Please do not approve the variances that would allow the historic 1830s home at 315 East Glen Avenue in Ridgewood to be destroyed and replaced with two new homes!
Why is this important?
I grew up in the historic home at 315 East Glen Avenue, which was built in the early 1830s and shares many original architectural and decorative details with the Hermitage and Hohokus Inn (woodwork, moldings, floors, banisters, windows etc.) It has a fascinating history with residents including the actor Edwin Boothe, and was reputed to have been a part of the Underground Railroad. A woman named Miss Colie lived there during the Depression who was supposed to distribute flour and sugar as a part of the WPA program, but she ended up committing suicide in the garage when she was found to have stolen the supplies.
Aside from the beauty, history and trees/landscaping that would be lost forever with the destruction of this home, the variances requested create issues for the town and neighborhood including:
- non-conformance of buildable and usable square footage to other homes in the area
- water collection, drainage and flood prevention given the reduction of trees and grass due to additional paving proposed and requirements for running of utility lines
- access and safety of additional cars from secondary home
- non-conformance of variances for a home to be set back and sideways
- non-conformance to expand pathway to 20 ft, (currently no examples in town)
Please join us in opposing the variances that would allow this home to be destroyed and help us to save this historic home for future generations to enjoy as a part of the varied architectural and historic tapestry that make up our community! Thank you for your support!!
