The first major application involved property owner Adam Weinstein’s request for a variance to construct a carport and a two-story garage on Prospect Avenue, located in the RO Mountainside Zone district. The project, presented by architect Logan Laale, sought to add a garage and carport due to the absence of these features on the property. The design included a balcony for the main bedroom and dormers for attic renovation, aiming to maintain the historical character of the house and preserve significant trees, especially near the proposed driveway.

Neighbors raised concerns about drainage and water runoff, prompting Laale to outline comprehensive drainage solutions, including trench drains and catchment basins. Despite these measures, it was acknowledged that it is impossible to guarantee that no water would reach neighboring properties during extreme weather events.

Board members questioned the necessity of both a carport and a garage, with the owners clarifying that the carport was essential for convenience, such as unloading groceries and providing protection from the elements. The garage’s placement at the rear of the house, creating a distance from the entrance, further necessitated the carport for functionality. The design also aimed to keep the garage out of view from the street, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the property.

Further inquiries focused on the garage’s dimensions, which exceeded zoning allowances. The proposed garage’s width of 29 feet, against the typical allowable width of 20 feet, was justified by the proximity of existing trees and the need to preserve them while accommodating vehicle turning radii. The board discussed potential modifications, such as moving the carport back and potentially making it smaller if tree preservation required it.

The second application concerned the Grace Point Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s renovation plans for their property on Mission Street. The church, operational in Montclair since the 1930s, sought conditional use approval and variance relief to address the disrepair of the ancillary facility. The existing lot, below the required 10,000 square feet and with impervious coverage exceeding permitted limits, prompted the need for these variances.

Pastor Errol Stoddard emphasized the urgency of the renovations, supported by a county grant contingent on timely completion. The proposed work included painting, roof repairs, and structural strengthening. The application detailed improvements such as ADA compliance, a wheelchair lift, and upgraded driveway surfaces to enhance accessibility.

Concerns about increased traffic from the church’s food pantry operations were discussed, with the church representative clarifying that the pantry operates on a pickup-only system, minimizing on-site congestion. The board deliberated the potential for future expansion of church activities, expressing the need for conditions to prevent significant neighborhood disruption.

Architect Michael Marvin presented the site plan, highlighting necessary structural modifications and compliance with building codes. The proposed renovations included moving the front staircase for better accessibility and installing a new heating and cooling system discreetly placed to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Board members discussed the visual impact of the property improvements, particularly from neighboring properties. A comprehensive review of the application considered the church’s historical presence and community service, ultimately leading to a motion for approval with specified conditions, including maintaining ADA compliance and consolidating the two lots.

The meeting also addressed other applications, such as a kitchen extension on Park Street and a residential modification on Claremont Avenue, each with its unique challenges related to zoning regulations, historical preservation, and community impact.