Mahwah board approves setback variance for garage addition at 29 State Street

After a public hearing and work-session discussion on May 20, the Township of Mahwah Board of Adjustment approved a "C" variance allowing homeowner Drew Kreismer to add roughly 10 feet to the rear of an existing attached one-car garage at 29 State Street, the board minutes show. The addition would increase a side-yard setback from the current 8.9 feet to a proposed 9.3 feet where a 12-foot setback is required.

Attorney Ari Bernstein represented the applicant; Mr. Kreismer was sworn and described the proposal as intended to provide space to store three vehicles. The applicant entered Exhibit A-1 into the record: five color photographs taken by the homeowner to illustrate the property's current appearance and the proposed work. Board members asked technical questions about the garage door dimensions and whether the concrete patio would be extended; Mr. Kreismer confirmed the patio would not be extended.

During the work session, Mr. Calijone asked whether there would be heat or electric that could create additional living space; Mr. Kreismer said no living space would be created and noted existing radiant floor heat. Mr. Taylor said the impact was "fairly de minimis" and asserted a hardship exists; Mr. Molfetta said the property is well maintained and supported approval. A motion to approve the application was made by Mr. Molfetta and seconded by Mr. Kasparian; a roll-call vote recorded five aye votes by Mr. Calijone, Mr. Kasparian, Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Molfetta and Mr. Taylor.

The board closed the hearing, approved the variance in the work session, and adjourned at 7:56 p.m. The minutes and supporting materials were provided to the board for approval at the June 3, 2026 regular meeting.