Neighbors press board over drainage, size and basement 'kitchen' use as board considers large Nwood Drive renovation

At a public hearing on April 27, 2026, the Morris Township Board of Adjustment heard detailed testimony and prolonged neighborhood questioning about an application by Nwood Holding LLC to renovate and substantially enlarge a single‑family home at 40 Nwood Drive (BA‑25‑25).

Architect and planner Jeffrey Goen told the board the applicant has eliminated a previously sought building‑height variance by lowering first‑ and second‑floor ceiling heights and the roof pitch so the ridge would measure under the 35‑foot maximum (presented on the record as 34.88 ft). He said a prior survey error had been corrected — the lot was recalculated at 15,791.7 square feet — and that the remaining requests were two side‑yard variances and a combined‑sideyard variance tied to the lot’s tapered geometry.

Goen summarized interior changes the applicant proposed: the project keeps the home a single‑family dwelling, reconfigures first‑ and second‑floor living areas, enlarges a rear sunroom and previously included a partially habitable attic and a large basement kitchen area. On the record he denied plans to…