The Livingston Zoning Board, at its Tuesday, February 27, meeting, reheard cases for Gary and Darice Tufaro at 89 East McClellan Avenue, Abhishek Gangwal at 6 Hazelwood Avenue, and Ajith Kumar Bodepudi at 17 Maplewood Drive. Ultimately, the Board approved the Tufaros’ and Bodepudi’sproposals alongwithone other application, while delaying votes on Gangwal’s case andanother case to March 26.89 East McClellan AvenueFollowing their December 12 hearing, Gary and Darice Tufaro requested a five-foot height variance to build a two-car garage at the aforementioned address. At the prior hearing, they had presented an updated version of the garage plan, which would reduce its height to 18 feet in total. However, the Board had requested the Tufaros and their architect change the height further so that it properly conforms with Livingston’s zoning code.This new plan, as Gary Tufaro and his architect, Peter Serpico, revealed, would reduce the garage’s height while removing a backyard shed and cleaning up the yard for extra space. The garage, meanwhile, would employ the original one-car roofline slope to match a two-car framing, which Serpico assured would provide no aesthetic detriment to the neighborhood. The attic space would have pull-down stairs and a six-foot ceiling, Serpico emphasized that Tufaro only wants to use it for storage purposes. Tufaro also assured the Board that none of his neighbors have voiced any concerns with this construction happening.After questioning Tufaro and Serpico over the plan’s layout and whether its benefits would outweigh any deviations, the BoardhadTufaro agree to a condition that he put a deed restriction on the garage ensuring that it cannot be used as a living space. The Boardmembers also thankedhim for modifying the plan and moving it over five feet to avoid requiring a second setback.Amotion to approve the Tufaro’s plan passed.6 Hazelwood AvenueDuring his recent Board hearing, Abhishek Gangwal had requested multiple variances for a new attached garage, deck, right side and rear addition at 6 Hazelwood Avenue, including front yard setbacks, right side and left side yard setbacks, an aggregate side yard, and the habitable floor ratio. Although his architect presented drawing sets at last month’s Zoning Board meeting explaining the need for these variances, the Board also learned that Gangwal did not submit a form required for one proposed setback. Thus, the Board adjourned his hearing in order to give Gangwal time to resubmit the form. Due to Gangwal’s property being located so close to the corner,
