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Hasbrouck Heights board to revisit rear-yard addition after neighbors raise privacy, stormwater concerns
Summary
The Land Use Board agreed to carry an application for a rear-yard addition at 154 Bell Ave. to Nov. 5 after neighbors raised privacy, fire-safety and stormwater concerns; the applicant will submit revised plans addressing setback and design.
The Hasbrouck Heights Land Use Board heard an application from property owner Bao Zhong Huang for a rear-yard addition at 154 Bell Avenue on Oct. 1 and agreed to carry the matter to the Nov. 5 meeting so the applicant can submit revised plans.
The application, presented by the applicant’s representative Matthew Capizzi, described a proposed enclosed sun room with glazed glass on three sides, a standing-seam metal roof and a structure height of 14 feet. The record states the applicant seeks relief from NJ 40:55 D-72 and requires variances for floor-area ratio, building coverage, improved coverage and a rear-yard setback — the required setback is 25 feet and the applicant is proposing 3.79 feet. The applicant also proposed a six-foot rear fence and a walkway to the front of the property.
The board entered engineering and architectural exhibits into the record and the applicant said it would comply with comments in the Boswell engineering report. The applicant’s planner told the board the proposal "meets the character of the neighborhood" and asserted it would not infringe on light or open air or constitute an overbuild.
During public comment, residents Peter Holland and Doris Maita of Paterson Avenue raised concerns about hedges and landscaping being altered, "privacy issues with the large windows," the structure’s proximity to the property line, fire safety and potential stormwater impacts. Resident Xennia Dane of Bell Avenue said she had no objection. Following those comments, Capizzi asked the board to carry the application to Nov. 5 and agreed to submit softened and reduced-depth plans in advance for review.
Next steps: the board will consider the revised plans at its Nov. 5, 2025 hearing; any final action will require the affirmative votes specified by NJ 40:55 D-72.
