Built in 1879, the home at 16 Pleasant Ave. in Montclair, seen Friday, Sept. 11, would be preserved as part of a subdivision plan that would bring eight new homes on a new cul-de-sac to 3.6 acres. (MATT KADOSH/MONTCLAIR LOCAL)

A plan to subdivide three properties into nine lots would pave the way for eight new homes across 3.6 acres while preserving a 19th-century house on Pleasant Avenue, documents show.

The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the plans for 16-22 Pleasant Ave. and 23 Cedar Ave. Thursday night, raising questions they expect the applicant, Pleasant Way Holdings LLC, to answer at a subsequent meeting.

Zainab Kazmi, assistant planner and historic preservation officer, told the commission the developer decided to preserve the home at 16 Pleasant Ave. where before it sought to demolish the structure.

Built in 1879

“In that nine-lot subdivision, the first house will be 16 Pleasant Ave.,” Kazmi said.

The 2,281-square-foot home at 16 Pleasant Ave. dates to 1879, according to tax records. On Friday, trees encroached on the property and debris sat on the front porch. A wooden sign indicating the house number in metallic lettering, appeared to be deteriorating.

Alan Trembulak, attorney for Pleasant Way Holdings LLC, said in an email to Montclair Local that neither he nor his client were advised the application was on the agenda for the Historic Preservation meeting.

The application received by the township on Aug. 5 says Pleasant Way Holdings proposes to build single-family homes. The developer seeks variances for four proposed lots with widths of 65.86 feet, 58.3 feet, 62.65 feet and 47.17 feet, where local law requires a minimum width of 70 feet, according to the application. Pleasant Way Holdings LLC also seeks a variance to permit a lot depth of 154.63 feet for one of the proposed lots, where the minimum required depth is 200 feet.

A subdivision plans would make space for eight new homes on proposed cul-de-sac off of Pleasant Avenue and Cedar Avenue in Montclair. The plans, for Estates at Montclair are for 16-22 Pleasant Ave. and 23 Cedar Ave. (Kasey & Keller Inc. via Township of Montclair)

The plans show a proposed cul-de-sac to be built off Pleasant Avenue and eight new 2½-story homes. Each would contain a two-car garage.

High Housing Demand

William Scott, the owner of 23 Cedar Ave., in a brief interview said he would sell a portion of his approximately one-acre property for the project. On Thursday, Scott referenced a green expanse where his backyard abuts neighboring backyards.

Open space behind homes on Cedar Avenue in Montclair on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. A subdivision plan calls for nine single family homes, including the preservation of one existing home, documents show. (MATT KADOSH/MONTCLAIR LOCAL)

“If the application is adequate enough and meets the requirements, I think it’s a good opportunity,” Scott said. “It’s not adding a lot of density to the township.”

Scott, 76, is a lifelong township resident and member of the Montclair Housing Commission. For him and his family, the subdivision is “an opportunity to age in place where you don’t have to sell your home,” Scott said.

He also noted the high demand for housing in Montclair, which was recently named No. 2 among the hottest places to buy a home in the U.S., according to Realtor.com.

“The real estate market has not suffered in Montclair. This just adds to the desirability of coming here — nice housing, a decent school system. We know we have some issues, but that doesn’t slow people down from coming to Montclair. And the diversity of Montclair; it is a community that definitely welcomes a lot of people.”

Answers Sought

At the meeting, Chairperson Kathleen Bennett referenced comments from the commission’s historic architect, Steven Smolyn.

“The applicant should provide more details of proposed walkways, lampposts and landscaping in the immediate vicinity of 16 Pleasant Ave.,” Bennett said.

And commissioners considered questions about trees. Bennett said there are 227 trees on the property, but the plans only propose planting between 50 and 60 trees.

“I’d be interested in what the formula is for cutting trees versus having to plant trees back,” Commissioner John Reimnitz said.

Vice Chair Michael Graham requested that the applicant provide both more information and photos.

“We’re just providing comment to the Planning Board,” Graham said. “But we’re doing so kind of blind without the full set of photos or having anyone to comment.”

The Historic Preservation Commission is set to hear the application at its Oct. 22 meeting.