Board approves addition at 131 Cresthill Ave.; finds rear yard variance justified by lot depth and cemetery buffer
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a two-story addition and related bulk variances for 131 Cresthill Ave., finding the lot’s shallow depth and the cemetery behind the lot reduced the impact on neighbors; motion passed 7–0.
The Clifton Zoning Board on June 4 approved an application to expand a narrow home at 131 Cresthill Ave., granting several bulk variances including front-yard and rear-yard setbacks, lot coverage and a reduced driveway setback.
Attorney Dominic Iannarello and architect Jacob Weiss presented the project, saying the lot is only 91 feet deep (typical local lots are around 100 feet deep) and that the rear lot line abuts a cemetery, meaning no immediate rear-yard neighbors would be affected. Weiss described plan changes that lowered a front platform to under 18 inches so it would not count toward the front-yard setback and said the proposed driveway provides two parking spaces. The board attached the condition that front stoop remain less than 18 inches above grade.
Commissioner Fucas moved approval noting most variances were de minimis; Commissioner Braid seconded. The motion passed on roll call 7–0. The board’s findings emphasized the lot’s existing constraints (shallow depth and rear cemetery) and the applicant’s revisions made with guidance from the zoning office prior to the hearing.
