Paterson, NJ Zoning Board of Adjustment
Sundays tracks every public Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting in Paterson, NJ and summarizes what was decided — variances, site-plan and subdivision applications, and Board of Adjustment hearings. Land-use items are kept off the weekly Sundays email (they're a specialist read), but every one is archived here and verified against the official meeting record. 16 items on file; most recent October 11, 2026.
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Application A2024-00008 (United Assets Management LLC), 403-405 15th Avenue (Block 3809, Lot N/A as stated) — Minor Subdivision and Site Plan (Approved)
The Board reviewed a proposal to demolish a fire-damaged 3-unit dwelling and subdivide a 4,786 sq ft corner lot into two lots, each with a new three-story two-family dwelling and parking. Multiple residents opposed the plan citing lot size, setbacks, parking, and other concerns; the applicant responded emphasizing increased parking and stormwater controls. The Board approved the subdivision and then approved the site plan, each by contested votes.
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Application A2023-0105 (Elgen Melendez / Yashira Marero Vargas), 32-36 North 10th Street (Block 705, Lot 7) — Minor Subdivision and Site Plan (Approved)
The Board reviewed a proposal to subdivide a 7,500 sq ft lot into two lots and construct a new three-story two-unit dwelling while retaining an existing three-story two-unit dwelling. Public commenters largely spoke about virtual meeting access rather than the project. The Board approved the minor subdivision and then approved the site plan, with a stated deed restriction limiting the new construction to a two-family home.
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Application A2025-058 (SWID One LLC), 20-22 Chadwick Street (Block 5504, Lot 8) — Site Plan and Bulk Variances (Denied)
The Board heard testimony on a proposed 5-story, 14-unit residential building with 5 parking spaces and rooftop amenities, later revised to 10 units by removing one residential floor. Commissioners raised concerns about density and parking near School No. 8 and the hospital area. The Board voted to deny the application.
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Approval of Site Plan and Bulk Variances — 316–320 Caldwell Avenue (316 Caldwell Avenue LLC) with Conditions
The Board approved the 316 Caldwell Avenue LLC application for a four-story, 8-unit residential building at 316–320 Caldwell Avenue with site plan approval and bulk variances, subject to multiple conditions including a west-side fence/wall buffer, lighting shielding, trash area relocation, parking included in rent, and an e-bike prohibition.
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Expert Testimony: Architect — Site Plan, Parking, Open Space, Floor Plans, Elevations, and Stormwater (316–320 Caldwell Avenue)
The architect testified on the four-story building design, 16-space parking layout, unit mix (two one-bedrooms and six two-bedrooms), fourth-floor community rooms and terrace, stormwater seepage field and pits, and stated the building was designed to appear like a three-story structure from the street.
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Application Presentation: 316 Caldwell Avenue LLC — 316–320 Caldwell Avenue (Four-Story, 8-Unit Residential Building; Site Plan and Bulk Variances)
Staff summarized an application by 316 Caldwell Avenue LLC to construct a four-story, 8-unit residential building at 316–320 Caldwell Avenue with 16 parking spaces and fourth-floor community rooms and terrace, requiring site plan approval and multiple bulk variances in the R-3 district.
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Approval of Site Plan and Bulk Variances — 124–128 Lawrence Street (Subject to Conditions)
The Board approved site plan approval and bulk variances for the two three-story, two-unit dwellings at 124–128 Lawrence Street, subject to stated conditions including deed restriction to two-family use, railings on steps, and that parking not be separately rented.
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Approval of Minor Subdivision — 124–128 Lawrence Street (Block 3111, Lot 9.01)
The Board approved the minor subdivision for Wilman Jimenez at 124–128 Lawrence Street, creating two lots (9.001 and 9.011). The vote was recorded by roll call and passed unanimously.
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Expert Testimony: Thomas G. Sterns (GB Engineering) — Existing Conditions, Subdivision, Site Plan, Stormwater, and Variances
Engineer Thomas G. Sterns testified on the existing lot, proposed subdivision into two equal lots, building placement and setbacks, driveway/curb cuts, stormwater seepage pits, and the variance schedule including lot area/width, side yard, rear yard, lot coverage, and tandem parking.
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Application Presentation: Wilman Jimenez — 124–128 Lawrence Street (Minor Subdivision, Site Plan, Bulk Variances)
Staff and the applicant team presented Project ID 2026-014 for 124–128 Lawrence Street: a minor subdivision creating two lots and construction of two three-story, two-unit dwellings, with multiple bulk variances including lot area/width, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking.
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Approval: BP Pro One LLC — 43 Grand Street — Site Plan Approval and Bulk Variances (with Conditions)
The Board approved site plan approval and bulk variances for BP Pro One LLC’s two single-family dwellings at 43 Grand Street, including conditions discussed on the record such as one-family restriction and removal of garage windows/rear doors.
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Approval: BP Pro One LLC — 43 Grand Street — Minor Subdivision
The Board approved the minor subdivision for BP Pro One LLC at 43 Grand Street (Block 4904, Lot 17) by roll call vote, directing the Board attorney to prepare the approval documentation.
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Public Comment on 43 Grand Street Application (Property Values, Website Posting, and Subdivision Concerns)
During public comment on the 43 Grand Street application, a resident raised concerns about difficulty finding the meeting listing on the City website, the number of variances, and argued that subdividing lots harms surrounding property values and residents’ financial interests. The Board and counsel responded on process and legal standards.
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Application: BP Pro One LLC — 43 Grand Street (Block 4904, Lot 17) — Minor Subdivision, Site Plan Approval, and Bulk Variances (Hearing)
The Board heard BP Pro One LLC’s application to subdivide a 2,996 sq. ft. corner lot at 43 Grand Street into two lots and construct two semi-attached three-story single-family dwellings with garages. The applicant presented engineering and architectural testimony and addressed extensive bulk variances and site constraints including rock outcroppings and topography.
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Application: AJ Holdings LLC — 136 Main Street (Block 453, Lot 10) — Site Plan Approval and Parking Variance
The Board heard testimony on AJ Holdings LLC’s proposal to convert the second and third floors at 136 Main Street into four studio apartments while retaining first-floor retail. The application required a parking variance (six spaces required, zero proposed) and was approved with conditions after public comment and board discussion.
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Public comment period (11 speakers) — community events, housing/tenant issues, city services, planning/parking, and governance concerns
The council opened public comment for 11 speakers (3 minutes each). Speakers addressed: a 50th anniversary community event invitation; thanks for the Puerto Rican heritage carnival approval; complaints about rental management fees and court-ordered refunds; calls for development and low-income housing; requests for police/community listening sessions and service improvements; concerns about sewer tax, parks spending, signage, and parking; criticism of planning board variances; and calls for council decorum and preparedness.