Zoning board approves Blackstone Drive variance, conditions attic remain non‑habitable

The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment voted May 28 to approve an application to build a larger single‑family house at 14 Blackstone Drive, granting a variance for the habitable floor area ratio with a condition that the attic over the garage not be converted to habitable space. The motion passed by a majority vote.

Board members heard testimony from the applicant’s design team explaining that they reduced the house footprint after prior board comment: the garage was shortened and upper‑level square footage was trimmed to lower the proposed floor area. During questioning the architect and engineer described changes to rooflines and garage configuration intended to reduce street presence and minimize additional bulk.

Why it matters: the board must find that variances will not produce substantial detriment to the township zoning plan. Members focused their review on whether the attic could be converted in the future; the explicit, recorded condition prevents future conversion of the attic area over the garage into habitable space, which the board said addresses the principal concern about expanding habitable floor area after approval.

The approval was taken by roll call. The board recorded a single negative vote amid six affirmatives. The applicant was directed to file final plans consistent with the conditions of approval and the board’s decision.

The hearing then moved to later agenda items and several contested or complex applications were carried to later dates for additional drawings and clarifications.