May 23, 2013

Martin Solomon approached the podium and was sworn under oath. Mr. Solomon stated that he lives at 21 Wessman drive and has lived there for 53 years. He said that he is a member of the Synagogue and is part of the Executive Board. Mr. Solomon stated that he is in favor of the type of fence being installed because it is better than chain link and it will serve its purpose. He said that the reason that it has to have a gate is because many of the members are in wheel chairs and they can only access the property from Wessman Drive; they cannot access it from Pleasant Valley Way. Chairman Never asked if any Board members had any questions for Mr. Solomon; seeing none the Chairman asked Mr. Shoulson for his closing comments. Mr. Shoulson said that the only difference with a 4° fence and a 5’ fence is one foot and it will not impact anything. Ms. Beirne stated that Mr. Merklinger, Zoning Board member, is an employee of the Department of Homeland Security and he wanted to make sure there was no conflict with him hearing this application. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Merklinger if he had anything to do with the grant application; he replied no. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Shoulman if he had objections to Mr, Merklinger hearing this application; Mr. Shoulman replied no. Chairman Neuer stated that he finds serious flaws with the concept of this type of fence adding security. He stated that the bollards they are installing in front of the gate will prevent vehicles from crashing through the fence but a truck will demolish it. Chairman Neuer said Mr. Solomon explained why people on Wessman Drive cannot go the distance to enter on Pleasant Valley Way and he can understand the gate for that reason. He said that the one foot in height is de minimis and he agrees with Mr. Steck that it is an inherently beneficial use. The Chairman stated that he agrees that Homeland Security feels that the Synagogue needs security but the fence is not a great enhancement in security. Chairman Neuer said that he urges the Board to approve. Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Shoulman if the applicant had any objection to striping the area in front of the emergency gate so that no cars park there; Mr. Shoulman said that they have no objection to painting “no parking” in front of the gate as a condition of approval. Ms, Weiss stated that no one in the community is complaining about the fence and that

oulman said that they have no objection to painting “no parking” in front of the gate as a condition of approval. Ms, Weiss stated that no one in the community is complaining about the fence and that she is in favor. She said that she is sad that Houses of Worship would even have to have security fences. Mr. Sussman stated that he agrees with the Chairman. He said that he does not have a problem with the fence however it is a very modest increase in security. Mr. Steinhart stated that no one on this Board has any qualifications to evaluate the quality of a fence. He said that no one in West Orange would want to see the type of fence where the