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Planning board approves VFW/Armory revisions at 637–701 Lake Avenue after unit-layout and window changes
Summary
The Asbury Park Planning Board voted April 21 to approve changes to a previously permitted VFW/Armory renovation at 637–701 Lake Avenue, allowing internal unit reconfigurations and multiple window changes so long as revised exhibits and trim details are filed.
Asbury Park, April 21 — The Asbury Park Planning Board voted April 21 to approve amendments to the previously approved VFW/Armory renovation at 637–701 Lake Avenue that reshape interior apartment layouts and alter several exterior windows, with conditions that the applicant submit revised drawings showing trim and window details.
The changes, presented by Paul Andrew Milstein, vice president of development for the applicant, and architect Daniel Condatre of Motor Architects, do not change the approved unit count but reconfigure internal layouts, swap elevator and stair locations in one zone and replace several large paired windows on alley elevations with single double‑hung windows. Donna Miller, the board planner, and Sam Womachi, the board engineer, participated in technical questioning.
Why it matters: The project had already received board approval; the developer said construction framing revealed tighter field conditions than shown on plans, driving layout and window changes. The board accepted the concept of improving interior unit flow and accessibility while requiring corrected and clarified exhibits so inspectors and planners can verify final work.
Paul Andrew Milstein, the applicant representative, told the board the team had tried administrative routes with planning staff but ultimately returned to the board. “We bought the windows, they're at the building,” Milstein said, acknowledging some windows were already on site and installed before this hearing. He repeatedly emphasized the developer’s willingness to change details if the board required it.
Architect Daniel Condatre explained the principal technical changes. He testified that unit counts remain the same and that some stacked units were reconfigured from multi‑story units to single‑level units to improve circulation and ADA access via the ramp on Bond Street. Condatre said the elevator and stair locations were swapped in one area to gain livable space and that several windows facing alleyways were reduced from paired openings to a single opening to avoid “over‑glazing” and to create more usable wall space inside bedrooms.
Board members asked for specifics and for the revisions to be clearly noted in the record. Chairwoman Barbara Kurzak said she would “appreciate that any changes … are noted as opposed to us having to look through this and saying, oh, you didn't mention this,” and asked for corrected exhibits showing the intended trim between windows where two units abut.
Several procedural clarifications were recorded on the public record: exterior ramps and the project footprint were not changed; the alterations affect only internal layouts and window fenestration on three facades. Condatre told the board the alley‑facing units had been adjusted to provide more natural light where practical while maintaining a degree of visual privacy from the alley.
The board opened public comment; no substantive objections to the modified layouts were recorded. After discussion the board member John Mark moved to approve the application as presented with the modifications and a requirement that the applicant submit revised exhibits showing trim and other clarifying details; the motion was seconded by Chairwoman Barbara Kurzak. Voting members recorded on the transcript voted in favor; the application passed.
What happens next: The applicant must file revised plans and exhibits that show the trim between windows and the corrected elevations so planning staff and inspectors can verify the work during construction. The board and applicant noted the applicant had said it would revert changes if the board required it.
Quoted speakers (selected): Paul Andrew Milstein, vice president of development for the applicant; Daniel Condatre, architect; Chairwoman Barbara Kurzak, Asbury Park Planning Board.
Votes at a glance Motion: Approve application amendments for 637–701 Lake Avenue with conditions that applicant submit revised exhibits showing trim and window treatments. Mover: John Mark. Second: Chairwoman Barbara Kurzak. Vote: Recorded as a majority yes; motion carried.
