David Dowd

The board meeting addressed applications for site development plan approval and freshwater wetlands permits. Key discussions centered on the property at 80 Haramman Road, involving an expansion of an existing patio and reconstruction of retaining walls, which required variances for total coverage and compliance with freshwater wetlands regulations. The board also reviewed the application for 3 Speed Langden Avenue, which required two variances for front yard setbacks and a coverage variance, as the existing and proposed improvements significantly exceeded the allowable coverage percentage. Concerns were raised regarding the high coverage percentage calculations for the Langden Avenue property, specifically referencing undocumented existing improvements like a gravel fire pit, and the need for detailed breakdowns and stormwater management plans before final approval could proceed.

The meeting addressed several agenda items concerning architectural reviews and post-approval amendments. Key discussions included the review for 56 West Clinton Avenue, which was revisited for amendments related to adding screens and a window. A significant portion of the meeting involved the application for 80 Herman Road, which required approval for post-permitting work including the expansion and repaving of an existing patio, removal and replacement of a staircase and wooden retaining walls with stone unilock systems, and replacing a rear door with a new sliding door. The board also addressed a review for 64 Main Street. Housekeeping notes mentioned the onboarding of an architect consultant for future meetings.

The meeting included a review of an application for an amended site plan at 23 Park Road, which was granted approval subject to the resolution of landscape and planting requirements. The board also reviewed an application for 20 Willow Street, focusing on zoning variances and ongoing stormwater and drainage requirements that necessitate further engineering review and documentation before final approval can be granted.

The meeting addressed several agenda items requiring site development plan approval and variances. Key discussions included the project at 6 Grey Rock Terrace, involving updates to stormwater management plans and obtaining variances for coverage and setbacks, which were subsequently approved. For 2 Roland Road, discussions centered on site drainage, the removal of an existing concrete wall, and variances related to setbacks for a new hot tub and patio extension; the resolution for this item was noted as subject to further revisions regarding drainage separation from the house. The agenda also included a detailed review of the long-running application for Mercy University (555 Broadway) concerning a proposed fieldhouse and related site plan changes, which required addressing off-site sewer improvements and filling out the SEQRA environmental assessment form, particularly concerning traffic and environmental impacts.

The meeting addressed several variance requests. The first case involved an application for variances related to existing conditions, including an undocumented front yard setback encroachment, and proposed work consisting of minor additions to the first and second floors, removal of a flagstone patio, and replacement with a new patio and small addition. The second case concerned a request for variances for the Hogan residence, specifically related to adding a hot tub and pool patio extension. The variances sought were for coverage increase (approximately 250 square feet), rear setback infringement (staying at 17 feet where 20 feet is required, but consistent with the existing pool), and location relative to street lines due to the corner lot configuration. The board approved both sets of variance requests after discussion.