HPC Approves Garage-to-Suite Conversion at Forest Avenue, Deck and Window Plan at Baldwin Avenue
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The commission approved a previously-denied renovation at 378 Forest Avenue converting a garage into a living space and master suite, voting 8-0 after the applicant reworked the garage door design and massing to address the commission's prior concerns. A garage demolition at 83 High Street to clear a dilapidated rear structure was likewise approved unanimously, 8-0, with a floating deck or shed possible in the future but not part of this review.
A deck and window application at 212 Baldwin Avenue, tied to converting a three-family house into a two-family home, passed 6-0, with Chair Geoffrey Darby abstaining and Commissioner Dina Deshan recusing herself from the vote. Additions at 44 Glen Ridge Parkway and 25 Wildwood Terrace were both approved unanimously, 8-0, with commissioners satisfied that the rear-facing massing and window proportions respected the historic houses' character. A roof redesign for an accessory structure at 63 Hawthorne Street was withdrawn by the applicant's architect after the commission rejected steel-insulated garage doors and raised proportionality concerns about a second-story addition; no vote was held. Approval of September's meeting minutes passed, with Commissioner Joaquin Stearns abstaining.
Under violations, commissioners expressed frustration that approved plans at the corner of Ridgewood and Belleville had gone unimplemented for two years, prompting discussion of daily fines of up to $1,000 per violation to strengthen enforcement.
What to watch
- Possible daily fines of up to $1,000 per violation under discussion for non-compliant properties
- 63 Hawthorne Street roof redesign expected to return for further consideration after withdrawal
- HPC Holiday Party to be scheduled