Historic Panel Splits on 79 Ridgewood Avenue Addition as Members Debate Tree-Cutting Ordinance Gap

The commission approved an expanded kitchen, deck, and mudroom addition at 79 Ridgewood Avenue for Pam and Alex Bernstein, including a recessed pool and space for two electric vehicles under the deck, but the vote was not unanimous -- Ginny Moriarty voted No, citing concerns about the addition's impact on the neighboring property, while every other member present voted Yes.

In new business, neighbors Lori Loebelsohn and David Goldstein of 37 Forest Avenue asked the commission to weigh in on the removal of healthy trees from a neighboring rear yard, pointing out that Glen Ridge has no ordinance preventing the clear-cutting of healthy trees within the historic district. Commissioners agreed there's a gap in the permitting process but said they lack the expertise to judge tree health, and debated whether it should be the commission itself or individual members who could press the Borough for a new ordinance; some suggested expanding the Borough's Shade Tree Committee, which currently oversees only borough-owned trees, to cover this instead.

The commission also heard a continuing-education presentation on solar roof technology from Tesla representatives and design consultant Steven Smolyn. Separately, a solar-tile application for 7 Ferncliff Terrace covering the roof's street-facing side prompted a straw poll in which all members present said the technology deserved consideration; the applicant was asked to bring installed-tile samples and return the following month.

The meeting closed a chapter for the commission: Chair Herrigel thanked outgoing member Sarah Githens, who has served since 2004, for her long tenure, including filling in as secretary when needed. Dan McMahon declined a nomination to serve as Vice Chair, and Herrigel said he would nominate someone next month. (Minutes from the June 2 meeting were adopted earlier in the meeting with Darby and McMahon abstaining.) Other applications were approved unanimously: a rear garage addition at 28 High Street, a return from June; a new walk and entry piers at 151 Ridgewood Avenue; a synthetic tile roof replacement at 311 Ridgewood Avenue; and a kitchen and second-floor addition at 20 Argyle Street.

What to watch

• 7 Ferncliff Terrace's Tesla solar-tile application is expected to return in August after commissioners view installed samples.
• A new Vice Chair nomination is expected at the next meeting after McMahon declined.