February 20, 2014

Mr, Buechler asked Mr. Marucci if on-street parking is permissible in the front of the building on Main Street; he replied yes, Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Marucci if the rear yard is currently grass; he replied yes. Mr. Buechler asked Mr, Marucci what type of material they will be using for the parking lot; he replied asphalt. Mr. Buechler asked Mr, Marucci if they could use a pervious material for the parking lot. Mr. Marucci said that if he means stone then no they cannot use that. He said wheelchairs cannot move on stones. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Marucci if there is a feasible pervious material that they can use; he said that he will talk to Mr. Lepore and ask if there is a safe one. Mr. Sussman asked Mr, Marucci if the entry door from the ramp is raised; he replied no and said the door was flush. Mr. Marucci stated that he will now give his Planning testimony and began detailing the land uses. He said that the property is in an OB-1 zone and is currently used as a two family dwelling. Mr. Marucci said that Mr. O’Reilly’s property is on the south side of the site and he has agreed to give the applicant an easement to provide access to the parking area for them. He referred to the photographs in his Planner’s report describing the surrounding properties and stated that this application is in compliance with the character of the neighborhood, Mr. Marucci said that this application meets the criteria for special reason in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law. He said that there is no land to increase the building size, there is no detriment to the public good and it is compatible to the general area. Chairwoman Gabry asked if any members of the Board had any questions for Mr. Marucci. Mr. Buechler asked Mr, Marucci if he read the report that was submitted by the West Orange Downtown Alliance. Mr. Neuer stated that for this report to be entered as evidence, someone from the Alliance has to be present to testify. Megan Brill, Director of the Downtown Alliance, approached the podium and stated that the Downtown Alliance has concerns about the variances and the handicap ramp being ADA compliant. Mr. Marucci said that he did read the report and he disagrees with their first point in the report regarding new or existing businesses acquiring existing store fronts in the downtown. He said that, in his opinion, he would rather be in his own building rather

s with their first point in the report regarding new or existing businesses acquiring existing store fronts in the downtown. He said that, in his opinion, he would rather be in his own building rather than leasing a space. Mr. Buechler stated that this is the mother’s business and the daughter owns the property, He said that the mother does not own the building. There were no further questions for Mr. Marucci from the Board or the Professionals.