Zoning board carries plan to add three apartments above Wallington daycare after parking, safety and zoning-plan issues

The Wallington Zoning Board of Adjustment carried a use-variance application for 250 Main Avenue on March 31 after hearing testimony about building conditions, parking and an error in the submitted zoning classification.

Homeowner and applicant Agnieszka Pogorzelska told the board she began renovating the property and discovered two apartment-style layouts on the second floor and residential features in the attic, including a bathroom; she said she initially believed the residential use was legal but later learned only one apartment had been approved previously. The application was presented as a bifurcated filing seeking a decision only on the question of permitted use.

Attorney Richard Cedzidlo represented the applicant. Pogorzelska testified that the previously approved daycare renovations had begun, that the proposed daycare would have roughly four to six employees, and that parents typically drop off and pick up children without remaining parked on site; she said onsite parking would also be used by tenants if the residential units were approved. Board members discussed traffic and street parking during drop-off and pick-up and raised concerns about tenant parking and safety of placing residential units over a daycare.

Architect Valdemar Fracz, accepted as an expert, testified that the interior had been partially demolished and that structural issues were observed, including prior leaks, possible mold and floor conditions that were out of plumb; he said the proposed work aimed to restore structural integrity and safety. Fracz also said the plans referenced the “commercial business” zone rather than the correct business zone; board professionals and members noted the property is in the Business zone where the maximum permitted height is 25 feet, and that the plans must be corrected to reflect the proper zoning classification and associated variance relief.

After discussion, attorney Richard Cedzidlo requested to amend the application. The board directed submission of updated plans correcting the zoning classification and any related variance information before taking further action, and then voted to carry the application to the next regular meeting without additional notice. The motion to carry was made by Andrew Donaldson and seconded by James Furtak and passed by roll-call vote with all members present voting aye.

The board did not make a final determination on the use or any variance relief; consideration will resume when corrected plans and any required supplemental materials are submitted.