PB-23-11 Tompkins Realty/34 Tompkins Realty B: 7 Lot: 12.02

10. 12; A commercial use is located on the adjacent lot to the north and New Jersey Transit’s Highland Avenue railroad station is located two blocks to the east and bus stops are located in the vicinity. The applicant proposes subdividing the existing parcel into two lots with the existing home remaining on Lot A and demolishing the existing garage and replacing the garage with a two-family dwelling above the existing foundation. The proposed two-family house on Lot B would have two bedrooms in each dwelling unit, along with one garage for each unit. The garage for the proposed new two-family on Lot B would allow for two stacked cars, for a total of four off-street parking spaces on Lot B. Applicant proposed construction of a paver parking area for two vehicles in the front of the existing dwelling on Lot A; however, the majority of the Board preferred that the property maintain the front hedge and lawn area which is aesthetically more pleasing and in keeping with the current neighborhood. The Board did not foreclose a request in the future for on site parking in the front of the house on Lot A should conditions which currently are favorable for sufficient on street parking change. Dr. Carmine Allonardo, the property owner’s principal, testified that he bought the home from his mother-in-law in December of 2021, cleaned up the existing house with new windows, siding and interior improvements such as new bathrooms and plumbing. Dr. Allonardo testified that the existing garage is falling apart and cannot be used.