HPC Splits on Retaining-Wall Coping Materials at 90 Ridgewood, Two Members Dissent

The Historic Preservation Commission's most contentious item concerned a retaining-wall repair at 90 Ridgewood Avenue for Elizabeth and Miguel Nieves, which involved rebuilding a damaged section, widening the driveway entrance, adding gated piers, and addressing a structurally connected pier that technically sits on a neighboring property. The commission first voted unanimously to approve the project generally, conditioned on a certified letter from the neighboring property owner committing to rebuild their connected pier in kind. But a follow-up motion specifying bluestone coping stones for 90 Ridgewood and matching concrete coping on the neighbor's pier passed only 5-2, with commissioners Colello and Yewaisis voting No and commissioner Stearns abstaining. A third motion approving the proposed pier lanterns passed with Yewaisis abstaining this time, while everyone else voted Yes.

Two other applications were approved without objection: a kitchen and mudroom addition matching the existing brick at 32 Clairidge Court for Lisa Zhan-Monigan and James Monigan, and a side-and-rear addition with facade changes at 74 Douglas Road for Carly and Andrew Kaskel, which the commission praised for closely mimicking the Queen Anne style of the existing house while remaining visually subordinate to it.

Subcommittee approvals were reported for 21 Clinton Road (slate roof replacement), 79 Glen Ridge Avenue (third-floor addition) and 188 Midland Avenue (rear addition and porch), while staff-level administrative approval was granted for non-visible roof solar panels at 14 Hamilton Road. Documentation and process questions were discussed for 32 Hathway Place and 18 Hillside Avenue. Consultant Smolyn is following up on properties at 311 Ridgewood, 259 Ridgewood, 150 Washington, 28 Oakwood and 404 Ridgewood, and 332 Ridgewood Avenue -- added to the June agenda -- did not send a representative. The commission also discussed plans for broader public outreach, including contacting Glen Ridge Paper, and said it would look into whether HPC permits and applications carry expiration dates.

What to watch

• 32 Hathway Place's documentation and process questions remain unresolved.
• 18 Hillside Avenue's asphalt shingle replacement is still under discussion.
• 332 Ridgewood Avenue did not attend its June agenda slot and is expected to reappear.
• Consultant follow-ups are pending at 311 Ridgewood, 259 Ridgewood, 150 Washington, 28 Oakwood and 404 Ridgewood.
• HPC is investigating whether permits and applications carry expiration dates.