REAL ESTATE

Budget-friendly dining room renovation ideas

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the dining room may be akin to one of its arteries.

The mood created in the kitchen spreads to the dining space where family and friends gather to eat and enjoy one anotherʼs company. Dining rooms can get lost in the home renovation shuffle, as many homeowners tend to focus on renovating kitchens and bathrooms instead. Homeowners do not have to invest a lot of money in renovations to give their dining spaces awe-inspiring makeovers. Hereʼs how to do so on a budget. • Lighten and brighten. Dining rooms were once very formal spaces. Dark woods, large pieces of furniture, over-the-top chandeliers, and other details could be

found in many homes. But now that houses are being built with open floor plans, dining rooms can blend with other spaces, which have moved to lighter colored walls, flooring and furniture.

A fresh coat of vibrant paint can work wonders and it doesnʼt cost much. If you canʼt remove a floor, cover it with a brightly colored area rug.

• Switch things up with slip-

covers. Slipcovers can be changed each season to dramatically alter the look of a dining room for little investment. Slip covers also protect chairs and can be easily laundered after spills.

• Add floating shelving.

Floating shelves provide muchneeded storage or display space without the need to invest in another piece of furniture. Depending on the shelving, they can work in modern design schemes or even farmhouse dining spaces. • Clear out the clutter. It might be time to say “so long” to that large curio cabinet and the knickknacks within it. Curio and china cabinets used to be de rigueur, but plenty of people now prefer more open and airy dining rooms.

For those who want to keep the cabinet, try decluttering inside to only include the very best display pieces and see if the cabinet can be refinished with paint or a lightly colored stain. • Improve lighting. Make the chandelier the statement piece of the space. Go for a bold color or an innovative design. Then add accessories throughout the space that coordinate with the chandelier.

You don’t have to invest a lot of money in renovations to give your dining space an aweinspiring makeover.

• Add bench seating. Those who need additional seating may not have to get entirely new furniture. Swap out some chairs for benches, which can fit a couple more guests than chairs.

• Create depth with color.

HGTV says that using various shades of the same color in a space can add depth. Coordinate drapes, walls, seat fabrics, and accessories for a cohesive design.

Renovating a dining room doesnʼt require a large investment of time and money.

A few simple steps can give dining spaces a whole new feel without busting homeownersʼ budgets.

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How to appeal a FEMA aid rejection Your #1 Realtor for Results

New Jersey survivors affected by flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida who have registered for disaster assistance may receive a letter from FEMA stating they are ineligible.

However, this might not be the final word.

If an applicant believes FEMAʼs decision was incorrect, they can file an appeal with FEMA. Applicants must appeal initial eligibility determinations within 60 days of the date on their eligibility notification letter.

The first step is for applicants to read their determination letter carefully to understand why FEMA decided the application was “ineligible.” Many times, it could be something as simple as providing missing documents or information. submit extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA may find an applicant ineligible if the following documents are missing:

• Insurance documents: Provide documents from your insurance company that show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits. • Proof of occupancy: Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence by supplying a copy of utility bills, driverʼs license or lease. • Proof of ownership:Provide mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you donʼt have a deed handy, contact your local or county officials about obtaining a copy. • Lost documents: Visit the following website for information on replacing lost documents: usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.

All appeals must be in writing. The appeal letter should explain why the applicant thinks FEMAʼs decision is not correct. When filing an appeal, the submission should also include the applicantʼs full name, applicantʼs FEMA Application Number and Disaster Number, address of the applicantʼs pre-disaster primary residence, and the applicantʼs current phone number and address.

Applicants will receive a decision letter within 90 days of FEMAʼs receipt of your appeal. For more information can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or visit disasterassistance.gov.

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Let caution reign when kids are in the kitchen

Parents go to great lengths to keep their kids safe. From the moment a woman first learns sheʼs pregnant to the day teenagers head off to college, parents make myriad decisions in the name of keeping their children safe.

Homes are safe havens for families, but dangers still lurk around every corner and inside every cabinet. Thatʼs especially true in the kitchen. Real estate professionals often note the importance of kitchens.

According to Realtor.com, kitchen remains the most mentioned room in home listings. Nearly 70 percent of listings on the home buying and selling website mentioned kitchens, while less than 50 percent mentioned bedrooms.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so itʼs no surprise these gathering spaces routinely attract curious kids. Kitchen safety is essential in every home, but itʼs especially important in homes with young children.

The following are some areas of the kitchen where parents can direct their focus as they try to keep their children safe.

Beneath the sink

Many families store cleaning products beneath their kitchen sinks. But that can prove hazardous if parents cannot prevent kids from accessing this area.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, a disproportionate percentage of the millions of poison exposures in the United States each year affect children younger than six. It might be convenient to store cleaning products beneath the kitchen sink, but such products should be kept higher up in cabinets kids cannot reach until theyʼre old enough to know itʼs not safe to ingest these cleaners.

Stoves

Stoves pose a significant safety risk to youngsters, even when theyʼre not in use. When the stove is being used, make sure kids do not go near electric or gas burners, where curious hands may reach up and get burned.

Kids also should be taught to steer clear when their parents are cooking on the stove top, as hot oil from pans can spray out and harm youngsters who arenʼt paying attention. Parents also can install knob covers that prevent curious kids from turning burners on when no one is looking.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers may not seem threatening, but they can pose a safety risk to youngsters. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children should not be allowed to load and unload dishwashers until they are between the ages of seven and nine.

