Driveway Approved, But Runoff a Concern at Canterbury Estates

The attorney for the new Canterbury Estates luxury homes development requested during Wednesday night's Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting a variance to construct a driveway on Arundel Road property.

Attorney Robert Garofalo, the project's representative, requested a driveway that would cover 37.6 percent of the lot, which is in excess of the 30 percent permitted under law.

The five present board members approved the variance, but added a condition that the runoff from rain—a concern raised by one nearby resident—must be addressed.

Professional planner and landscape architect John McDonough, testifying for Canterbury Estates, told the board that the additional impervious cover was essential to completing the project. He noted that the lot at 116 Arundel Rd. was "challenged" by steep slopes in the front of the property.

"There is a 45-degree change in grade from front to back," he said.

The slope itself is touted as a Canterbury Estates selling point. Realtors marketing the development say the houses, being high above Arundel Road, offer "spectacular views." The homes feature high staircases between ground level and the entrances. Driveways lead from the side-entry garages.

Garofalo noted that the issue had some urgency: The $725,000 home is under contract and a home buyer is waiting to take possession of it.

McDonough asked the board to grant the variance on the basis of the property's unique character, noting that the topography—not the house itself—made the additional ground coverage necessary. He added that the larger driveway would make the property more safe.

McDonough also pointed out that plants providing cover for the driveway and wall would make them almost imperceptible to people driving along Arundel Road.

"I see no detriment [to this project]," he asserted to the board. "It is consistent with good planning."

Parsippany resident Sigrid Knopf disagreed.

Knopf lives on Arundel Road, across the street from the house in question. In her testimony, she stated that the steep driveway caused visible runoff during rain that could cause problems for homes closer to the ground. Knopf also noted a concern about snow removal and wondered how snow on the property would be deposited.

McDonough noted that there was space on the 116 Arundel Rd. lot for depositing snow. He and Garafalo both stated that the issue of drainage would be investigated.

"It's in the process of being built," the attorney said to reassure Knopf. "I am sure [the runoff issue] will be taken care of."

Board member Brian Kelley, speaking in favor of the Canterbury Estates request, said that some issues are beyond the zoning board's control.

Runoff, he told Knopf, "is something we can't regulate. You're going to have to take your concern to the owner."

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will next meet on May 18 at 7:30 p.m.