage and storm water management among others. TESTIMONY OF ERIC KIELLAR, A.I.A. 2

3 Eric Kieller of Blueline Architecture, 397 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff, N.J. was sworn in and deemed an expert in Architecture. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if he was engaged by the Borough of Ramsey to prepare the architectural plans for the project. Mr. Kieller said yes. Ms. Kaczynski presented the following exhibits: Exhibit A-1, Site Plan, 6 pages, dated February 24, 2017 Exhibit A-2, Swimming Pool Renovations, P-101, dated February 22, 2013 Exhibit A-3, Swimming Pool Renovations, SR-102, dated February 22, 2013 Exhibit A-4, Architectural Site Plan, no date Exhibit A-5, Partial Sun Shade Study, Times at 10am & 12pm, estimated July 4, 2017 Exhibit A-6, Partial Sun Shade Study, Times at 2pm & 4pm, estimated July 4, 2017 Exhibit A-7, Photograph taken from Pool Website, dated July 4, 2016 Exhibit A-8, Impervious Comparison Plan, no date Exhibit A-9, Rendering of East Side of Proposed Building Exhibit A-10, Rendering of West Side of Proposed Building Exhibit PB-1, Board Engineer Letter, dated March 7, 2017 Mr. Kieller described the location of the project site on page one of the Site Plan. Mr. Kieller described what presently exists on page two of the Site Plan. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller how many existing parking spaces are to the east of the pool. Mr. Kieller said 172 parking spaces exist to the east, 7 parking spaces exist to the southeast. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if any existing improvements will be removed as a result of the project construction. Mr. Kieller described page three of the Site Plan. Mr. Kieller said that the area to the west, where a small playground and pavilion exists, will be removed for the installation of the new bath house. The removal of an existing playground in the back and portions of the parking lot will be removed to the east. A new playground will be installed; the existing life guard and pool building will stay. To the rear of the property a 5,000sf concrete area will be removed, including the existing concession stand and replaced with an additional lawn area for the pool. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if the new improvements consist of additional lawn area, additional parking, a pool concession, a new pool bathhouse, a new senior center, a community center, a pavilion and a new playground. Mr. Kieller said yes. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if any of these components were contemplated at the time the original pool improvements were being made in Mr. Kieller said yes. There was a 7,500sf pavilion, pool house and senior/community center located in the southwest corner of the property, currently where the existing proposed pool bathhouse is located. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if changes have been made to the proposed project as a result of the June 1, 2016 Mayor & Council meeting. Mr. Kieller said yes. He described Exhibit A-4, which was shown at that meeting. Ms. Kaczynki asked Mr. Kieller if there is an overall increase in impervious coverage on the property as a result of the project. Mr. Kieller said yes. A 3.6% increase. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if there is an increase in green space. Mr. Kieller they have increased the green space within the pool property. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if there is an increase in parking as a result of this project. Mr. Kieller said yes. The total existing parking spaces are 179 and 216 is being proposed for the pool to the west and 62 for the community/senior center to the east. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller how many parking spaces are at the current senior center located at Finch Park. Mr. Kieller said 5-6 designated spaces. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if he is familiar with Dave Hals review letter dated March 7, Mr. Kieller said yes. Mr. Kieller reviewed items #5 and #9. Mr. Kieller said that they could consider both recommendations. Ms. Kaczysnki asked Mr. Kieller what the minimum buffer area is being provided. Mr. Kieller said 25. It would consist of a mix of evergreens with various heights and densities. All other landscaping would be as per the Borough Ordinance and subject to working with the Shade Tree Commission. Mr. Kieller described Exhibit A-5 and Exhibit A-6. 3

4 Mr. Kieller said that the exhibits show the proposed buildings during certain times of the day. Mr. Kieller said that you are getting more shade from the trees than from the buildings. Mr. Kieller described Exhibit A-7. Mr. Kieller said that the photograph was taken from the top of the slide showing how the sun reflects on and around the pool. Ms. Kaczynski asked Mr. Kieller if the shade impact created by the new buildings would not be a detriment to the project or anyone who will be utilizing the property. Mr. Kieller said that s correct. Mr. Kieller described Exhibit A-8. Mr. Kieller said that the exhibit is a comparison of impervious coverage. To the left is the current condition and to the right is the proposed plan. Mr. Kieller described Exhibit A-9 and Exhibit A- 10. QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD Mr. Carey asked Mr. Kieller if the War Memorial Plaque and Sycamore Tree and Eagle Scout Butterfly project will be protected. Mr. Kieller said that those are proposed to remain. Mr. Carey asked Mr. Kieller if there will be a dumpster added by the senior center. Mr. Kieller said that could be addressed. Mr. Carey asked Mr. Kieller how multiple events at the same time will be handled. Ms. Kaczynski said that the Senior Center Director and the Borough Clerk will be responsible for the scheduling for the facilities. Ms. Woodbyrne asked Mr. Kieller if the kitchen is a full cooking kitchen. Mr. Kieller said no. It s enough to have an event catered with the basic microwave and coffee pot. The meeting was open to the public. Questions were received from the following persons: Susan Leung, 111 East Oak Street asked Mr. Kieller if the received any advice from the Ramsey Juniors in reference to the proposed Community/Senior Center. Mr. Kieller said no. Ms. Leung asked Mr. Kieller if there is a drop-off by the pool entrance. Mr. Kieller said yes. There is a stripped area by the entrance to the pool that can be used as a drop-off. Ms. Leung asked Mr. Kieller how long will the renovations take. Mr. Kieller said just under nine months. Chance Parker, 11 Park Place asked Mr. Kieller what percentage of his completed portfolio is in the municipal industry. Mr. Kieller said between 25-30%. David Marchisin, 112 East Oak Street asked Mr. Kieller if a wider sidewalk to the east is installed, would that push the parking out. Mr. Kieller said yes. Debra Sahler, 34 Oak Ridge Road asked Mr. Kieller if having a full kitchen was a consideration. Mr. Kieller said no. Douglas Rennie, 30 Rose Avenue asked Mr. Kieller will the bocce ball court be removed. Mr. Kieller said no. Jennifer Lessieu, 19 Lancaster Court asked Mr. Kieller if he designed a new Ramsey pool when he was a member of the Pool Commission. Mr. Kieller said yes. Mr. Whitaker said that the application will be carried to a Special Meeting on March 29, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. No new notices are required. Committee Reports: Subdivision Committee: Application Review Committee: Next Meeting: Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 12:00 P.M. Finance Committee: Vouchers/Performance Bonds/Letter of Credit: Motion was made by Mr. Weber seconded by Mr. Daul and was carried, to approve the 03/07/17 CONSENT RESOLUTION recommending to the Mayor & Council payment of vouchers. All eligible members voted in favor. Carried. Master Plan & Zoning Committee: 4

5 Procedures Committee: Capital Improvement & Public Lands: RESOLUTION - None NEW BUSINESS - None OLD BUSINESS - None ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mr. Kirk, seconded by Mr. Hayward, to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:35 P.M. 5