Planning Board Formalizes 364 Ridgewood Avenue Subdivision, Unanimously Denies Variance-Dependent Split of 518-520 Ridgewood Avenue

The Board adopted a memorializing resolution formalizing its approval of the Clemente family's subdivision of 364 Ridgewood Avenue, finding the plan fully conforming and requiring no variance for the carriage house's pre-existing setback shortfall.

Chair Mason stepped down and Hegarty served as Acting Chair for a new application from the Estate of Carol S. Garben to subdivide 518-520 Ridgewood Avenue into two lots matching its configuration before a 1954 zoning-driven merger. Attorney Calvin Trevenen said he had written to the owner of the adjoining property at 524 Ridgewood Avenue asking to purchase enough land to make the new lots conforming, but received no response. Planner Peter Steck testified the resulting lots — each falling short of the 85-foot minimum width — would still be consistent with the neighborhood and buildable without further variances, subject to Historic Preservation Commission review. Board members raised concerns that the property had functioned as a single lot for decades and that the proposed lots would not match properties directly across the street. On a motion by Mr. Morrow, seconded by Mr. Turiano, the Board unanimously denied the application.

During public comment, Mr. Price of 519 Ridgewood Avenue said he had no objection to the earlier Clemente subdivision.