The meeting’s primary focus was on George Wang’s application for a bulk variance on A Maria Court. Wang, an architect, presented his plans to address issues with poor ventilation and lighting in the attic of his residence. He explained that the existing conditions, primarily skylights, did not provide adequate air circulation, particularly during summer. The board discussed the classification of the basement as a floor area, as it was partly below ground, which Wang argued should not affect the usability of the upper floors.

The renovation plans include increasing the home’s footprint by 673 square feet, resulting in a total of 1,444 square feet. The proposed design aims to elevate the center of the roof to accommodate additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Despite the changes, Wang assured the board that the renovations would align the property more closely with neighboring homes. He emphasized that the alterations would not change the existing window configuration on the first floor or basement, where the latter is used solely for storage due to air quality issues.

The board examined the implications of the proposed changes, particularly concerning zoning regulations and neighborhood conformity. The proposed second floor plan includes three bedrooms, one of which is a master suite, and a Jack and Jill bathroom connecting two additional bedrooms. The design aims to maintain architectural continuity with the existing home, featuring a neutral color scheme to match current materials.

Further, the board addressed the necessity of several variances due to the proposed increase in building height and front yard setbacks. The existing structure was initially built closer to the front yard lot line than current regulations allow. The planner clarified that the floor area ratio in Long Hill is expressed in square footage rather than percentage. The board also discussed the challenges posed by the lot’s sloping topography, which affects the perception of the building’s height and floor area ratio. The applicant was informed that the current home exceeds maximum floor area limits because the basement is partially above ground, but if classified differently, it would comply with zoning requirements.

The board commended the applicant for rehabilitating a fire-damaged home, which they viewed as a community benefit. A board member emphasized the application’s positive impact, stating that the design would contribute to making the street look more uniform and pleasing.

The discussion also touched on drainage recommendations from the board engineer. The applicant agreed to comply with these recommendations.

As the meeting concluded, the board unanimously approved Wang’s application, with gratitude expressed between the board and the applicant for the timely approval. This decision allows the applicant to proceed with the necessary renovations before the winter season. Following this decision, the board briefly addressed administrative matters, including finalizing bylaws and confirming meeting dates for 2025.

In other business, the board considered a range of applications, including granting resolutions for various properties. An application for Jessica and Harold Alan on Mitchell Road was deferred to December due to publication notice issues. The board also approved resolutions for properties on Valley Road and Old Farmhouse Road, with discussions focusing on verifying permits and correcting resolution errors.