Peyser Withdraws Fence Variance Application for 197 Ridgewood Avenue After Objections

An application to build a six-foot fence in the front yard of 197 Ridgewood Avenue was withdrawn at Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment meeting on October 12, 2017, after board members and a neighbor raised concerns about its length and appearance. Attorney William Fried, representing homeowners Jeffery and Lucia Peyser, argued the corner property -- which sits across from a church and high school generating heavy foot and vehicle traffic -- warranted a variance to build a six-foot wooden fence along Clark Street for added privacy in the couple's back yard. Mrs. Peyser testified the fence was needed given the volume of daily activity generated by the nearby house of worship and school.

During public comment, Chris Layteve of 111 Clark Street objected that a fence of that length would be visually incompatible with the surrounding properties. Board members also questioned whether a hedge might serve instead of a solid fence and voiced concerns of their own about the amount of front-yard fencing being proposed. After that discussion, attorney Fried asked to withdraw the application, and the board granted the withdrawal. The board separately adopted its January 12, 2017 minutes, with Mr. Krien abstaining.