March 6, 2019

EXHIBITS A-1: Color photos of interior and exterior of West Orange Library, 46 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, prepared by Heyer, Gruel & Associates. A-2: Aerial photograph of 46 Mt. Pleasant Avenue outlining portion of Block 68, Lot 1 and portion of Municipal Plaza right-of way; prepared by Heyer, Gruel & Associates. DISCUSSION: Susan S. Gruel, PP, Heyer, Gruel & Associates approached the podium and was sworn in under oath. Ms. Gruel stated her professional credentials and was accepted by the Board to be a planner licensed in the State of New Jersey. Ms. Gruel stated the Township Council had authorized the Planning Board to retain her firm, Heyer, Gruel & Associates, to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if the property identified as Block 68, Lot 1, met the criteria for consideration as an area in need of redevelopment. Ms. Gruel gave a brief recapitulation of the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL) governing the redevelopment process. Referring to the 46 Mount Pleasant Redevelopment Study dated February 6, 2019, Ms. Gruel highlighted the key provisions of the study. She stated there were eight (8) criteria used to determine if an area met the statutory requirements to be deemed an area in need of redevelopment. She stated the criteria were identified in the study; only one criterion was necessary to qualify. She stated the study report was prepared specifically to investigate whether the property qualified as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. Ms. Gruel discussed the background information used in preparation of the study, including interviews with Library staff, field inspection of the property, examining existing building department and zoning files, examining existing professional reports prepared for the Library, and research compiled for similar public libraries though out the United States. Ms. Gruel stated the evidence concluded the study area qualified as an area in need of redevelopment under criterion “D”; areas where buildings or improvements which, by reason of dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light and sanitary facilities, excessive land coverage, deleterious land use or obsolete layout, or any combination of these or other factors, are detrimental to the safety, health, morals, or welfare of the community. Ms. Gruel concluded her testimony. The Board

ous land use or obsolete layout, or any combination of these or other factors, are detrimental to the safety, health, morals, or welfare of the community. Ms. Gruel concluded her testimony. The Board questioned Ms. Gruel on her testimony. Chairman Weston asked the Public if they had questions for Ms. Gruel. The following members of the Public approached the lectern to question Ms. Gruel: Harvey Grossman, Esq. Public Advocate Kevin Malanga, Ridge Road, West Orange Loren Svetvilas, Prospect Avenue, West Orange Gerald Sweeney, Oak Bend, West Orange Mark Meyerowitz, Howell Drive, West Orange Rosary Morelli, Ralph Road