Knives and forks in dishwashers can be sharp, posing a safety risk to curious youngsters. When loading the dishwasher, make sure the blades and prongs of knives and forks are facing downward, and never preload detergent, which can be harmful to kids if ingested.

Always make sure the dishwasher is securely closed when in use so kids cannot open the door and potentially suffer scalding.

Countertops

Cutlery sets kept in blocks on countertops should be stored away from the edge of the counter, ideally along a back wall that kids cannot reach.

In addition, countertop appliances like coffee machines, toasters, blenders, and slow cookers should be kept beyond the reach of young children.

Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, where curious kids can easily find trouble.

Parents can reduce kidsʼrisk for kitchen accidents and injuries with some simple safety strategies.

Little ones in the kitchen can be a recipe for sudden disaster. Go the extra mile and make this room as safe as possible.

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concerns and emergency vehicles access to the townshipʼs first multifamily apartment complex.

Board members recently received a memo from applicant attorney Donna Jennings that detailed previous concerns, how the applicant addressed the concerns and why variances were needed and relevant applicant testimony provided.

The planned inclusionary development, part of the townshipʼs affordable housing settlement, includes seven on-site affordable units and the Planning Board is under deadline to comply with the settlementʼs terms.

If a final decision is not made at the Dec. 1 hearing, Jennings said the applicant would allow a continuation to Dec. 15.

Board attorney Louis Lamatina said he would prepare a response document for planners that would address issues raised by Jennings and let board members know whether he agrees with the explanations and testimony offered by Jennings for approval of the application.

On Nov. 22, Planning Board Secretary Grace Kalish said board members received a 27-page case summary from Jennings and Kalish said that she would post it online under the documents page. It was unclear if and when Lamatinaʼs response would be posted.

Jenningsʼmemo goes over the townshipʼs affordable housing settlement agreement which requires a 44-unit inclusionary housing rental complex with seven affordable units.

The agreement also requires the developer to pay $250,000 to the townshipʼs affordable trust fund in lieu of construction of additional units.

Jenningsʼ memo details the site plan application, subdivision application and bulk variances, approval by outside agencies, and offers a conclusion.

Jennings concludes that should the Planning Board deny the application, “the Township risks losing its immunity from builderʼs remedy lawsuits.”

Jennings states, “The boardʼs review of the site plan application is generally limited to determining whether the Plan conforms to the (settlement) Ordinance and the Board may not request the applicant go above and beyond what is required by the Ordinance. The Board also may not deny the site plan application based upon offsite conditions such as traffic.”

Kalish told us that two additional documents — a letter from nearby resident Darius Oggiono listing 57 points of concern and an emergency services memo from the ambulance corps and police chief detailing concerns — were recently posted under the Franklin Court Management LLC link under the “Planning Documents” page.

In his letter, Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain Robert Rayve voiced concerns about making sure that the complexʼs elevator car size could accommodate a patient stretcher that totals 7 feet long and 3 feet wide.

In his letter, Police Chief Richard Skinner points out that insufficient parking exists due to 89 bedrooms in the planned complex and 90 parking spaces provided.

In addition, should the complexʼs “lounge/party room” be used, even if outside guests are limited, potential parking problems are possible due to a lack of parking onsite and no parking on Van Emburgh Avenue.

Moreover, Skinner notes, “building access and controls should be available for emergency responders.” He cited an apparent lack of an on-site generator to power elevators if a power failure or blackout occurs.

Moreover, the chief noted “a limited sight distance” for cars exiting the complex and making a left turn, and recommended only right turns be allowed when exiting.

Oggioni, of 19 Fillmore Dr., raised 57 issues, including 24 on the multifamily complex/lot; 16 related to Life Safety Concerns; and 17 concerns about two, singlefamily lots/homes. Some concerns listed include: building heights; outdated traffic study; no details of student impacts on school system; and no fire vehicle access to combat a fire on three building sides.

Since hearings began, a host of legal, building code, variance and safety issues have loomed over Franklin Court Management LLCʼs proposal to build a 44-unit apartment complex and two single-family homes off of Van Emburgh Avenue.

The planned development, part of the townshipʼs affordable housing settlement, includes seven on-site affordable units and the Planning Board is under deadline to act to comply with the settlementʼs terms.

The applicantʼs nearly 3.5hour third hearing Nov. 3 focused on variances, fire vehiclesʼaccess, setbacks, stormwater, traffic and a host of criticisms from four adjacent homeowners. The homeowners have appeared at most other hearings to testify against what they allege are the developmentʼs shortcomings.

On Nov. 3, four residents including Dan Sharma, Eric Uderitz, Richard Horwitz, and Darius Oggioni opposed the development, citing dozens of potential negative impacts.

These included loss of privacy, lack of fire vehicle access and fire protection, runoff impacts, improper landscape screening from the development, building height, water pressure, parking, and traffic.

Oggioni read a detailed list of nearly five dozen concerns into the record. A copy is provided under the applicationʼs “Planning Board Documents.”

At the November hearing, Eric Uderitz, a 15-year resident of Filmore Drive, wondered what applicant architect Rob Larsen was referring to earlier when he described the complex as being “contextual” or “commensurate” with nearby homes.

Uderitz questioned the safety of pedestrians needing to walk from the 44 apartment units out onto Van Emburgh Avenue. He said no nearby bus stop exists, and no access to mass transit.

Uderitz said the complex would add traffic to the “dangerous” Van Emburgh AvenueWashington Avenue intersection, add pollution, decrease privacy, and have a negative impact on his property value.

“This is an absolutely egregious and unnecessary development for Washington Township,” Uderitz said then.