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Morris Township board denies variance for expanded garage and second‑story at contentious Springbrook property
Summary
After seven hearings and extensive testimony from planners, tree experts and neighbors, the Morris Township Board of Adjustment voted to deny the Ewing application (VA‑17), rejecting variances that would have enlarged an attached garage and added a second‑floor bedroom that residents said would increase massing and threaten mature trees.
The Morris Township Board of Adjustment voted to deny an application from the owners of the Springbrook property known as VA‑17 after a night of testimony focused on setbacks, tree preservation and neighborhood scale. The motion to deny carried following board deliberations and a roll call vote on June 1, 2025.
The application sought multiple variances tied to an expansion and modernization of an attached garage and the addition of a second‑story bedroom above it. Applicant counsel David Brady and planner Michael Tovia told the board the redesign (plans dated May 29, 2025) had removed one problematic encroachment and reduced the number of variances, but still required relief for a combined side‑yard setback and a single side‑yard setback to permit a 3.78‑foot bump‑out at the front garage elevation and an added second floor over part of the garage.
Neighbors and expert witnesses urged the board to withhold approval. Tree expert John…
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