HPC Denies Amici Slate-Roof Swap Over Herrigel and Wright's Objections

In one of its more contentious sessions, the Historic Preservation Commission split on two significant votes. Kimberly and Carl Amici's request to replace their deteriorating slate roof at 486 Ridgewood Avenue with Timberline asphalt shingles was denied despite the homeowners' argument that redoing the whole roof in the previously approved synthetic slate was cost-prohibitive; Chair Frank Herrigel and Commissioner Wright both voted against the denial (effectively favoring approval), while the rest of the commission voted to deny, and the Planning Board appeal process was explained to the applicants. Later in the meeting, a porch-railing and step-tread application at 117 Clark Street from Jonathan and Fatima Hertz was approved subject to a revised, more detailed sketch, but Vice Chair Githens cast the lone dissenting No vote.

The commission also denied, unanimously this time, a request from Steven and Magda D'Addone at 404 Ridgewood Avenue to modify an addition already under construction -- the panel found the application incomplete and inconsistent with what had actually been built, including wider column spacing and an enlarged chimney, and asked for an accurate site plan, streetscape and drawings; Commissioner Kopec had recused himself for that application. Several other matters moved more smoothly: a revised addition and detached garage at 419 Ridgewood Avenue for Robert and Sophia Piano was approved (with Wright recused, having stepped down for that item), as was a revised clubhouse plan for the Glen Ridge Country Club at 555 Ridgewood Avenue, with Herrigel stepping down for that item. A smaller replacement sign for Bottle King at 710 Bloomfield Avenue was approved on condition its steel frame be painted to match the background.

One application was withdrawn: a hardishingle siding replacement at 25 High Street, after the commission asked to see an installed sample panel and reference addresses first. Subcommittee reports noted that Githens, Kopec and Wright had recommended a homeowner at 100 Stonehouse Road stick with asphalt shingles rather than artificial slate, and that hardiplank siding samples submitted for 2 Brooklawn Road weren't the smooth finish requested, requiring resubmission.

What to watch

• 100 Stonehouse Road's homeowner was advised against artificial slate roofing; a resubmission may follow.
• 2 Brooklawn Road's contractor must resubmit smooth-side hardiplank siding samples for subcommittee review.
• 25 High Street may return with an installed sample panel and reference addresses for its proposed hardishingle siding.
• Both the Amici (486 Ridgewood) and D'Addone (404 Ridgewood) denials carry a right of appeal to the Planning Board.