After Nicholson's Sudden Departure, Nalbantian Voted Planning Board Chair

The Ridgewood Planning Board underwent a slight makeover Tuesday night, appointing member Charles Nalbantian the chairman of the board.

Former chairman David Nicholson , leaving a void that needed to be filled at its reorganization meeting.

Nalbantian, whose tenure is scheduled to run until June 30, 2015, reached chairman status by a vote of 8-to-1, with Albert Pucciarelli voting no. Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh nominated Nalbantian, a management consultant appointed to the board in in 2007.

“I’m proud to serve the citizens of Ridgewood and the planning board as well,” Nalbantian said at the conclusion of the meeting. “There’s a lot of work [to do].”

Vice President Albert Pucciarelli was reappointed the role of vice chairman by unanimous vote.

F was sworn in as a full-time member and Alternate #1 Jane Shinozuka took Joel’s former position.

The village council, which appoints members to the planning board but does not choose its presiding structure, must still appoint a second alternate, a decision expected to come soon.