HPC Approves Country Club Siding Switch as Chair Steps Aside; Nursing School Redevelopment Role Unclear

Chair Herrigel stepped aside for the Historic Preservation Commission's March 2 review of the Glen Ridge Country Club, at 555 Ridgewood Avenue, letting Vice Chair Githens run the application. The club sought to change its planned siding from Nu Cedar shingles to smooth HardiePlank on both the Pro Shop and Clubhouse; after a subcommittee had already approved the change for the Pro Shop and asked for renderings and retained shingle areas on the Clubhouse's second story, the full commission approved the revised design unanimously, along with a non-binding recommendation that window sashes be painted black with white trim and sills.

A window replacement at 5 Mead Terrace (Laura and Eddie Van Bloem) was approved but commissioner Darby voted no. A major addition proposed for 134 Ridgewood Avenue/Washington Street by Michael Pensak -- a new second floor, porch, and expanded garage -- was withdrawn after the commission raised concerns about design details and whether expanding the garage six feet toward Washington Street would require a zoning setback variance; the commission committed to sending the owner a list of its concerns.

The commission also discussed its uncertain role in the borough's Redevelopment Plan for the Nursing School site, with Vice Chair Githens agreeing to collect members' comments to forward to the Borough of Glen Ridge. Separately, the commission referred 15 Snowden Place to the building inspector after learning the owner had modified a porch without commission review. A mudroom conversion at 28 Herman Street (Timothy and Deanna Pagano) was approved unanimously.

What to watch

• The commission's role, if any, in reviewing the Nursing School site Redevelopment Plan has not been determined; Vice Chair Githens is collecting members' comments to send to the Borough.
• Michael Pensak is expected to return with a revised addition design for 134 Ridgewood Avenue/Washington Street after this version was withdrawn.