Brunwaser addition on Bunyong Drive paused after board and neighbors raise concerns about attic counting and neighborhood precedent

The Livingston Zoning Board continued an application for an addition at 11 Bunyong Drive after an extended review of design changes and the town’s habitable‑floor‑area rules. Applicant Allison (Allie) Brunwaser and her team explained they had removed a side‑yard variance and reduced the proposed addition so the net new construction would be about 390 square feet, but board members and neighbors pressed about how attic space is counted and whether approving this case would create an undesirable precedent for other slab‑on‑grade houses.

Planner testimony noted the house lacks a basement, which increases pressure on attic space to provide family storage and living functions; the applicant’s team argued the attic was constructed with stairs and historically not counted in FAR, but board members worried approving the request could invite similar applications for other lots without basements. Several board members signaled they were split and requested further revisions. Neighbor Robert Russo praised the applicant for changes but urged caution on precedent.

Outcome and next steps: the applicants asked for and received a continuance to July 30 to return with revised and annotated plans addressing board comments, including clarifying window placements, attic calculations, and any possible reconfiguration to reduce variances. The board said the supplemental materials need to be filed promptly with the zoning office to meet the July 30 slot.