The potential historic designation of Applegate Farm, located on Grove Street, was met with vocal opposition from its owner, Jason Street. Street articulated his concerns during the public comment segment, emphasizing the potential financial burden such a designation could impose on his long-standing business. He highlighted the contributions of Applegate Farm to the Montclair community, including support for local schools and events, and argued that the historical designation would create unwarranted restrictions. Street’s frustration extended to the lack of formal communication about the designation process and the implications of ongoing surveys of his and neighboring properties. The commission clarified that the discussions around Certified Local Government (CLG) grants do not equate to local designations but instead are part of a broader effort to document Montclair’s historic sites.

Furthermore, the commission reviewed its achievements with CLG grants, which have funded various historic surveys and preservation initiatives since 2015. A recent grant of $48,000 was announced for the preservation plan of the former municipal building on Bloomfield Avenue, aimed at addressing its infrastructure and future use. Margaret Hickey from Connley and Hickey presented findings from a survey of the Upper Montclair Commuter District, detailing the area’s historical significance and development patterns. This survey included 226 properties, categorizing them based on their historical integrity, with a focus on those contributing to the area’s character.

The commission also tackled discussions on property applications, notably the proposal to convert a garage into a home office on College Avenue. The project, presented by architect Eric Schultz, involved replacing the garage door with a window to create a functional study space. This proposal necessitated a variance for front yard parking, as the removal of the garage would require parking between the dwelling and the street. The commission evaluated whether the conversion would maintain the property’s historical integrity, considering alternatives like retaining the garage door as a decorative element to preserve the post-World War II architectural character.

A separate application for constructing a new garage on Wildwood Avenue was debated, with discussions focusing on the design’s compatibility with the historic district’s architectural style. The proposal involved rebuilding the garage to accommodate modern vehicles, requiring a variance due to its proximity to property lines. The commission stressed the importance of aligning new construction with the historic area, recommending modifications to window designs to reflect the original structure.

Facade restoration projects were also a key topic, with the commission examining a proposal for 510-516 Bloomfield Avenue. The project aimed to unify the building’s appearance by updating the facade with a tile pattern and addressing the storefront’s design elements. Concerns were raised about the choice of materials and their alignment with the building’s historic context. The commission advised on maintaining a balance between modernization and historical preservation.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the proposed renovation of a building at the corner of Valley Road and Lorraine Avenue. The project aimed to revitalize the facade by removing stucco and reinstating previously blocked openings, introducing large storefront windows and minimalist lighting. The commission discussed the implications of modernizing the facade while adhering to historical preservation standards, ultimately approving the application with conditions to ensure visual harmony and compliance with historical guidelines.