Clifton Zoning Board approves four applications, continues 90 Rutherford to May 7

The Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 2 approved four applications and deferred one that requires revised plans, voting unanimously on each approval and scheduling a return date for the continued item.

The board approved expansions at 70 Grant Ave., 35 Laurel Ave., 263 Parker Ave. (Cafe Boumamara), and a request by New Hope School to operate at 806 Clifton Ave. The board continued the hearing for 90 Rutherford Blvd. so the applicant can file amended drawings that reduce a requested height variance.

The approvals included variances for rear and side setbacks, lot‑coverage relief and mixed uses in the PD‑1 district. The New Hope School was granted D‑variance relief to formalize its lease to operate a K–8 program out of space it rents from the Clifton Boys & Girls Club; board testimony said New Hope serves 51 students and operates roughly 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on school days.

70 Grant Ave. (applicant Faustie Mustafa) — The board approved an application to expand the first and second floors, granting relief for a rear yard setback (33.7 feet proposed where 35 is required), a reduced side yard (4.9 feet where 6 is required), combined side yards, and lot coverage (28.8% where 27% is permitted). Counsel told the board the applicant will submit revised plans to show a paved area that fits two cars and thus avoid a parking variance if the board prefers; the board approved the application on a 7–0 roll call.

35 Laurel Ave. (applicant Daniel Norman) — The board approved a new…