Glen Ridge preservation panel rejects concrete pavers for historic Forest Avenue sidewalk
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The Historic Preservation Commission's July 1 meeting opened with owner Chris Haskell appealing a subcommittee's denial of precast concrete "Cambridge" pavers to replace a deteriorating sandstone sidewalk at 245 Forest Avenue. Commissioners explained that while concrete itself is an acceptable material, the specific precast pavers and their modern orthogonal pattern don't fit the historic district's 1870-1959 period of significance; brick, bluestone, Belgian block, or cast-in-place concrete would be acceptable instead. Haskell voiced frustration over the higher cost of historically appropriate materials, but the commission held its ground, and he ultimately withdrew the application, agreeing to resubmit using bluestone or brick.
Commissioners unanimously approved a front-porch restoration at 92 Glen Ridge Avenue for owner Maryanne Proto, contingent on confirming whether a code-required railing is needed on one side of the entrance and confirming the stair treads are mahogany. Separately, the commission approved its June 2026 meeting minutes on a 5-0 vote with two members, Dina Deshan and Josh Barkan, abstaining.
In other business, the commission's consultant reported several projects approved administratively or by subcommittee without a full hearing: solar panels at 15 Clark Street, front pavers at 311 Ridgewood Avenue, a garage roof replacement at 25 Willow Street, and a pool and patio at 79 Forest Avenue. Enforcement staff reported progress on corrective work at 201 Hillside Avenue, with violation cases at 212 Hillside Avenue and 332 Ridgewood Road still pending follow-up. A resident asked about an application at 54 Midland Avenue, which the commission's consultant said is awaiting additional historical and existing-condition photographs before it can be forwarded to subcommittee.
What to watch
- 245 Forest Avenue owner expected to resubmit the sidewalk plan using bluestone or brick.
- Status of long-pending violation cases at 212 Hillside Avenue and 332 Ridgewood Road.
- 54 Midland Avenue application awaiting additional documentation before subcommittee review.