Planning board approves variance for garage-to-bedroom conversion at 222 North 19th Street

Summary

The Kenilworth Planning Board approved Resolution 24-006 for applicant Francesco Papillisi to convert an existing garage into a bedroom and walk-in bath, noting a previously granted 7-inch front-yard setback variance and a condition requiring the driveway be widened to accommodate three vehicles within six months before a certificate of occupancy will be issued for the new bedroom.

The Kenilworth Planning Board on a recorded motion approved Resolution 24-006, allowing Francesco Papillisi of 222 North 19th Street to convert an existing garage into a bedroom with a walk-in bathroom.

Board members noted the application included a previously granted front-yard setback variance of about seven inches. Board staff reviewed the conditions and reminded the applicant that the board required the driveway to be widened on the left side to safely accommodate three motor vehicles. The board also recorded a condition that no certificate of occupancy for the new bedroom will be issued until the driveway widening is completed, with a six-month timeline for compliance.

The approval was moved by Mayor Karlovich and seconded by Mister Grimaldi; the board confirmed the motion and declared the resolution passed. The record also shows that the applicant’s notice of publication was verified on the record.

The board did not discuss additional façade or exterior alterations for this single-family application during the resolution vote. Next steps for the applicant are to complete the driveway widening within the six-month window to obtain the certificate of occupancy for the new bedroom.