Two Split Votes Mark Ridgewood Avenue Window and Trim Changes

At its February 3, 2021 meeting, the Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission approved two changes to a home at 60 Ridgewood Avenue for owners Tambi and Lexa Younes, but neither vote was unanimous. A plan to install two new double-hung windows on the side of the house passed 6-1, with Vice Chair Sarah Githens casting the only no vote. A separate request to remove decorative bargeboard trim on the front of the house and replace it with a simpler design passed 5-2, with both Githens and Vande Stouwe voting no; Githens had voiced concern earlier in the discussion about removing the existing trim.

The commission also continued to track an ongoing compliance problem at 162 Ridgewood Avenue, where a contractor previously built an addition that did not match the drawings the commission had approved. The consultant is still waiting on subcommittee members to weigh in on the architect's proposed fix.

Three other applications were approved unanimously: a garage roof overhang with standing-seam metal roofing at 8 Oakwood Avenue for Dori Amarito and John Rieman; a rear and side expansion including a new deck at 271 Forest Avenue for David and Lisa Cohn; and front and rear dormers at 333 Maolis Avenue for Justine and Simone Modigliani.

In other business, the commission formally adopted its 2021 by-laws without changes after the Borough confirmed no language updates were needed, and continued work on a request for proposals for a townwide historic design guidelines document, which drew significant interest from consultants.