Essex Street redevelopment presented; board carries application pending updated police, fire and parking materials

A substantially revised mixed‑use proposal for 44 Essex Street was presented to the Millburn board on June 8, but the hearing was carried to Sept. 14 to allow the applicant to supply updated agency letters and more detailed parking/engineering analysis.

Attorney Ger Taylor and architect Conrad Ronati described a three‑story solution that retains the ground‑floor restaurant, adds two residential floors for a total of four apartments, and provides an eight‑space parking garage beneath the new structure. The architect said the design emphasizes articulated facades, material changes, and a parapet to conceal rooftop mechanical equipment; the team also described integrated bicycle storage and trash facilities.

Board members and staff repeatedly told the applicant the record is incomplete: December 2025 agency letters were on file but the board asked the applicant to secure updated police and fire reports that respond to the revised plans. The board also asked for detailed engineering testimony on parking dimensions, vehicle circulation, column locations and any required loading accommodations; the applicant’s team acknowledged some design waivers and existing nonconformities (undersized lot, building coverage) and agreed to supply revised materials.

Because those documents are necessary to evaluate emergency access, parking adequacy and loading, the board carried the application to Sept. 14, 2026 (7 p.m., Millburn Public Library). Applicants were instructed to file revised plans and updated agency reports at least 10 days before that meeting; no further notice is required unless the plans are materially revised.