November 18, 2021 Regular Meeting

was a suggestion from the Board; he said that “being two (2) feet lower doesn’t change the view of the Statue of Liberty.” - Kate Distasio (1010 Smith Manor Boulevard) asked how deep will the footings be for the addition. Mr. Blasch said that they will be shallow (essentially on rock). The Storm Detention Basin below is not deep and doesn’t need to be. - Ms. Distasio asked if there was any geotechnical testing done. Mr. Blasch said that when the Chit Chat Diner was put in, the property was excavated three (3) feet and there is no need for testing as far as he knows. - Ms. Distasio asked if the deck will be near the cliff and if there was a consideration for it. Mr. Blasch responded in the negative and said that no disturbance will be made. This will not start a landslide. - Christian Wypasek (1020 Smith Manor Boulevard) asked about the parking, where Mr. Blasch said it would be standard. - Mr. Wypasek followed in regards to parking by asking if the number included employees. Mr. Blasch responded by saying that it is not changing as the variance for parking exists already. - Mr. Williams said additional parking and I. Schwarzbaum asked if applicant will appear to testify in regard to parking. In response to that, Mr. Williams said applicant will be put on to testify. - Kevin Malanga (57 Ridge Road) asked for confirmation that, in Mr. Blasch’s opinion, the construction will not result in a rockslide. Mr. Blasch responded in the affirmative. - Mr. Malanga followed up by asking if Mr. Blasch is a geotechnical expert. Mr. Blasch answered in the negative. Presentation - Mr. J. Michael Petry, Engineer and Planner for the Applicant was sworn under oath. Mr. Petry’s credentials were given and he was confirmed as an expert in the field of engineering and planning. He then explained the revised lighting plan and observations he made when he visited the site and the neighboring property. Mr. Petry stated that he could not see any of the townhouses but he could see the top of the building of the neighboring properties. He said that it was decided that pole mounting lights were better. o Mr. Petry referenced the Lighting Plan to show the building mounted fixtures replaced with down lights (hooded for additional glare). He said that the remainder of poles would be replaced and improved upon. Mr. Petry said that the deck will be lit with string lights in ceiling

replaced with down lights (hooded for additional glare). He said that the remainder of poles would be replaced and improved upon. Mr. Petry said that the deck will be lit with string lights in ceiling area and would all have “hats” on them to prevent glare. All revisions, according to Mr. Petry, will reduce impact/glare in all instances. o Mr. Petry said that the building and deck meet the setback requirements of the ordinance and that the addition will not impact the setback at all. He said that the increasing seating drives home the need for the parking variance. o Mr. Petry stated that the criteria for this addition to the Chit Chat Diner are that: = the COVID Pandemic changed need for outdoor dining. Previously, the Chit Chat had a tent in the parking lot which took away parking. = Chit Chat rejuvenated the community; It has become a destination because of location and stellar reputation. = in order to remain competitive, it needs outdoor dining. = the redesign of lighting is a benefit to neighbors and adjoining residences; parking onsite equalizers as potential patrons will leave after looping (circling) the lot twice since there is no street parking.