N. Caldwell Approves Two Residential Alterations

In a meeting that nearly didn't happen Wednesday night, the North Caldwell Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two private residential projects.

After a 15-minute delay due to a mechanical issue with the recording device, Board Attorney Lisa Thompson announced the meeting would be postponed.

But just as residents began to urge the board to reschedule the meeting as soon as the device was repaired instead of waiting until the next regular session in August, Mayor Mel Levine arrived and fixed the device.

As a result, the meeting proceeded and the board first approved a residential project at 8 Hillside Ave. Kenneth Anderson, who has lived with his wife at the residence for 13 years, requested to move the stairs from the side of the residence to the front as several of his neighbors have already done.

"We want it to be symmetrical, we want to open the front of the porch and we want it to be an open porch instead of a screened porch," Anderson said. "This will get rid of the vinyl wall and give us more room on the porch."

The current setback is only 23 feet, 7 feet less than the zoning regulations require, because the house was built in 1937.

The Andersons received a letter of denial from former building inspector Ronald Young because their proposal did not comply with the mandated 30-foot setback from the property line.

The board, however, voted 8-to-1 in favor of the variance, with Peter Schwartz the only member opposed.

"I believe it would enhance the value of the house, and put it in alignment with the other homes on the street," Board Member John Lisa said.

The board also approved the request to extend an existing deck at 9 Acorn Place. Homeowner Victor Petriella requested to add about 240 square feet, which will extend beyond the 50-foot required side setback from his property line.

When asked if he started the project before gaining approval, Petriella said he did not.

"I had begun replacing the planking on the original deck, which was bult 25 years ago," he explained. "Having started that, I decided it would be better to extend it."

The board heard comments from two of his neighbors. Both said they are in favor of the deck addition and that they have polled each of the other neighbors, all of whom think the deck will enhance the property.

"I think it would be a great addition to the house, and it would upgrade the neighborhood," said Anthony Curreri, of 5 Acorn Place.

The board agreed, voting unanimously in favor of the bulk variance.