September 9, 2015

In response to question from Mr. Klein, Mr. Neuls stated the proposed width of the driveway at the curb would be 27 feet and 25 feet for the length of the driveway to parking lot. Mr. Klein suggested a no-parking marking at the curb at the end of the driveway where it entered the parking lot. Ms. Keller asked if additional landscaping had been considered; Mr. Neuls said that was a question for Mr. Breitman. The Public had no questions for Mr. Neuls. Mr. Steiber called Mr. Breitman to the podium; Vice Chairman Bagoff advised him he was still under oath. Mr. Breitman stated he was employed by Haberman West Orange Corporation; he was the on-site property manager. Mr. Breitman stated the contractor hired to build the retaining wall started the project without securing a building permit. The Building Department and Zoning Official issued stop work order until the issuance of a permit. After reviewing the plan, the Zoning Official determined the height of retaining wall did not require Board approval. Approximately thirty new blue spruce plantings had been installed along the south wall perimeter. He said the current driveway width was inadequate to accommodate the vehicular traffic entering and existing; upon completion of its widening; future plantings would include ten fruit trees and five additional blue spruce. Mr. Gurland suggested a condition of approval the final site plan to indicate the width of the driveway on the South side of the building at three locations - at the Main Street entrance, the southwest corner of the building, and where the driveway met the parking lot. Mr. Steiber said the Applicant would agree to the condition. Mr. Eben stated the property had bothered him for many years. He asked if the entire parking lot was utilized; was there the opportunity to increase the landscaping to one tree for every ten parking spaces. He opined there was virtually no landscaping in the front of the building. He suggested a condition of approval include the Applicant meet with the Board Engineer and the Downtown Alliance to discuss landscaping. Mr. Breitman said the entire lot was not used; there was landscaping in the front of the building. He said meeting with the Engineer and Alliance was acceptable. Mr. Russo asked for clarification regarding the proposed landscaping; would parking spaces be eliminated to add landscaping, or additional

said meeting with the Engineer and Alliance was acceptable. Mr. Russo asked for clarification regarding the proposed landscaping; would parking spaces be eliminated to add landscaping, or additional landscaping installed in the unpaved parking lot areas. He suggested the most distant, unattractive, and unused parking stalls be converted to landscaped areas. Mr. Breitman said new plantings would be installed in the existing green areas where currently devoid of plants or trees. He stated the lot was big; he would try to accommodate converting unused spaces to green areas as per Mr. Russo’s suggestion. Referring to the parking lot, Mr. Klein noted in the upper right-hand corner, there appeared to be two sets of eight tandem parking spaces; he asked for what were they used; who parked there. Mr. Breitman stated the spaces were compliant, they were not often used, but they were utilized. The Applicant had no further testimony.