Board of Adjustment Approves Pool Equipment in Front Yard at 497 Ridgewood Avenue Over Neighbors' Objections

Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment held a single-item March 13, 2025 hearing on William Rose's application to place pool heater and filtration equipment in the front yard of his home at 497 Ridgewood Avenue, alongside an existing AC condenser unit. Rose, sworn in to testify, proposed screening the equipment with mature bushes and told the board the location — near Glenridge Parkway — was the best option given how the property is configured; his wife, Ashley Rose, described the history of the AC units' placement. The board asked about noise, alternative locations closer to the house, and whether an enclosure might work, but found the enclosure options weren't aesthetically pleasing.

Neighbors Art and Pamela Dawson, of 503 Ridgewood Avenue, testified in opposition. Mr. Dawson argued the equipment's front-yard placement was a negative for the area and would set a precedent for others to do the same; Mrs. Dawson suggested plantings along Glenridge Parkway instead and asked that the equipment be placed within the required setback. The board unanimously approved the application, conditioned on the equipment being screened with greenery on all sides — maintained permanently — and located as close to the house as feasible.