June 4, 2014

were currently 296 surface parking spots; 200 would remain after the construction; a flat-bed truck would not have access, a smaller utility vehicle would be used to tow disabled vehicles from the structure; the height of the new garage would actually be lower than the existing garage. Paul B. Going, P.E., Atlantic Traffic & Design Engineers, Inc., was sworn in, stated his credentials, and was accepted by the Board to be an expert in traffic engineering. Referring to Exhibit A-5, Mr. Going confirmed he had designed the traffic signal plan; he described the existing conditions and the proposed improvements, which included the new westerly driveway and new traffic signal. He said the plan essentially permitted one main traffic signaled driveway entrance in to the site and two traffic signaled driveways exits out of the site. He opined the overall traffic plan was an efficient and safe plan for site ingress and egress and pedestrian traffic. Mr. Klein asked if a pedestrian crosswalk was needed along the new driveway (exit) on Northfield Avenue; were any traffic improvements planned in the vicinity of the gas station across Northfield Avenue; had a traffic study been done to address the increased volume of vehicles exiting the site resulting from a new second means of egress; how would the new exit affect the queuing of traffic on to Northfield Avenue; and would there be improved signage in the area of the “jug-handle” at Northfield and Cherry Lane. Mr. Going said there was an existing crosswalk in the area of the new driveway exit and a pedestrian signal would be installed. There was currently a pedestrian crosswalk across Northfield Avenue in the area of the ingress signal. There would be a stop sign, a right-turn-only sign and signal at the new driveway; vehicles would not be allowed to cross Northfield directly to the gas station; traffic volume had been looked at but the site change was for the number of parking spaces, not the expansion of the site facilities; he opined the queue length was adequate. Chairman Heller asked if the proposed traffic signal would be on a timer; Mr. Going answered in the affirmative; it would be coordinated with the existing signals. Council President McCartney asked if the new traffic light was to be located on Northfield Avenue or at the driveway exit on site; Mr. Going said the traffic signal would be located on

sting signals. Council President McCartney asked if the new traffic light was to be located on Northfield Avenue or at the driveway exit on site; Mr. Going said the traffic signal would be located on Northfield Avenue; a pedestrian crossing signal will be located at the driveway exit. Council President McCartney opined there was excessive road signage on Northfield Avenue commercial properties, however, inadequate site access signage (information) for westbound vehicles traveling on Northfield Avenue. Vehicles needed to know they had to stay to the right to make the jug-handle turn for access to the site long before they traveled to the area of the jug-handle. She asked if it would be possible to synchronize the light at the intersection of Northfield and Pleasant Valley Way to permit left turn on to Cherry Lane. Mr. Fleder indicated that Mr. Varghese could discuss site access signage. Mr. Grygiel asked if the County was aware of recently approved and proposed West Orange development in the area including a new mini-mall and pending Quick Check application currently before the Zoning Board; he asked if the plans had taken the new development into consideration regarding the traffic plan for Northfield Avenue, which was a County road. Mr. Fleder said that Mr. Varghese would be able to address the matter. The Public had no questions for Mr. Going. Sangeev Varghese, Director, Essex County Department of Public Works, was sworn in; he advised the Board he had participated in the design process of the project and was familiar with the plan. He said the project would take approximately ten months to complete. During the construction period, there would be approximately 140 lost surface parking spaces; visitors were expected during the construction period, but if additional parking was needed, visitors would be directed to off-site parking 10 6-4-14 Minutes