These are front porches. (People not used to rowhousing frequently mistake the narrow streets for alleyways.)

Much of central Bound Brook is like a time capsule. These row houses are no exception. They are still standing, and occupied, a block from the train station on E. Second St. at Maiden Lane. And, unlike the snowy day when this picture was taken, as you can see from this Streetview the porches still come in handy as a place to relax on a nice warm day.

"Cocktails on the veranda at 4 p.m. sharp! Prepare to not mingle."

...to the original angle, from Google streetview:

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