Planning Board Splits on Amended Baldwin Street Plan, Reverses Course to Approve Pensak Porch Railings in Divided Vote

Planner Jeffrey Janota presented an amended Baldwin Street Redevelopment Plan reflecting negotiations between the Mayor and Council and the redeveloper over bulk requirements, unit counts, and square footage standards; the Board recommended the amended plan to the Mayor and Council, with Mr. Dawson casting the lone dissenting vote. Janota also presented the draft Housing Element & Fair Share Plan addressing the borough's third-round affordable housing obligations and vacant-land analysis, with a public hearing on that plan set for the Board's next meeting.

At a rehearing of their appeal, homeowners Michael Pensak and Julia Dolfin of 134 Ridgewood Avenue again sought approval to keep porch railings installed during construction that did not match plans approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. HPC Chair Peter Herrigel reiterated the Commission's reasoning for its denial. The Board approved the railings on condition that they and the balusters be painted white — but the vote was split, with Chair Mason, Vice Chair Mehrotra, and Ms. Fields voting against the approval.

No public comment was recorded.