December 20, 2018

Ms. Stiles stated that she thinks the Township’s tree ordinance requires that this plan should have been presented to the Township Forester before this meeting. Vice Chairman Neuer stated that it is up to the Township Forester, upon receipt of the tree removal application, to determine if there is enough information in the application to issue the tree removal permit. He said that it is not up to this Board to determine the height and caliper of the trees. Ms. Stiles presented photos that she took on 10/26/18 of trees on the site. Vice Chairman Neuer asked Ms. Stiles if the photos taken by her accurately depict the existing conditions of the site on that day; she replied yes. The photos taken by Ms. Stiles on 10/26/18 were marked as Exhibit’s O-1 and O-2 for identification only. Ms. Stiles asked Mr. Szura to depict on Exhibit A-2 of the site plan the location of the trees in her photos; he complied. Ms. Stiles asked Mr. Szura if their plan is in compliance with the steep slope ordinance; he said that they are in compliance. Ms. Stiles asked Mr. Szura to describe the locations where the trees will be transplanted. Mr. Szura presented an overlay of the site demolition plan, dated 12/20/18, showing where the trees will be transplanted; that plan was marked as Exhibit A-4 for identification. Mr. Szura referred to Exhibit A-4 and detailed proposed locations of the transplanted trees. Vice Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Szura to have Exhibit A-4 color-coded for the next meeting. Michael Brick approached the podium and stated that he lives at 19 Colony Drive West. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if they use the EPA guidelines for the landscape work; he said that they do when it is required or requested. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if they keep the same size islands will the tree growth be stunted; he said no. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if the islands should be bigger so that they could have healthier and larger trees; he said that the trees will be the same size. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura why they are proposing deciduous trees and not evergreens in the islands; he said because evergreens will block lines of sight of drivers. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if evergreen trees have ever been used ina parking lot; he said yes.

Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if they considered putting upright evergreens in the parking lot; he said no. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if they will consider putting upright evergreens in the parking lot; he said no. Mr. Szura said that it is his opinion that they would never use an evergreen in an island because of the negative impacts on visibility. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura why a healthy tree must be removed because of the grading of the site; he said they base it on viability. Mr. Brick asked Mr. Szura if he feels a twenty (20) to thirty (30) foot tree would be better for the environment in the parking lot; he said it depends on the species of the tree. Loren Svetvilas approached the podium and stated that he lives on Prospect Avenue. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if he feels that more of the best practices, in regards to sustainability, should be included in the plans; he said that they are consultants that develop designs based on the goals of their clients that are in compliance with the ordinances of the towns where they work. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if he has designed parking lots the same size as this one; he said yes. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if he is familiar with EPA standards for parking lot designs; he said yes. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if he was part of the team design discussions; he said yes. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if he was asked about irrigation during these discussions; he said not specifically. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if rooftop gardens are being proposed; he said no. Mr. Szura said that there is significant greenspace on the site. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if this plan will reduce pollution; he stated that all he can say is that they are adding more trees to the site. Mr. Svetvilas questioned what happens when the trees that are planted either die or “disappear”. Vice Chairman Neuer reiterated what was said at the last meeting and said that the Board will require a five (5) year maintenance bond for the trees if this application is approved. Mr. Svetvilas asked Mr. Szura if they would be open to receiving a list of the NJ species of “pollinator” plants to review; he said yes. Mr. Eben stated that, in response to one of the questions by a member of the public earlier, it is

his opinion that many of the healthy trees are going to be destroyed due to the reconfiguration of the parking lot; he said that if they had larger islands the trees could be a little taller. Mr. Eben asked Mr. Regan if the applicant would consider bigger islands and less parking spaces; he said he is not sure if the applicant is prepared to do that because parking is a significant issue. Vice Chairman Neuer noted the time and stated that this application will be carried over to the next regular Zoning Board meeting to be held on January 17, 2019 and no further notice will be required. Vice Chairman Neuer stated that Mr. Szura will return at that time to continue answering questions. The meeting was adjourned by at 10:58 pm. LL Adopted: January 17, 2019 if Rose DeSena Zoning Board Secretary