Minutes · Apr 15, 2021
April 15, 2021 Regular Meeting
9765c9added7ba21b5380fecdd3221a688993bd8e28126ff36f18d9d68e4d680Indexed text
Secretary, Ms. Diana Chandler Chairman Neuer mentioned that he wanted to ask. Mr. Schkolnick to make sure his client is prepared to discuss this. -Mrs. Plaveczky asked about the land as the house shakes when they're doing this dumping. Chairman Neuer rephrased the question for Mr. Reeves and he responded that when this survey was completed, no type of seismic analysis was done. Chairman Neuer rephrased Mrs. Plaveczky’s question about the type of testing that could be done during activities to determine the cause of the seismic activity at Mr. & Mrs. Paveczky's home and the neighbors. Mr. Reeves responded that he would not classify myself as an expert to this and the applicant is going to look into it. -Mr. Manuel Lim (938 Pleasant Valley Way) had a question about the fact that they are not requiring a dumpster on site, but there are 16 people working in the building? In response to this the question was that per discussion with the applicant, the trash is not generated and confirmed that no garbage is generated. Board Discussion: -Chairman Neuer stated that this application is going to be coming back and requested confirmation that Mr. Reeves will also be returning. Mr. Schkolnick answered in the affirmative. BREAK FROM 9:40-9:47PM. -After the break commenced, Mr. Schkolnick let the Board know that he would like the application carried. Chairman Neuer informed Mr. Schkolnick that this will have to wait to be heard again until the June 17, 2021 Meeting. -At that time, Mr. Schkolnick anticipates that the technical difficulty with the architectural plans will be corrected. Chairman Neuer explained that the applicant will have to get revised plans ten days in advance of the meeting. 2. ZB-21-02/Santiago Block: 85.06; Lot: 2; Zone: R-5 205 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. “C” Side Yard Variance to replace front and side decks with a wraparound porch. Presentation: - Mr. Joshua Santiago was sworn under oath by Ms. Alice Bierne. Mr. Santiago testified that this application seeks to replace the existing front landing and side deck to make them into one semi wrap around porch. The proposal is to replace the existing side deck, which measures 10 x 12 with one that measures 20 x 24 (entire length of the house) andto replace the front landing, which is currently 6 x 8 with one that measures 6 x 11). - The reasons stated by Mr. Santiago are that he lives in a really busy
20 x 24 (entire length of the house) andto replace the front landing, which is currently 6 x 8 with one that measures 6 x 11). - The reasons stated by Mr. Santiago are that he lives in a really busy intersection on Mount Pleasant and his concern for the safety of his family and pets. The land itself presents a hardship because it is sloped down dramatically.
-Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Santiago if he received any comments or questions from neighbors. Mr. Santiago responded saying that the only responses he received were in favor of the application. -Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Santiago how long he has owned this property. Mr. Santiago answered since September 2018. -Chairman Neuer asked if since he bought a home, were any improvements made to the property. Mr. Santiago responded affirmatively. However, the size of a lot itself is the same now as when bought it and is better because he added a retention wall to the back. -Chairman Neuer asked if permits were obtained. Mr. Santiago answered in the affirmative. -Chairman Neuer also asked Mr. Santiago to describe the materials to be used in the construction of the deck. Mr. Santiago answered that it is going to be made of 6 by 6 post and tracks for the top material. Board Questions/Comments: - Mr. Jerome Eben, asked and advised regarding the lower right hand corner of plans, where he thought that the applicant would lose a lot of deck space, but if the post was pulled in, it would be possible to move the beams. Mr. Eben said that Mr. Santiago should discuss those changes with the reputable contractor or hire an architect. - Mr. Ricci asked if the front deck and side deck are at the same height. Mr. Santiago answered negatively Mr. Ricci followed up about the two decks, two different doors asking how he proposes to connect them. Mr. Santiago responded that we're going to either put some steps or eliminate this door entirely. Mr. Ricci responded that the applicant could leave that door there on the side and the deck will have to be at two different elevations and would need updated plans. -Mr. Ricci asked what the railings are going to be made out of and Mr. Santiago responded that he hasn’t thought that far in advance. -Mr. Ricci’s asked if there will be a staircase going from the lower deck at the side of the house, going down to the ground. Mr. Santiago answered in the affirmative. - Chairman Neuer said that his motion would be to approve the application with conditions that those drawings be submitted ten days before our next meeting to be reviewed before the meeting and to determined\ that the conditions have been met. Professionals Questions -No questions from Mr. Grygiel. Public Hearing Closed. Public Questions: No Public Questions/Comments Board
he meeting and to determined\ that the conditions have been met. Professionals Questions -No questions from Mr. Grygiel. Public Hearing Closed. Public Questions: No Public Questions/Comments Board Discussion: End of public questions.
-Chairman Neuer, stated his opinion that Mr. Santiago satisfied all requirements for this application. By promoting the public safety because of the traffic and the activities near the home it will be safer for him to occupy the deck and this is an appropriate location for recreational uses. Although he has not presented expert testimony with regard to the negative criteria, this board can determine that because of the nature of the application, it satisfies the negative criteria in order to qualify for the variances that have been requested. Chairman Neuer moved to approve the application with the conditions as stated on the record. -Mrs. Alice Weiss seconded the motion and in so doing asked Mr. Santiago if he saw the Planner’s report and Mr. Santiago responded in the affirmative. -Chairman Neuer wished Mr. Santiago luck and reminded him not to apply for any permits until resolution is adopted but should start interviewing contractors. Motion: Chairman P. Neuer Second: Mrs. Alice Weiss APPROVED Eben: Bg Straker (Alt.4): Quentzel (Alt. 1): Sussman (Alt. 3): Redwine: ¥i Weiss: Y Ricci: Y Chairman Neuer: Y Schwarzbaum: Y Steinhart: Y The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Neuer at 10:37 PM Adopted: Diana L. Chanfer, Board Secretary 10
File revisions (1)
- Sep 29, 2026
9765c9added73,359,469 bytes