Historic Commission Rejects 28 High Street Garage Design in Rare Unanimous Denial

The commission unanimously voted to reject a two-story garage addition proposed for 28 High Street by Todd and Kimberly Russell, an unusual outcome for the board. After extensive discussion of the design's disconnect from the existing house -- including window heights that didn't align with the main building and a confusing relationship between old and new construction -- commissioners asked the Russells whether they wanted to withdraw and return with revisions or have the board vote on the design as submitted. The Russells chose a vote, and the commission voted unanimously not to approve it.

At 148 Midland Avenue, owner Reem Abdeidoh sought to demolish a garage in poor condition and replace it with a new prefabricated one, but the commission found the new design's details -- vinyl siding, missing dimensions, no connection to the existing house -- unacceptable. The owner withdrew that portion of the request, and only the demolition of the existing garage was approved, unanimously.

On a more positive note, commissioners praised Nicole and Don Clarke's plan at 124 Stonehouse Road to remove aluminum siding and restore the underlying stucco and half-timbering shown in historic photos of the house, alongside a kitchen expansion and covered rear porch; that application was approved unanimously.

In other business, Chair Herrigel reported that owners of a subdivided property at 14 Douglas Road told the Planning Board they would consent to Glen Ridge HPC jurisdiction over review of any new construction there, addressing a request the commission had made. Other unanimous approvals included a new garage at 79 Winsor Place to replace one destroyed by a storm-felled tree, a picture window at 20 Laurel Place, a rear kitchen expansion at 16 Madison Street, and window and stair changes at 24 Edgewood Road.

What to watch

• A Tesla-focused solar panel presentation for the historic district, including research by consultant Steven Smolyn, is scheduled for the commission's July 7 meeting.
• Whether the Russells revise and resubmit their 28 High Street garage design remains to be seen.