Solar panel plan withdrawn after commission says any street-visible panel is unacceptable

A proposal to install solar panels on the roof of Larry Miller's home at 45 Midland Avenue, presented with representatives from Trinity Solar, was withdrawn after the commission held firm that any portion of a solar panel visible from the street is not permitted in the historic district. Commissioners suggested repositioning the panels away from the west side of the home's dormer, potentially adding panels to a rear shed instead, and asked Trinity Solar to install an on-site mock-up so members could evaluate visibility before any resubmission.

Separately, the commission approved, by a 5-1 vote, a reapplication from Rob and Kelly Lyons to add a second story to their bungalow-style home at 300 Linden Avenue. Member Githens voted no. The approval came with several required corrections, including setting back a second-floor projection at least five inches to reduce a "top-heavy" appearance, fixing an inaccurately drawn roof plan and a north arrow that had been drawn upside down, centering upper-floor windows over those below, and limiting the exposure of new clapboard siding to blend better with the home's existing shingles.

A separate sunroom application at 195 Sherman Avenue from Elizabeth Sackheim was withdrawn after the commission found the submitted drawings inadequate to assess how the new structure would connect to the existing house.

The commission unanimously approved three smaller applications: rear modifications at 12 Hamilton Road for Gwen and Stuart Gold (with member Kopec recused), a mud room addition at 456 Ridgewood Avenue for Trish and Brian Flood, and Borough-proposed ADA-compliant sidewalk and road improvements at 825 Ridgewood Avenue.

In new business, Deputy Administrator Michael Zichelli presented a proposed fee schedule for HPC-reviewed permit applications, which will still need Borough Council review and approval. During public comment, architect George Azrak suggested the commission decline to hear applications that aren't yet fully formed.

What to watch

• Trinity Solar and Larry Miller may return with a revised panel layout and an on-site mock-up for the commission to evaluate.
• Elizabeth Sackheim is expected to resubmit her 195 Sherman Avenue application with more complete drawings.
• The proposed HPC application fee schedule awaits review and approval by the Borough Council.