The Hoboken Zoning Board of Appeals heard the final testimony and public comments Tuesday night on a home expansion done without correct zoning variances. The home is owned by former city tax collector Louis Picardo, leading some to be suspicious of why he could extend the height of his home on Castle Point Terrace without permits.
Since only five members of the board were present Tuesday night, and applicants for major variances need five votes, the board allowed the vote to be postponed until a special meeting on April 2.
The board sat past midnight to finish the testimony yesterday.
The board started hearing the case last year and found that a clerical error had caused the errors in the permit process. A judge remanded the case back to the board for review and a decision.
Picardo’s team is seeking variaces that would allow the rear expansion of his home on Castle Point Terrace retroactively, since the structure has already been built. But neighbors of his have challenged the home expansion and variances. Their lawyer last night pointed out again that the board should have heard testimony from Picardo himself, since he signed the application for the variance request. This is important, because on the application, Picardo claimed there are five units in his house – his dwelling space and four apartments – but the lawyer for the objectors said he was unable to find any certificates of occupancy filed in the construction code office.
If that is the case, Picardo’s home may not be legally five units, so his application may have been falsified.
Chairman Dominic Lisa said Picardo won’t be appearing at the next meeting for testimony, despite the objectors’ requests.
“There’s no way he can come now,” Lisa said.
Comment on this story below. — TJC