The most prominent topic was the proposal by Eataly Short Hills LLC to install an exterior wall sign exceeding local ordinance height limits. Situated between Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, the new Eataly space is undergoing renovations in a 17,000-square-foot area previously occupied by Marcato. The board considered a variance request for a sign measuring approximately 6.77 feet in height, well above the two-foot maximum stipulated by local regulations. Additionally, the sign’s proposed placement above the entrance required further approval.

An engineer and planner presented the case, underscoring the necessity of the signage for wayfinding and customer safety, especially during off-peak hours. The board was reminded of similar past approvals for the Cheesecake Factory, which had received a comparable variance in 2011. The proposed signage, featuring white pin-mounted letters on an aluminum frame, was designed to blend with the mall’s architecture, occupying only 31% of the signable facade area. Despite some concerns about visibility from the JFK Parkway due to landscaping, the distance from the road was argued to necessitate the larger sign for effective customer guidance.

The board members debated whether the halo lighting behind the sign should remain on throughout the night. While some advocated for energy efficiency, others noted that the lighting posed no significant drawbacks. Ultimately, the board found the proposal aligned with existing mall signage and approved the variance, recognizing the sign’s importance for visibility and safety.

The meeting also addressed several residential expansion applications, including a notable proposal for a property on Meadow Brook Road. The homeowner sought to modify the existing structure to create additional storage and office space by increasing the roof pitch. An architect testified that the current shallow hip roof was atypical for the neighborhood and that the planned gable roof would harmonize with neighboring homes. The proposal required three variances related to side yard setbacks due to the existing non-conforming structure. The architect assured the board that the modifications would not impact light or airspace for adjacent properties and received public support. The board unanimously approved the application, citing its enhancement of the neighborhood’s aesthetic.

Another residential case involved a property on Cyprus Street, where the homeowner proposed extending the existing den and replacing a front canopy. The project, already approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, required a variance due to a slight increase in lot coverage on an undersized lot. The board’s discussion highlighted the design’s alignment with the house’s character, ultimately approving the application for its aesthetic improvements and minimal impact on existing conditions.

The board also examined a proposed expansion for a residence on South Mountain Road, involving vertical intensification of an existing second-floor addition. The architect presented plans to enclose a roof deck, creating livable space without altering the first-floor layout or streetscape impact. Despite existing non-conformities, the board supported the renovation, emphasizing the home’s charm and the owner’s need to accommodate a growing family.

Finally, the meeting touched upon a challenging proposal for another property with variances requested due to its larger-than-required lot size. Concerns arose over the building coverage and yard occupancy, leading to a discussion about neighborhood conformity and the visual impact of the proposed two-story addition. The board requested further analysis of neighborhood structures to assess common non-conformities, agreeing to revisit the application at the next meeting on November 18th.