Historic commission approves two projects; subcommittee rejects rear deck plan at 30 Willow Street

The commission unanimously approved two applications without significant objection: a replacement window and a new window in a previously bricked-up opening at 4 Tuxedo Road, matching an existing window in size and materials, and a first-floor bedroom-and-bathroom addition at 79 Oxford Street meant to let the owners age in place, with discussion focused on window height and a skylight design.

Separately, the commission's subcommittee reported it had not approved a rear deck addition proposed for 30 Willow Street and encouraged the applicant to bring a complete application to the March meeting; a window revision at 84 Hawthorne Street was approved at the subcommittee level. The Building Department has taken enforcement action and served notifications at two properties, 50 Hamilton Road and 334 Ridgewood Road.

The commission formed a subcommittee -- Vice Chair Yewaisis, Commissioner Colello, and Chair Darby -- to pursue Certified Local Government grant applications, one for photographing every historic property from the public street and one for a roof-material study. Meetings are now held virtually via Zoom, starting at 7:30 p.m.

What to watch

• The commission plans to have a booth at the Glen Ridge Arts & Eco Fair on May 17, 2025.
• Chair Darby said he would personally contact the mayor's office about the borough's ordinance-change process, stalled since October 2022.