Historic Commission Denies Demolition of 558 Ridgewood Avenue After Contested Hearing

At an extended hearing that carried over from September, the Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny Patrick and Sheryl Southern's application to demolish their house at 558 Ridgewood Avenue and replace it with new construction. The Southerns had submitted a structural engineering report and an environmental assessment citing rot, a leaking sewer pipe, black mold, and rodent excrement, arguing that rehabilitation would cost more than it was worth -- Southern estimated repairs at up to $1.25 million on top of a purchase price that would put total costs near $1.6-$1.8 million. Commissioner Kevin Switzer argued at length that the engineering report used commercial-property standards not suited to a house, provided no cost estimates despite claiming that as its purpose, and never addressed the property's historic significance; he called every condition described in the report repairable. Dan McMahon agreed, saying the case for demolition had not been made. Architect Jonathan Perlstein, representing the Southerns, argued the house wasn't distinctive enough to be missed. Neighbor Brian Sharrock, a builder experienced with historic-home rehabilitation, and Alan Lambiase, a next-door neighbor since 1994 who described decades of visible neglect, both spoke in favor of allowing demolition. After Southern asked for a vote rather than continuing to gather cost information, the commission denied the demolition application, with Vice Chair Lynn Vande Stouwe abstaining and every other member present voting to deny it.

Less contentious business included unanimous approvals, with conditions, of an as-built window-trim fix at 170 Hawthorne Avenue; a rebuilt front porch at 38 Clinton Road for Jason Sun following tree-storm damage, which required switching proposed composite trim and railings to wood (Vande Stouwe recused); a kitchen-renovation window removal at 346 Ridgewood Avenue; and roof and window changes at 264 Ridgewood Avenue.

The commission also noted upcoming membership turnover: member Grisafi has resigned, Chair Herrigel is in talks with architect Joaquin Fernandez as a possible replacement, and member Kevin Switzer is leaving the commission at year's end for professional reasons.

What to watch

• The Southerns could still appeal the demolition denial to the Glen Ridge Planning Board.
• HPC Consultant Margaret Hickey said she would research whether the commission has ever approved demolition of a contributing historic resource, ahead of the next meeting.