Board Adjourns Cusumano Addition Case at 297 Ridgewood Avenue Amid Neighbor Concerns

Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment formally memorialized its approval of Michael Pensak's variance at 134 Ridgewood Avenue at its October 13, 2016 meeting, with Mr. Scott abstaining on both that resolution and adoption of the June 9 minutes.

The board then opened a new application from Vincent and Mary Ellen Cusumano of 297 Ridgewood Avenue, who are seeking side-yard, rear-yard, and building-area variances for a single-story rear addition already approved by the Historic Preservation Commission on condition the variances are granted. The couple described their house as loaded toward the rear of the lot with heavy rear-yard plantings and fencing. During public comment, Dr. Ross of 27 Woodland Avenue asked about the height of a proposed pergola and any additional lighting, while Kathryn Ross of 27 Wildwood Terrace -- the adjoining property -- raised concerns about noise from gatherings on the proposed deck. The board asked the applicants for more detail on setbacks and lot-coverage calculations, and the adjoining neighbor at 27 Wildwood Terrace separately asked for an adjournment to gather more information. The case was continued, without further notice, to the board's November 10, 2016 meeting.