Commission denies $200,000 slate roof replacement, splits on Highland Avenue garage-pool house vote

The Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission's September 7, 2022 meeting included a rare split vote and a costly roof denial. At 77 Highland Avenue, the commission approved, on a motion from Joaquin Stearns, an accessory garage and pool house for owner Kim Colahan after the owner made several requested design changes -- but Vice Chair Christine Yewaisis voted no, saying she remained concerned about the new building's overall massing even after the revisions.

Separately, owners Zhaohua Meng and Yan Wang of 8 Summit Road asked to replace their home's 1912 slate roof with asphalt shingles, saying a new slate roof would cost $200,000. Vice Chair Dan McMahon said the commission does not permit replacing slate roofs and that cost is not a factor the commission can weigh; the commission voted unanimously to deny the request, though McMahon noted the owners could appeal to the planning board.

At 183 Forest Avenue, owner Carolyn Badenhausen withdrew a proposed front stoop overhang after Yewaisis and other commissioners said the design overwhelmed the home's distinctive entry surround and did not match its character-defining features. The commission approved several smaller projects as submitted or with minor conditions: a mud room addition at 5 Sherman Avenue; a garage window and door at 281 Forest Avenue; front porch repairs and a rear addition, reviewed in two parts, at 73 Douglas Road; a front porch rehabilitation at 42 Herman Street, from which Nicholas Colello recused himself; and a new pool house and spa at 209 Ridgewood Avenue, from which McMahon recused himself.

In other business, the commission noted that member Mr. Kim had left the board and asked members to suggest a replacement.

What to watch

• Whether the commission finds a replacement for outgoing member Mr. Kim.