Historic commission flags possible unpermitted addition and questionable curb cuts near Ridgewood Avenue; recommends ordinance changes to Council

The Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission's April 10, 2023 meeting closed with two compliance concerns. Members said an addition appeared to have been built onto the rear of a property at the southeast corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Belleville Avenue without the commission's required review; the commission's consultant, Margaret Hickey, said she would investigate and have the construction code official issue a stop-work order if warranted. Separately, commissioners questioned new curb cuts installed at a property on the corner of Ridgewood and Linden Avenues; Hickey noted the Borough has no limit on impervious coverage but said she would ask how the change was approved.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission voted to recommend a package of ordinance language changes to the Borough Council for adoption, including new rules requiring commission review of exterior siding, window, door, and non-asphalt roofing material changes even when no municipal building permit is otherwise required.

On applications, the commission approved a new rear pavilion at 160 Linden Avenue and a front porch and vestibule repair at 12 Clark Street, both with conditions to be refined by a subcommittee. At 104 Osborne Street, owners Jessica and James Gilbert's two-part application -- a front vestibule addition and a large two-story rear addition -- was approved in both parts; Joaquin Stearns recused himself from both votes. At 58 Hillside Avenue, Chair Geoffrey Darby said a proposed garage renovation would strip the building of its identity as a 19th-century carriage house, and the commission approved it only after the owner and architect agreed to preserve the existing door and window arrangement. A dormer and porch renovation at 172 Bay Avenue was also approved with conditions to reduce the dormer's size and improve railing details.

What to watch

• Whether the Borough Council adopts the ordinance language changes the commission recommended.
• The consultant's investigation into the unreviewed rear addition at Ridgewood and Belleville Avenues, which could result in a stop-work order.
• The consultant's inquiry into how new curb cuts were approved at Ridgewood and Linden Avenues.