Planning Board Recommends 98-Unit Baldwin Street Redevelopment Plan, Denies Sherman Avenue Owners' Bid to Keep Non-Conforming Siding

Borough Attorney John Malyska reviewed the litigation and settlement background behind the Baldwin Street Redevelopment Area, and planner Jeffrey Janota of H2M presented the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the roughly 2.2-acre site bordering Montclair, outlining development for 98 dwelling units. Board members questioned Janota on bicycle-parking and storage-unit requirements and the definition and enforcement of a "wellness building" provision in the draft plan. The Board unanimously recommended the plan to the Mayor and Council, which will decide whether to adopt it by ordinance.

In a separate matter, homeowners Lillian Shi and Victor Lu of 16 Sherman Avenue sought to keep clapboard siding installed during a renovation in place of the "Dutch lap" siding their approved plans required. Historic Preservation Commission Chair Peter Herrigel testified that the clapboard siding differs significantly from the Dutch lap style that defines the home's farmhouse character, and that the Commission had worked with the owners on several other changes already. The Board denied the application to keep the siding as built, with Mr. Dawson abstaining (Ms. Murphy had stepped down from the vote entirely). No public comment was made.