Chair Recuses Himself as HPC Approves Country Club Clubhouse Fixes; Two Members Abstain on Railings

Chair Herrigel recused himself entirely from the Historic Preservation Commission's August 3 review of the Glen Ridge Country Club's clubhouse at 555 Ridgewood Avenue, handing the gavel to Vice Chair Githens for the application. The club needed approval for several as-built deviations from its previously approved design, including a gambrel roof that was built taller and narrower than approved. Commissioners split the issue into four separate votes: one addressing the roofline and a finial (approved with the finial ordered removed and the roofline modified), one on kitchen-wing railings, one on shingle coursing, and one on a door and rear roof detail. The railings vote passed only with two abstentions, from commissioners Kopec and Travia, over concerns the proposed material was too thin to read as wood; the other three votes passed unanimously among voting members.

An extensive renovation proposed for 224 Bay Avenue by Normandy Investments LLC -- including replacing the front portico stairs, removing a side entrance, adding a rear addition, and converting a sleeping porch to a closet -- was withdrawn after the commission found the application missing elevation drawings and other required information; it returned with a complete application and was approved the following month.

Two smaller applications passed unanimously: a previously-installed vinyl window change at 40 Chapman Place (Michael and Megan Arias), which the commission required be painted and fitted with new muntins, and a porch enclosure, deck, and window restoration at 235 Forest Avenue (Rebecca and Ben Shpigel). Separately, a subcommittee reviewing 276 Ridgewood Avenue's mudroom addition denied the owner's request to use artificial slate roofing.

What to watch

• Normandy Investments LLC is expected to resubmit a complete application, including the missing elevation drawings, for its 224 Bay Avenue renovation.