Planning Board Splits on Slate-Roof Replacement at 486 Ridgewood Avenue, Sends 404 Ridgewood Addition Back to Historic Commission

The Planning Board formalized its denial of Metropolitan Ventures' 2 Brooklawn Road railing appeal on September 16, 2015 (Borgers, Mehrotra and Rohal abstaining). It then heard two more Historic Preservation Commission appeals. Carl and Kimberly Amici of 486 Ridgewood Avenue sought to replace their home's slate roof with GAF Timberline asphalt shingles, testifying that a slate replacement was cost-prohibitive and repairs were urgently needed; Historic Preservation Commission members Peter Herrigel and Kit Shackner countered that the slate roof was a defining feature. Resident Eric Oishi of 538 Ridgewood Avenue spoke in support of the homeowners, citing cost impacts and property values if slate roofs are mandated borough-wide. On a motion by Ms. Fields, the board approved the shingle replacement, with members Mehrotra and Turiano voting against.

Steven and Magda D'Addone of 404 Ridgewood Avenue appealed a Commission denial of modifications to a previously approved addition after they built it larger than approved during construction. The board found the underlying application incomplete and remanded it back to the Historic Preservation Commission for a full, properly detailed resubmission rather than ruling on the merits.

The board also opened, but did not substantively act on, an amended site plan application from the Glen Ridge Country Club at 555 Ridgewood Avenue. Secretary Zichelli reported proposals for a School of Nursing redevelopment-plan consultant had been received and a subcommittee would meet the following week to recommend one to the Mayor and Council. Deborah Dine of 6 Laurel Place again asked for a cul-de-sac at Laurel Place. The board closed the regular meeting and moved into executive session.