Following a lively exchange with members of the Maplewood Planning Board, prolific local developer Isaac Lefkowitz withdrew an application for a two-lot subdivision of 588 Valley Street on July 14, vowing to build a new luxury single-family “mansion” on the parcel after portraying himself moments before as a champion of more “affordable” housing options.
Just one day before the meeting, Lefkowitz’s company — Lefko Brothers — demolished the 1856 farmhouse that stood on the site, serving as two-family housing for decades. Lefkowitz had been granted a demolition permit after the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission did not find that the building itself met the criteria as an “individual historic landmark.” Nonetheless, the MHPC had recommended against the subdivision due to the property’s historic context and expressed a desire for the developer to renovate the existing property.
“I was hoping that after coming here a few times, we may get some sort of frequent applicant status,” Lefkowitz began in addressing the Planning Board on July 14. “Although I’m an applicant on paper for this matter, I really view myself as the messenger of the community,” he added.
“This is not simply a private development application, driven by maximizing the value of a property. When we first purchased this property right here across the street, our intention was to construct one large custom home.” But, said Lefkowitz, he became convinced that it would be better for the community if he subdivided and created two more “affordable” homes.
Above: 588 Valley Street on July 10; Below: the same property on July 14.
“Shortly after closing, we began receiving calls and feedback from members of the public expressing concern about the future of housing in our community. Some individuals associated with the municipal administration also shared similar concerns with us,” said Lefkowitz. “The consistent message we heard was that people were worried about the loss of attainable housing options and large homes driving up sale prices here in town.”
“Replacing it with one very large luxury home would reduce the available housing stock while adding another high-end property to the market,” he said. “We repeatedly heard that many residents would rather see smaller homes that provide opportunities for young families and households with more typical incomes to purchase a home and become part of this community.”
“After hearing those concerns, we went back to the drawing board and asked our professional team, including our architect and planner, … to evaluate whether there was a better approach for this property than we originally thought. … We designed two modest homes with just over 2,200 square foot in a one-car that garage. Those homes are intended to fit comfortably within the neighborhood while providing a more attainable price point for the first time and middle income Maplewood families, rather than adding another luxury mansion to the market.”
Lefkowitz ended by stating, “I’m well aware that this application is not supported by some members of the public, which has concerns and I sincerely respect their opinion. However, I want to emphasize that it is some, not all. I know many members of the community support this type of approach. However, supporters are often less likely to attend public hearings or voice their opinions as actively as those with concerns.”
Planning Board members and Oakview and Valley neighbors were unconvinced.
“I just want to be clear that all the decisions up to this point, including your testimony right now, it’s your choice,” said Mayor Vic De Luca. “So your portrayal that people in the administration talked to you about, ‘We need more housing’ — Absolutely we need more housing. But no one has said to you that you ought to tear down that house and put up two of these houses, is that correct?”
De Luca later added, “You never approached the town with this proposal before you submitted the proposal, correct?”
Lefkowitz then said he was encouraged by someone in the town administration to subdivide the property.
Planning Board member John Sullivan asked Lefkowitiz, “Who?”
Lefkowitz said he would not say during testimony, “but I’d be happy to off the record.”
Planning Board members looked perplexed.
In response to questions from community members, Lefkowitz said he expected that he could get $2.8M or $2.9M for a single large luxury home on the lot and $1.2M each for the smaller homes should it be subdivided.
Neighbors said that properties on the street of similar size — and not “in great shape” — had gone for substantially more: $1.5M to $1.8M.
“Is that your definition of affordable for first-time home buyers? ” asked Planning Board member Dean Dafis.
“Affordable housing is not what I was intending to say,” said Lefkowitz. “I was intending in the realm of Maplewood pricing a new home, … new
construction. $1.2M — it’s cheap.”
Dafis asked Lefkowitz if he was interested in working with government agencies to provide affordable housing to first-time home buyers. Lefkowitz said he had never worked with government agencies on such housing and it was not his intention.
“So you’re coming here and making statements that you’re not really backing up, right?”said Dafis. “I get your pitch right, and I have to say that, as a resident of this town, as a member of the Planning Board and as a township elected official, your approach this evening, especially the way that you started, was very offensive. It was very snarky. While you may have heard from some folks who are okay with all of this, since the house has been demolished a couple days ago, I don’t know if you’ve seen the outcry, and obviously the people who work here tonight staying this late into the evening in a 91° room are here to oppose the project.”
“So this idea again, this narrative that you are weaving this evening on the record officially, that the community supports what you’re doing, is not necessarily the case,” said Dafis. “That’s a very bold statement that the community is supporting this.”
A neighbor asked Lefkowitz about the demolition.
“I’m curious if you intentionally demolished 588 Valley within one to two days before this meeting so it could not be suggested that we renovate this beautiful historical property from 1856.”
Lefkowitz said that he simply wanted “to get moving based on tonight’s outcome” on constructing the new housing.
Shortly thereafter, Lefkowitz’s attorney announced that the application was being withdrawn.
“I was told give it a shot, but if the board doesn’t want it, let’s close the case now,” said Lefkowitz.
“If the board feels that this is not going to be a successful application,” said the attorney, “then he’s happy to withdraw and proceed with the as-of-right single family home.”
