Planning Board Unanimously Denies Kalemkerian Bid to Replace Slate Roof at 476 Ridgewood Avenue, Formalizes Split Pensak Ruling

The Planning Board on May 18, 2016 formally memorialized its split decision on Michael Pensak's 134 Ridgewood Avenue appeal -- granting vinyl Andersen 400 Series windows but denying his request to substitute steel garage doors for wood (Ms. Murphy abstaining on adoption of the resolution).

John Kalemkerian and Barbara Parker-Kalemkerian of 476 Ridgewood Avenue then appealed a Historic Preservation Commission denial of their request to replace their home's slate roof with GAF Camelot shingles, presenting a sample and testifying the roof was unsafe and leaking into finished space below. Commission Chair Peter Herrigel and member Dan Kopec -- a licensed architect who has a slate roof on his own home -- testified the roof was a contributing feature to the historic streetscape and that the Commission has been consistently voting to preserve slate roofs across the borough even as many approach the end of their useful life. The board unanimously denied the appeal, upholding the Commission's decision. During public comment, the Kalemkerians said Historic Preservation Commission rulings on slate-roof applications have been inconsistent.