Envy Apartment

The Montclair Planning Board finished hearing one application and punted two more into September at its August 14 meeting .  But the application that wrapped up and was subsequently approved was a big leap in the board’s efforts at getting larger projects resolved , as it was local developer Steven Plofker ’s application for a five-story, 11- unit apartment building along North Willow Street that will incorporate the former Diva Lounge on Bloomfield Avenue as modest retail space .  The property is a lot merged several years ago. Holding up a rendering of developer Steven Plofker ’s proposed apartment/retail project for the corner of North Willow Street and Bloomfield Avenue at the August 14 Montclair Planning Board meeting , board member Martin Schwartz asks about possible changes to the details of the design. Professional planner Christine Nazzaro Cafone of the Red Bank- based Cafone Consulting Group testified on behalf of the relevance of the variances being requested, especia...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Montclair Planning board met on Monday night to discuss adjustments made to the plans for the redevelopment of the former Diva Lounge on Bloomfield Ave. This building, which has been uninhabited for many years except for an auto repair business , is expected to be transformed into a mixed used facility containing both apartment buildings and retail space. However, many residents and planning board members have expressed concern regarding its size and the impact that it would have on the surrounding community. Christine A. Nazzaro-Cofone, PP, AICP presented her report to the planning board . According to the revised plan, the site will now contain 11 apartments and 3600 square feet of retail space, rather than 19 units as previously proposed. Sign Up for E-News “All of the uses that are proposed on this application are permitted as of right in your C1 district so there is no issue with use, density or height,” she said. The plan is also proposing 19 parking spaces...