Paramount Realty & Construction Co. v. Schmitt

135 A. 789, 5 N.J. Misc. 177, 1927 N.J. Sup. Ct. LEXIS 341

• Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey
• Decided: January 25, 1927
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

This is a zoning case. Relator’s property is on the northwest corner of Sanford and Clinton avenues, in Irvington, Essex count]-, in a district zoned as “Besidence A.” The proposed building would have stores on the ground floor and apartments above, and is barred by the ordinance.

Eelator contracted to buy the property on March 3d, 1926, but did not get a. deed till June 1st, or thereabouts. On May 28th, plans were submitted to the building inspector and rejected by him because of the zoning ordinance. Eelator then, through its representatives, appeared before the board of zoning appeals, and desired to argue the merits of the appeal, but was not allowed to do so> the testimony indicating that the board disclaimed jurisdiction to hear such appeals except in certain cases provided in the ordinance. Eelator now asks a mandamus to issue a permit to build.

We think it is not entitled to it at this time, on the authority of Chancellor Development Corp. v. Senior, 4 N. J. Mis. R. 633; 134 Atl. Rep. 337. It is true that the zoning board declined to hear the appeal, but in that it either ignored or was unaware of the act of 1926, page 526, and so disregarded its plain duty. The appeal should be presented to it again and determined according to the facts as developed on the evidence. Should the board after these suggestions again refuse to hear the merits of the appeal, this court is open to an application for mandamus to compel it to perform its duty in the premises.

The present rule to show cause will be discharged.