CRANFORD — The Cranford Planning Board approved of further variances for a redevelopment project on Meeker Avenue and Quine Street in Cranford. The amended subdivision was to make up for deficiencies in the previously approved plan.
The application, originally made by JDA Homes LLC and Liberty Assets LLC, is a project looking to make major renovations to the property at 41 MeekerAvenue. The project plans, which are published on the Cranford township website, aim to expand the property from a single-family housing unit to a two-family housing unit by building a second home addressed 1/2 Quine Street.
On top of building the extra housing unit, Project Architect Ami Qureshi presented an updated plan to the board with renovations to the existing home. Renovations included areas of the home like the basement and second floor, as well as additions to both homes like car garages for both and new asphalt shingles to the roof.
However, in order to further the project, another amended subdivision needed to be approved. For the December 18 meeting, JDA Homes and Liberty Assets presented the update plan for the property while also requesting additional bulk variances to more directly reflect the scale required to complete the project. The reason for these additional variances admittedly came from an error from the applicant’s Engineering Expert Chester DiLorenzo.
“I would like to begin by saying I apologize to this board; you’re here because of me tonight,” Mr. DiLorenzo said. “I missed two variances in August; I did not realize it. I apologize.”
The missing variances were in regard to the lot depth and width of 41 Meeker Avenue. Mr. DiLorenzo calculated that the depth of the lot was 57.3 feet, and while the width of the property was less clear, Mr. DiLorenzo calculated it to 33.6 feet. Mr. DiLorenzo and the team behind the project were looking for relief for these variances and for them to be present in the amended subdivision.
“The applicants are requesting an amended minor subdivision approval in order to correct an error in the previous approval,” Project Attorney Michael Piromalli said. “The board and its experts have done a great deal of effort to fine-tune this subdivision application.”
Planning Board Vice-Chairman Juan Carlos Nordelo said that appreciated the honesty of Mr. DiLorenzo for admitting the error and taking the initiative to fix it.
“I just want to commend the applicant for being forthcoming in the error that was noticed,” Mr. Nordelo said. “I’m comfortable with the application, I’m comfortable with the information that was presented tonight, and again I appreciate your time in coming forward.”
Mr. Nordelo’s sentiments were reflected by the board as it approved of the variance relief.
