April 17, 2014

A-2 — Six photographs A-3 — Architectural plans (3 sheets) dated 11/12/13 A-4— Photo Board A-5 ~ Photoshop photo board A-6— Sign Board Joseph A Vena, Esq., attorney for the applicant, approached the podium. Mr. Vena detailed the application stating that the applicant is proposing to replace a truck depot with a House of Worship. He said that a House of Worship is a conditional use but there are a few conditions that they do not meet and it also requires a few bulk variances. Mr. Vena said that Mr. Ghebremicael will be testifying along with the Engineer, Architect and Planner of this project. Mr. Vena called his first witness. Teskeste Ghebremicael approached the podium and was sworn under oath. Mr. Vena asked Mr. Ghebremicael how long he has been associated with this church; he replied seven (7) years. He listed the different locations that the Church has been utilizing and stated that they have been looking for a permanent location for the past two years. Mr. Ghebremicacl said that they were going to purchase a building on Meeker Street but the property was contaminated and they did not buy it. He said they are currently renting space in the basement of another church and need more space. Mr. Ghebremicael said that there are approximately 80-85 families in the Congregation and even more people attend services at the church on holidays. Mr. Vena asked Mr. Ghebremicael where the members live; he said that most of the members live in West Orange and they want to remain in West Orange. There were no questions for Mr. Ghebremicael from the Board or the Professionals. Chairwoman Gabry asked if any members of the public had any questions for Mr. Ghebremicael; there were none. Mr. Vena called his next witness. Anthony Marucci approached the podium and was sworn under oath. Mr. Marucci stated that he has testified before this Board many times as a licensed Engineer in the State of New Jersey. Chairwoman Gabry stated that the Board has heard his educational and professional background. many times before and accepted him as an expert in Engineering. Mr. Marucci said that he was hired by the applicant to survey the property and presented two sheets of the site plans that were submitted with the application. Chairwoman Gabry asked to have the two sheets of the site plans with the revision date of 12/3/13 marked as Exhibit A-1 for identification. Mr. Marucci

plans that were submitted with the application. Chairwoman Gabry asked to have the two sheets of the site plans with the revision date of 12/3/13 marked as Exhibit A-1 for identification. Mr. Marucci referred to Exhibit A-1 and detailed the property and the existing conditions.