Tenafly HPC chair says code requires HPC approval; HPC urges conditions if BOA approves parking plan

Tenafly Historic Preservation Committee chairman Mr. Tritter told the Board the HPC’s authority covers demolition and subdivision within the Magnolia Ave Historic District and that the HPC had not been consulted by the construction official before the demolition order. He cited Municipal Code 35-807.8 when describing the committee’s legal duties and its expectation to review demolition and subdivision activity within the district.

"Municipal Code 35-807.8 stated the owners of any landmark structure or any property within the historic district are required to get approval from the HPC for among other things the demolition of any improvement within the landmark district, and any sub-division or re-sub-division of any landmark in any landmark district," Mr. Tritter said. The HPC urged three conditions if the Board approves the application: requiring evergreen plantings along the top of the retaining wall, installing shades on any new lighting to prevent spillover, and removing the portion of land being conveyed from the Magnolia Ave Historic District.

The HPC also noted the applicant purchased the property after the district was created and warned approval without conditions could set a precedent for other property owners to seek BOA relief rather than HPC review. The committee submitted a letter dated Oct. 20, 2025 opposing removal of the outbuilding; the letter did not reference an unsafe-structure notice that later appeared in building-department records.