Development News for East Orange, New Jersey

Newark Board Approves Chadwick Avenue Merger and Subdivision for Driveway Access

The board considered an application for a merger and subdivision at 372-376 Chadwick Avenue (CPB 25-99). The proposal involves realigning lot lines between two existing lots to create a new lot with an 11-foot driveway, allowing both properties to have dedicated driveways. The existing house has started construction as a two-family dwelling, and the client wants to provide driveway access for tenants. Commissioners had no questions, and there were no public questions. The application was moved for approval by Commissioner Pertie and seconded by Chair Witcher, and subsequently approved.

Newark Board Carries Subdivision Application for Emmit Street Due to Minor Variance Concerns

The board considered a subdivision application (CPB 25119) for 11-15 Emmit Street, proposing to divide one lot into three. The application included a C variance request due to a minor deviation in lot area, with each proposed lot being 7.5 square feet short of the 2500 sq ft requirement. The applicant's surveyor, Michael Pronesti, testified that the deviation was only 0.3 feet in depth per lot. The applicant's attorney, Thomas Garlic, stated the intention was to build one to two-family homes, which would be fully conforming. The board expressed concerns about the potential for future, larger developments requiring additional variances, as the zoning board often sees repeated issues with non-conforming applications. After a motion to not accept the application was made and seconded, the board decided to carry the application to August 10th to allow for planner testimony, preserving notice. This indicates the board needs more information or has reservations about the minor variance for lot area.

Newark Planning Board Reconsiders and Approves South Orange Avenue Development After Public Opposition

The board considered a request for reconsideration of a previously denied application for a property at 66-80 South Orange Avenue, CPB 25-23. The applicant sought to revise the site plan to eliminate variances, making it fully conforming with the Newark zoning ordinance. The board ultimately voted to reconsider the application after hearing testimony and public comment, and then voted to approve the revised application. The board's attorney clarified that while parking and traffic are community concerns, they are not typically within the board's purview when an application is fully conforming according to the municipal ordinance. Several residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about increased density, insufficient parking, traffic congestion, and the potential negative impact on the neighborhood's character and quality of life. They argued that the zoning change facilitating the project was not adequately communicated to the community. The applicant's representatives maintained that the revised plans addressed all professional and board comments and were in compliance with the ordinance, and that the board's prior denial may have been based on a misunderstanding of the law.