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Zoning board hears two‑family proposal for undersized lot at 39 Wall Street; carries application for revisions
Summary
The East Rutherford Zoning Board on June 4 heard an application (Docket #25-11) to build a two-family home at 39 Wall Street on a 3,737 SF undersized lot. The board requested revised plans addressing variances, stormwater controls and building height, and carried the matter to Aug. 6 with no further notice.
The Borough of East Rutherford Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 4 heard testimony on Docket #25-11, an application to construct a two‑family dwelling at 39 Wall Street (Block 17, Lot 7). Applicant counsel Joseph Wenzel presented the application and architect Jennifer Palermo (AIA) described the proposed structure: a two‑story building with a sunken cellar garage (four interior parking spaces), separate entrances for each unit, and unit sizes of about 868 square feet for the first‑floor unit and 946 square feet for the second‑floor unit. The lot is currently vacant.
Board and professional review focused on multiple zoning variances the proposal requires. The lot is 3,737 square feet, short of the 6,000 SF minimum called for in the ordinance; lot width is 39 feet (60 ft required) and lot depth is 95 feet (100 ft required). The municipality’s unit‑size guideline is 1,000 SF per dwelling unit; the applicant’s proposed units are undersized in part because building coverage is constrained by a 25% lot coverage standard. Architect Palermo said each floor will have nine‑foot ceilings, with a total structure height measured at about 29.5 feet as drawn.
Planner Ray Tripodi and the board raised stormwater and driveway concerns related to the proposed depressed driveway leading to the cellar garage. Tripodi recommended a retention tank to handle runoff from a French drain and roof leaders; the board’s engineer must review any drainage details. Board members also discussed lowering the structure to create a cellar rather than a basement as a way to address the height variance and noted revised drawings would be required if that approach is taken.
Because only five board members were present, the board attorney asked whether the applicant wished to continue to a full seven‑member hearing; the applicant waived that right. The board then voted to carry the application to the August 6, 2026 meeting with no further notice so the applicant could file revised architectural and engineering plans. The motion to carry was approved by the members present.
Next steps: the applicant will submit revised plans addressing the height, drainage, and dimensional concerns for review by the board’s planner and engineer. The hearing on Docket #25‑11 is scheduled for August 6, 2026 at Borough Hall.
