Historic Commission Approves Hamilton Road Entrance Redesign, Essex Avenue Stoop Rebuild

The Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission approved three renovation applications at its September 2, 2020 meeting, all without dissent. At 43 Hamilton Road, owners Deepak Chandran and Priya Venkateswaren won approval to reorient their front entrance to the street side, adding a swooped extension with an arched entry and a new brick stoop to match the home's chimney. At 120 Essex Avenue, owner David Ryzman was approved to replace a wood front stoop with a stone base and bluestone treads matching the home's foundation, on the condition the stairs be re-centered on the front door and drawings clarify how the stonework meets the existing enclosed porch. And at 268 Forest Avenue, a continuation of a raised patio and pergola project for Richard Law was approved with additional drawing details required on the railing and the pergola's height relative to the house; Chair Robert Herrigel, who arrived partway through the discussion after missing the start of the meeting, abstained from that vote.

In other business, the commission reported that a grant kickoff meeting for its townwide historic design guidelines project had been held, with a request for proposals still being prepared, and noted continued difficulty finding an architect to serve on the commission.