November 9, 2011

Mr. Gurland asked about the square footage of the proposed house. Mr. Podbereznaik said it was approximately 2,400 square feet. Mr. Klein wanted to know how the size of the proposed house would conform to the existing homes in the area. Mr. Klein said he visited the site and noticed there were three large holly bushes. He wanted to know if it would it be possible to save the bushes; and would it be possible to retain any of the existing landscaping on Valley View Street after the house was built. Mr. Podberezniak said they would try to save the bushes. Director Borg asked Mr. Podberezniak if the proposed house was going to be a one-car garage. She advised Mr. Podberezniak that there must be spaces for two cars. Director Borg asked if the surrounding homes had two-car garages. Chairman Bagoff asked if there were any question from the Public Advocate. Mr. Grossman asked Mr. Podberezniak if he believed that 2,400 square feet was an appropriate size for a four-bedroom house. Mr. Grossman wanted to know what portion of the house would be for cars; if the width of the front yard was 50 feet, what percentage would be for parking and what type of surface material would be used for the parking area; asphalt, concrete, pavers or gravel. Mr. Grossman asked if the plans depicted the driveway. Chairman Bagoff asked if there were any questions from the public. Wendy Finerty, 6 Valley View Street, West Orange, New Jersey. Ms. Finerty wanted to know if there was a variance for a house that would cover one-third of the block. She said that the proposed house would be 20% bigger than existing homes, on a lot that would be 40% smaller than existing lots on the street. She wanted to know where the house would be situated relative to her house. Mrs. Finerty said that all the houses on Valley View Street were built in 1983; the proposed house does not conform to the style of raised ranches made of brick and wood. The proposed home should be in keeping with the homes on Valley View Street. Additionally, Ms. Finerty said that the property was not an eyesore; Mr. Galante maintained the lot. Mr. Weston said that Mrs. Finerty stated the proposed house would be bigger than her smaller home on a larger lot. Mr. Weston wanted to know if her statement was correct; was the proposed house going to be bigger. Mr. Weston asked Mr. Daniels if he had measured the surrounding homes. Mr.

ller home on a larger lot. Mr. Weston wanted to know if her statement was correct; was the proposed house going to be bigger. Mr. Weston asked Mr. Daniels if he had measured the surrounding homes. Mr. Daniels said that he had not measured the surrounding homes. Mr. Weston asked if it was Mr. Daniels sense that the proposed house would be larger than the surrounding homes; Mr. Danicls said no he did not believe it would be larger, that the area was an architectural mixture of styles and lot sizes. Mr. Kicin asked if there were any other lots on Valley View Street with 50 feet width, and if any other homes on Valley View Street had single car garages. He also wanted to know if the existing homes and the proposed home were in proportion with each other; if not, then how could it be designed to better fit in to the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Eben discussed re-configuring the house plan to make it better fit the new lot. He NAPLANNING. BRDVVPIMINUTES2011L1-9-11 Minutes.doc 5