Planning Board Approves Parking Structure for 946 Bloomfield Avenue Cardiology Practice, Formalizes Kalemkerian Slate Roof Denial

The Planning Board formally denied the Kalemkerians' 476 Ridgewood Avenue slate-roof appeal by resolution on July 13, 2016 (Borgers, Mehrotra and Councilwoman Morrow abstaining). Secretary Zichelli also reported that the Mayor and Council had referred the proposed subdivision ordinance back to the board for further study of its impact on nonconforming lots, and that the Mountainside Hospital redevelopment plan had been presented to the Mayor and Council, who are coordinating with Montclair on a consistent ordinance.

The board's major item was a preliminary and final site plan application from The Domus Augusta Family Limited for 946 Bloomfield Avenue, home to a cardiology practice with eight doctors and about fifty employees that sees an average of 200 patients per day, according to testimony from Dr. DiGregorio. The applicant, represented by attorney Robert Gaccione, sought to build a rear parking structure adding 39 spaces (bringing the site from 75 to 114 total spaces) along with several variances and waivers, described in detail by engineer/planner Daniel Koffman, architect Eric Pollco, and parking consultant Timothy Tracy of Desmond Management. During public comment, neighbors Marchione-Maria Nova and Daphnis Nova of 955 Bloomfield Avenue raised concerns about traffic, speeding and public safety on Bloomfield Avenue and construction phasing; Paul Dalton of Selom Management Company, which manages the adjacent apartment building, said he hadn't had time to review the application files despite receiving notice; and attorney Michael Ryden, representing the neighboring property to the east, thanked the applicant for accommodating his clients' concerns. The board unanimously approved the application subject to ten conditions, including a staging plan, maintaining at least 22 on-site parking spaces during construction, and compliance with Essex County Planning Board and other outside approvals.