Glen Ridge Public Library Wins Concept Approval for Expansion; Douglas Road Wall Application Withdrawn

The Historic Preservation Commission's October 2, 2019 meeting centered on a concept-approval hearing for an expansion of the Glen Ridge Public Library at 240 Ridgewood Avenue. Library Director Jennifer Breuer and architect Dan Kopec presented feasibility drawings for an addition on the building's north side -- replacing the current mechanical enclosure -- that would add a basement, after-hours book pickup lockers accessible through a separate barrier-free entrance, and additional restrooms, partly funded by a pending state grant. Commissioners questioned the design of a rooftop mechanical parapet, which some felt looked too institutional, and asked whether more windows could be added on the building's east side. The commission granted unanimous concept approval for the addition's massing and materials, with Commissioner Darby recused, on the condition that the architect resolve the roofline and window layout and better integrate an existing exterior stairway into the new design.

Separately, owners Ian and Rebecca Peterson withdrew their application for a new retaining wall and stairs at the corner of Douglas Road and Lincoln Street after the commission said it lacked a proper site plan and pressed the owners to consider brick or natural stone instead of the proposed manufactured stone product, which members felt wouldn't suit the historic district.

Five other renovation applications were approved unanimously with routine conditions: a rear deck at 14 Clinton Road; a deck, patio, and covered porch extension at 21 Lincoln Street matching a Stanford White-designed house; a sunroom bathroom conversion at 68 Forest Avenue; a rear sunroom addition at 127 Hillside Avenue; and a rear porch enclosure at 9 Appleton Road. During public comment, architect Dan Kopec raised concerns about newly installed street lighting at the Montclair Office Building site on Baldwin Street, saying the commission never got to review it and that it doesn't fit the surrounding neighborhood.

What to watch

• The commission has a continuing-education session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on November 6, 2019, ahead of its regular meeting that night.