Commission approves fourth story, 110 units for Baldwin Street apartment complex amid Borough litigation

The commission approved a significantly larger version of the "Clarus Project" apartment complex on Baldwin Street, increasing it from a previously approved three-story, 98-unit design to four stories and 110 units. Developer Joseph Forgione of JMF Properties said the new building would reach 51 feet, compared with 42 feet at the tallest neighboring building, though grade changes make some adjacent buildings appear taller. Several commissioners, including Vice Chair Githens, noted the surrounding neighborhood is typically three stories and that the new massing doesn't match that context, and members had numerous unanswered questions about specific materials, cornice detailing, and landscaping. Despite those concerns, the commission voted unanimously (member Darby was absent) to approve the increased height and general massing specifically in connection with a pending legal settlement between the Borough and the developer, with finishes and other details to be worked out at a future meeting. During public comment, resident Mark Wright urged the commission to use the neighborhood's predominant street cornice line, not raw height, as its reference point, and asked that the developer present elevations stitched together at building corners rather than as separate, potentially misleading drawings.

A separate application to replace a deteriorated clay tile roof with a synthetic substitute at 42 Woodland Avenue, from contractor Mike DeRosa on behalf of owner Patrick Dwyer, passed 4-2. Members Githens and Vande Stouwe voted no, citing concern that the synthetic material's available style ("Mission") doesn't match the existing roof's "S" style, even though the commission clarified that cost -- a factor favoring the synthetic option -- is not something it's allowed to weigh.

A rear two-story addition proposed for 7 Highland Avenue by Gracious Properties, LLC was withdrawn after the commission raised concerns that it would double the footprint of the existing house and would be highly visible from both Bloomfield and Belleville Avenues.

Six other applications were approved unanimously, including a chimney removal and mud room at 20 Hillcrest Road, window and siding repairs at 7 Roswell Terrace, window changes at 19 Herman Street and 78 Essex Avenue, a new garage at 30 Hillside Avenue, and a rear addition at 279 Bay Avenue (with Chair Herrigel recused).

What to watch

• The Clarus Project's material finishes and detailing are to be reviewed and approved at a future HPC meeting.
• Gracious Properties may return with a smaller-footprint redesign for 7 Highland Avenue.