Historic Commission Re-Elects Herrigel as Chair, Approves Four Projects Unanimously

The Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission opened 2021 at its January 6 meeting by re-electing Robert Herrigel as Chair and Sarah Githens as Vice Chair, and reappointing Margaret Hickey as Secretary. The commission also unanimously adopted its 2021 meeting schedule, while tabling formal adoption of its by-laws pending guidance from the Borough on how to word provisions allowing video-conference meetings during snowstorms or other emergencies.

All four renovation applications heard that night were approved unanimously. Neil and his wife's addition of a second story over an existing den at 79 Oxford Street was approved as submitted. A new two-car garage at 17 Clark Street for Melike Ayan and Melquiades Luizaga was approved on the condition that the owners use stucco, wood, or composite siding rather than aluminum. A two-story rear addition, new dormers, and a larger garage at 84 Highland Avenue for Tina Fisher and Greg McDonald was approved with a requirement that the architect correct inconsistent dormer drawings before permitting. And a window replacement at 70 Sherman Avenue for Hugh Mahoney was approved with commissioner Dan McMahon recusing himself.

In other business, the state Historic Preservation Office resolved a contract issue clearing the way for the commission to send out its request for proposals for townwide design guidelines, and the commission's consultant said she is still working to schedule a meeting with the Board of Education superintendent about lighting at the high school.

What to watch

• The commission is awaiting guidance from the Borough on updated by-laws language for holding video-conference meetings during emergencies.
• The HPC consultant is working to schedule a meeting with the Board of Education superintendent about high school lighting.