Board of Adjustment Approves Use Variance Restoring 77-79 Glenridge Avenue to a Two-Family Home for Disabled Veteran Joseph Tschudy

Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment on August 10, 2023 unanimously approved, 5-0, a D-1 use variance letting Joseph Tschudy convert 77-79 Glenridge Avenue from a one-family back to a two-family dwelling. Represented by attorney Greg Mascera, Tschudy testified he grew up in the house, which had been consistently used as a two-family home until 2020, when, as a totally disabled veteran facing financial difficulties, he sought a VA loan using the home as collateral. Because the VA would only accept the property as collateral if it were classified as a one-family home, he applied to the borough to have it reclassified as such, obtained the loan, and is now seeking to have it reclassified back to two-family to facilitate a sale. Board members confirmed the physical layout of the home -- with separate entrances, kitchens, and living spaces for each unit -- had never actually changed.

Professional planner Kathryn Gregory, also sworn in, reviewed the R-5 zone's existing land uses and nonconforming-use patterns, entering an exhibit of neighborhood conditions (Exhibit A-2) and addressing the planning proofs required to support a use variance; no board members had questions for her. No members of the public commented. The board also adopted a resolution of approval for a prior application at 21 Herman Street.