Planning Board Overturns Historic Preservation Denial, Orders Demolition of Fire-Damaged Shed at 92 Glen Ridge Avenue

Anthony and Eleanor Proto of 92 Glen Ridge Avenue appealed to the Planning Board on April 15, 2015 after the Historic Preservation Commission denied their request to demolish a freestanding two-story accessory shed that was extensively damaged in a 2007 fire. The Protos testified they could not find a contractor willing to repair the structure and that their insurance would not cover outbuilding damage. Peter Herrigel of the Historic Preservation Commission told the board the Commission felt the shed was unique and worth preserving, explaining the Commission's review process.

The board unanimously granted the appeal, finding that demolishing the "unsightly, fire-damaged structure" would be more visually compatible with the streetscape than requiring its preservation, and ordered the shed demolished within six months with replacement landscaping to follow.

In other business, the board continued its review of the R-1 subdivision ordinance, recommending the zone be split into three lot-width tiers (85, 100 and 125 feet), with a fallback recommendation of just two tiers (85 and 100 feet) if the Council preferred a simpler approach. Engineer Rohal reported a joint public hearing with Montclair on the School of Nursing redevelopment study would be held May 18, 2015. No public comment was offered on either item.