April 3, 2019

Susan S. Gruel, PP, Heyer, Gruel & Associates approached the lectern and was sworn in under oath. Ms. Gruel stated her professional credentials and was accepted by the Board to be a professional planner licensed in the State of New Jersey. Referring to the draft Essex Green-Executive Drive Redevelopment Plan dated February 18, 2019 and Exhibits A-1, A-2 and A-3, Ms. Gruel stated the area was designated an Area in Need of Redevelopment in January, 2018. Ms. Gruel briefly described the designated area; it included five parcels totaling approximately 62 acres; three of the parcels were developed with office buildings and two parcels comprised the Essex Green Shopping Center. Ms. Gruel stated steep slopes encumbered much of the area. Ms. Gruel gave a brief recapitulation of the statuary requirements of a redevelopment plan per the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL). She stated a redevelopment plan was essentially a hybrid between a Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance. She stated the existing zones in the area included OB-1 and P-C. She stated the draft plan proposed an overlay zone; the goal was to create a mixed-use hub of activity. She stated the proposed plan anticipated some of the properties would be set aside for up to 425 multi-family housing units including affordable housing units, some would remain office space, and some would be developed for possible municipal uses including a library. Ms. Gruel gave a brief recapitulation of the goals and objectives outlined in the proposed redevelopment plan. Referring to Exhibit A-2, Ms. Gruel stated the draft plan proposed four (4) different land use districts; Executive Drive Multifamily Residential, Rooney Circle Mixed Use, 10 Rooney Circle Office/Municipal Use, and Essex Green Shopping Center. Ms. Gruel gave a brief recapitulation of the standards applicable to all districts, and described the additional standards associated with the proposed zoning. Ms. Gruel gave a brief summary of site plan design standards, sustainability plan, circulation plan, objective of the Township’s Master Plan, and administrative and procedural requirements associated with adopting the Redevelopment Plan. Ms. Gruel concluded her testimony. The Board and Mr. Grygiel questioned Ms. Gruel on her testimony. The Board and Mr. Grygiel discussed potential revisions to the draft redevelopment plan and issues to consider when a future

estimony. The Board and Mr. Grygiel questioned Ms. Gruel on her testimony. The Board and Mr. Grygiel discussed potential revisions to the draft redevelopment plan and issues to consider when a future designated developer submitted a site plan for development. Chairman Weston stated deliberation would continue after a brief recess. He requested Application PB-19-01/44 Washington Street, scheduled for this hearing be carried to the May 1, 2019 regular meeting. Lawrence Cutalo, Esq., attorney for Applicant, gave his consent to continue to the May meeting. Chairman Weston announced a brief recess at approximately 9:00 P.M. He reconvened the meeting at approximately 9:12 P.M. Mr. Hess left the meeting at approximately 9:13 P.M. Mr. Grygiel advised the Board they had the authority to request revisions to the proposed plan before sending a final recommendation to the Township Council. Harvey Grossman, Esq., Public Advocate, 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: Linda Stiles, Jones Place, West Orange