The board devoted attention to the architectural design of the proposed house, particularly its front porch and bay window. The design, which some attendees described as modernist and progressive, sparked debate over its alignment with the neighborhood’s historical character. Concerns were raised about the front porch extending the entire length of the house—a feature considered uncommon for the area. The board members suggested modifications, such as adding a wrap-around porch and elevating the building, to better integrate the home into the community fabric. These changes were aimed at creating a vertical separation between the sidewalk and the home’s interior.

Additionally, the board discussed the second-floor balcony, which raised questions about the building’s integrity and visual appeal. The suggestion was made to eliminate the balcony in favor of more square footage on the second floor, with one participant noting that the building “should read more like a cottage,” reflecting the prevalent style of smaller, intimate homes in the area. The strategic positioning of the proposed house was viewed as beneficial for maintaining privacy for neighboring properties, yet the board emphasized the need for further revisions to ensure the design resonated with Asbury Park’s historical essence.

Another topic was the parking design, specifically the front yard parking waiver requested due to the property’s undersized lot. The proposed development included a six-foot swinging gate within the parking area, which board members noted could limit available parking space. The gate was intended to block the visibility of parked vehicles from the street, but concerns arose about its practicality and potential to encourage additional street parking. The applicant was open to further discussion, including the possibility of removing the gate to alleviate these concerns. The board considered extending the driveway further back to provide more space behind the dwelling, which could negate the need for a parking variance.

Engineering considerations were also a focal point, with the applicant’s engineer detailing measures to address stormwater runoff and ensure compliance with community standards. The proposed project promised not to increase stormwater runoff to adjacent properties, with all stormwater directed toward the alley and Comstock Street. The board reviewed various site plans, focusing on setbacks and the arrangement of proposed improvements.