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Allendale land-use board approves three property changes, carries one for flood and survey review
Summary
The Allendale Land Use Board on a single night approved two single-family renovation projects and an as-built setback variance for a commercial property with conditions tied to stormwater and site controls, and continued a second-story addition application to June 18 for updated topographic and flood-encroachment information.
The Allendale Land Use Board approved three development applications and carried a fourth for further engineering review at its meeting, citing trees, stormwater calculations and updated surveys as conditions for final sign-off.
The board approved a renovation and addition for Joseph and Jennifer Kim at 124 Elbrook Drive after the applicants’ architect, Mary Crow, presented revised Exhibit A2 that trimmed the front portico and reduced its depth and height. "We made some reductions in the overall porch, reducing the depth so that we meet the existing front yard setback of 33.5 ft," Crow said, describing changes intended to reduce the structure's visual mass and preserve a healthy front-yard tree. The board added conditions requiring the applicant to submit stormwater and civil engineering calculations for staff review before final site-plan sign-off. The motion to approve carried unanimously among voting members, with alternate Ki recused.
In a separate vote the board granted relief to Bill Properties for an as-built front-yard setback deficiency at 240 West Crescent Avenue. Managing partner Mark Force apologized for the error, calling it "100% a mistake" after explaining that outdated architectural plans were used during construction. The board approved the application subject to conditions that include installing parking stops or removable bollards, establishing a no-parking stripe along the curved curb to preserve emergency access, and coordinating any protective devices with the fire official so removable units can be unlocked from the Knox box if needed.
The board did not act on 20 Cambridge LLC’s application for a second-story addition at 20 Cambridge Drive. Architect Chris Blake said the project builds over the existing footprint and otherwise complies with lot coverage and height limits, but board members and municipal staff requested a current topographic survey and clarified flood/stream-encroachment information before a vote. "We're continuing that footprint... and building a second floor on top of it," Blake testified; the board carried the matter to its June 18 meeting and asked that updated plans and any required topographic/flood-hazard surveys be filed at least 10 days in advance.
The board approved an addition and renovation for Rick Goldberg and Lauren Fraterno at 118 Greenway. The project continues a previously approved first-floor addition and adds a second-floor primary suite over the garage; the applicants agreed to submit amended plans showing final lighting, landscaping and any relocated mechanical equipment, and the resolution will memorialize those conditions.
Votes at a glance: Joseph and Jennifer Kim (file 2025-07) — approved with conditions; Bill/Filmar Properties (file 2025-03) — approved with conditions (parking/bollard/no-parking stripe to be implemented); 20 Cambridge LLC (file 2025-04) — carried to June 18 for updated survey/topographic and flood-encroachment information; Rick Goldberg & Lauren Fraterno (file 2025-05) — approved with conditions.
Board members and staff emphasized that conservation of mature trees, verified stormwater calculations and safe emergency access were decisive factors in shaping approvals and conditions. The board adjourned after a brief administrative update on local fair-share housing and a concession-stand construction timeline.
