Expansion Project For Beloved Chatham Restaurant Presented To Board

CHATHAM, NJ — Charley's Aunt, a neighborhood favorite, may be getting a makeover.

This week, the Chatham Borough Planned Board unanimously approved the request for the business located at 8-10 S Passaic Avenue to proceed with the presented expansion plan.

The applicant's attorney, Michael Miller, presented the proposal to the board, asking for two variances: one to allow the addition of a second sign to the property and the other to permit the new sign to protrude from the building's front.

According to the applicant, the restaurant's proposed expansion includes tearing out the existing restrooms and moving two new restrooms into the new area, one of which will be handicapped accessible, as well as adding another 20 seats.

Although the new space will be a part of the existing building, the intention is to add more windows with shutters so that they can help divide the space as needed. "We can use it to have it open for the whole restaurant, but if we have a private party, such as a Christmas parties, bridal shower, baby showers, that kind of stuff. At that point we could close the shutters and reserve it for a private function," said Kenneth Decker, the president of Charley's Aunt.

The additional signage, which raised some questions from the board, would not only be used for cosmetic reasons, according to Decker. "We're hoping to get some exposure from Main Street, that being, from people walking across South Passaic either way or on the other side. Being able to look down South Passaic and see the sign so they know where Charley's Aunt is."

Due to their easy ability to become projectiles during the period of high wind, board members expressed concern that the protruding sign could pose a future safety risk.

The borough's zoning code only permits signs with a maximum projected size of four square feet, so the proposed sign's approximate twelve square foot size would be in excess of that limit. Additionally, according to the code, the sign must be placed on the first floor; however, Charley's Aunt intends to place its sign at a height of 18 feet.

The board also voiced concerns about the sidewalk outside the restaurant's accessibility. Board Chair Susan Favate claims that the restaurant has obstructed the sidewalk, making it difficult to walk. The restaurant currently offers outdoor dining as a result of the state allowances during Covid-19.

"I applaud the handicapped restrooms, but currently it's not handicapped accessible in front of your building because of all the chairs and tables and fences and TVs have gone up and been in place," Favate said.

Following more than an hour of testimony, the board approved the application with the understanding that the outdoor dining area would be "less congested" and "more accessible."