Downsizing Developer Returns to Zoning Board Wednesday

An already-approved apartment complex, where the developer is seeking a reduction in square footage, returns to the Zoning Board of Adjustment Wednesday night.

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers in .

Morristown Gateway LLC, the developer first approved in 2008 for a 23-unit apartment on the corner of Ridgedale and Lafayette avenues, to request approval to reduce the size of their project, from 40,000 to 29,000 square feet. Martin Newmark, the attorney representing Morristown Gateway, told the Zoning Board in July the apartment building's original specs had proven infeasible given the economic climate.

Architect Keith Gianakopoulos was the only witness able to speak at the first meeting, due to another agenda item taking up the bulk of the meeting. He noted at the time the project still called for the already-approved 19 two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units, but with about a 25 percent smaller footprint.

Given the smaller size, a rooftop terrace previously approved in the original design would be eliminated and a "green" roof area, which would catch rainwater, would be increased. A central air conditioning unit on the roof would be replaced by individual units in each apartment.