Bob Rusch

The Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for River Vale Township focuses on addressing the township's fourth-round affordable housing obligations, including present and prospective needs, while adhering to the Fair Housing Act and relevant regulations. The plan details demographic and economic conditions, housing stock analysis, and strategies for compliance through various mechanisms like rehabilitation programs, zoning amendments, and partnerships. It also addresses multigenerational family housing requirements, consistency with the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, and the administration of affordable housing programs.

The Joint Planning Board meeting addressed several applications and resolutions. Discussions included an application for an addition/garage with side yard setback variances, where the board approved the application. Another application involved a request for a fence in the front yard with bulk 'C' variances, which was also approved with specific conditions regarding the fence's design and placement. Additionally, the board approved a resolution regarding a fence in the front yard and approved the resolution of denial for another application.

The Joint Planning Board meeting addressed an application from Incandescent Development, LLC for a Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan with Bulk and Use Variances/Major Soil Movement. The application involves Use "D" variances. The applicant's planner presented an overview of the application, including the existing conditions of the site, the types of units being proposed, parking, recreation, and open space areas. The planner also discussed the township's affordable housing obligation and the zoning analysis. A school impact report was presented, estimating the number of additional children being added to the River Vale school district. The board and public asked questions regarding the site's suitability for single-family homes, density calculations, school impact, traffic, drainage, tree renderings, noise and light pollution, and construction timelines. Residents made statements in opposition to the application. The application was denied.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several applications and resolutions. An application from Incandescent Development, LLC was adjourned to a special meeting. A resolution for Silverman regarding a patio and in-ground pool was approved. Additionally, a resolution for New Concepts for Living, Inc. concerning preliminary and final major subdivision approval was also approved. The meeting was then opened and closed to the public, followed by a review and signing of payments of invoices.

The meeting included discussions and applications related to zoning variances. One application involved a request for a side yard setback variance for a garage addition, which was carried over to the next meeting to allow the applicant to provide additional property photos. Another application concerned a fence in the front yard, which was approved with conditions including relocating an existing fence and adding landscaping. A carried application addressed a fence and accessory structure in the front yard, where the applicant amended their request to relocate a shed while seeking approval to leave the fence in its current location, though the motion did not carry. The board also reviewed ordinances related to fences and sports courts, discussing noise and storm water management, and determined they were consistent with the Master Plan. Resolutions were approved for proposed additions and fences. Discussions also covered the requirements for determining the completeness of applications.