Board of Adjustment Defers Decision on Already-Installed HVAC Condensers at 34 Ridgewood Avenue Pending Noise and Siting Study

The Glen Ridge Board of Adjustment's July 11, 2024 meeting centered on a variance application from Earl Beechum for air conditioning condenser units at 34 Ridgewood Avenue that had already been installed before the application was filed. Architect Javier Fuentes and Beechum described the site and explained why the units were placed where they were, and board members pressed for clarification on why other locations on the property weren't used. Francis Mielach of 33 Willow Street spoke during public comment, thanking the board for weighing the aesthetics of the installation but raising concerns about the noise the units generate and asking how loud the finished installation would be.

Rather than ruling on the application as presented, the board discussed the difficulty of evaluating a variance for work already completed, and proposed deferring a decision until the applicant could have a qualified HVAC technician study alternative siting options on the property and report back. Beechum agreed to the deferral. On a motion by Chair Mahoney, seconded by Mr. Johnson, the board carried the application without additional public notice to the September 12, 2024 meeting.

In routine business, the board adopted the June 13, 2024 minutes (Mr. Scott abstaining) and approved, with noted changes, a resolution of approval for 370 Maolis Avenue for applicants Maria and Richard Waters (Mr. Scott again abstaining). No further public comment was offered.