Architects detail designs for proposed housing developments in Ridgewood
MAY 16, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
Though planning and school impact considerations, among other areas of concern, have stimulated more scrutiny than building design, the architects of three downtown multifamily housing proposals were put through cross examination and public questioning at last week’s Planning Board meeting.
Board members are currently hearing three developers’ combined application to amend Ridgewood’s master plan to essentially rezone portions of the Central Business District and permit high-density apartment complexes as an acceptable use of land.
Last Tuesday’s hearing was the latest meeting in a process that stems back more than two years. It also bridges the course to a June 3 meeting, where traffic experts for each proposal are expected to begin testimony.
Enclave design
Architect Bruce Englebaugh explained the details of the Enclave, which his firm Minno and Wasko Architects designed for developer 257 Ridgewood Avenue LLC. The Enclave, as proposed, includes 52 dwelling units and approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space built along North Maple Avenue on property currently occupied by the Hallmark Floor Company and Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
“We tried to go through downtown Ridgewood and analyze the architectural vocabulary. We took that, analyzed it and put it in our building,” Englebaugh said, explaining the varied design elements. “We started with a homogenous façade. Through feedback, we started to subdivide the façade to make it look more like buildings in downtown Ridgewood.”
According to Englebaugh, one of the key elements was the reduction of the Enclave’s fourth story. The adjustment, he said, makes the building’s top level unnoticeable when viewed from the ground level on North Maple Avenue.
Property owner John Saraceno and Englebaugh reviewed the site’s projected parking layout. Both testified that the proposed plan incorporates 134 parking stalls, 56 of which will be reserved for public use. In comparison, the site currently boasts 74 parking spots with roughly 14 of those reserved, Saraceno said.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/building-designsdetailed-1.1017442#sthash.mZd0RU8f.dpuf
Do not amend the master plan.
Rescind the 2007 Ordinance now.
Get these people out of our town!