November 1, 2017

Sally Malanga, 57 Ridge Road, was sworn in under oath. She stated she was in favor of modernizing Essex Green and Executive Drive but not with the help of the West Orange taxpayers. She stated the properties did not meet the criteria for redevelopment; it would be a blatant misrepresentation to declare it so. The Board was not just voting on the designation; but also on whether the Council would be issuing tax abatements and redevelopment bonds. It would be a tremendous burden on the taxpayers of West Orange. It was a shameless request for taxpayer dollars. The developers were wealthy; they needed to step up and repair their own properties. The Township needed to take responsibility for the fact they sold the Public Works and Animal Control facilities to yet another developer for which the taxpayers were already footing the bill. Adam Kraemer, 20 Moran Road, was sworn in under oath. He stated he believed the redevelopment was a mistake. The Township had a very small commercial tax base. The properties were large commercial taxpayers and economically viable. He requested the Board vote no. Kevin Malanga, Ridge Road, was sworn in under oath. He stated the area did not need to be declared an Area in Need of Redevelopment. He stated redevelopment meant blight; Essex Green was not blighted. He stated nothing in the report indicated blight. He stated the matter was all about redevelopment bonds and tax abatements. He urged the Board to say no. Rosary Morelli, Ralph Road, was sworn in under oath. She stated the Board should consider tabling the vote to consider if there was a legal issue regarding Mr. Grygiel wearing two hats. Harvey Grossman, Esq., Public Advocate, did not believe the area was an Area in Need of Redevelopment. He stated the report was without merit and should be denied. Loren Svetvilas, 699 Prospect Avenue, was sworn in under oath. He stated it was not the taxpayers fault the area needed updating. He urged the Board to vote no. Roz Moskovitz Bielski, 11 Wedgewood Drive, was sworn in under oath. She stated the area was unsafe for bicyclists. She stated that in 2012, the commercial property she owned with her brother had an approximately 33% vacancy rate and needed upgrading. They spent approximately two-million dollars to renovate and upgrade their investment property; and attracted new and better tenants. She stated it never would have

vacancy rate and needed upgrading. They spent approximately two-million dollars to renovate and upgrade their investment property; and attracted new and better tenants. She stated it never would have occurred to her to approach the Board or Council to designate her properties as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. The Public had no further comments on the presentation. Chairman Bagoff stated the Board would deliberate at the next meeting. He asked Messrs. Dwyer and Grygiel to decide if the financial issues raised were significant and in need of further discussion. He asked the Board if they thought further discussion regarding the finances was required. Mr. Weston suggested some more concrete information other than that obtained by conversations; and also clarification regarding the issue of the Public Notice. Mr. Wilkes stated he would like to hear testimony from the property owners. Chairman Bagoff stated the Board was to email him to request any other information they thought Mr. Grygiel should provide before the next meeting. Mr. Weston stated he was 11