Board approves small setback variance for front porch at 704 Gallows Hill with native‑tree condition

The Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a small C2 variance for 704 Gallows Hill Road so homeowners Danielle Lopez and Adam Lofredo can build a deeper, usable front porch.

Architect Richard Pierce explained the property’s existing prevailing setback (about 38.1 feet by the applicant’s averages), and said the applicants seek about two feet of relief (proposed ~33 feet) so the porch would be deep enough to place chairs and function as a residential porch. Applicant Danielle Lofredo, sworn in, told the board a large township street tree that once shaded the front lawn had fallen in a storm and the property currently lacks mature street trees; she agreed to plant a native tree on the property to address the Shade Tree Commission’s concern.

Board members described the design as compatible with nearby houses that already feature porches, and the board said the requested modest relief would add neighborhood character with no clear detriment. Member comments emphasized making the tree‑planting a condition of approval; the motion to approve included that requirement. The board took a roll‑call vote and approved the application (ayes from Burns, Vidwans, Reese, Sikorski, Aschenbach, Murata and Daly).

The board chair congratulated the applicants and noted that the approval included the tree‑planting condition aligned with the Shade Tree Commission’s recommendations.