October 6, 2021 Adopted Planning Board Minutes

MINUTES TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE PLANNING BOARD REGULAR MEETING DRAFT MEETING MINUTES October 6, 2021 The Township of West Orange Planning Board held its regular meeting on October 6, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. via virtual ZOOM videoconference. Chairman Bagoff called the meeting to order at approximately 7:32PM. He announced that notification of the meeting was given to the Township Clerk, and posted on the Township Bulletin Board, sent to the West Orange Chronicle and the Star Ledger, and posted on the Township’s website calendar. This meeting has been properly noticed to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. No new matters will start after 10:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE © Chairman Bagoff requested all persons stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. ANNOUNCEMENTS e Chairman Bagoff announced that the next Planning Board Regular meeting will be held Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. e Chairman Bagoff announced PB 21-09 Sherwin Williams 217 Main Street will now be heard on November 3, 2021. Applicant will provide new notice to the public for November 3, 2021. ° Chairman Bagoff announced PB 21-10 Altera 769, LLC 769 Northfield Avenue is being carried to a Special Meeting scheduled for October 27, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dr. Robert Bagoff; Mr. Jerry Guarino; Mr. John McNair; Mr. Christopher Morgan, Sr; Mr. William Wilkes; Councilwoman Susan McCartney; Mr. Peter Smeraldo ABSENT: Mr. Lee Klein; Mr. John Hess, Town Engineer ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth D. McPherson III, Esq., Attorney; Paul Grygiel, Town Planner; Diana L. Chandler, Acting Planning Board Secretary; Sarab Thapar, Esq., Public Advocate SWEARING IN: e Mr. Paul Grygiel was sworn in by Mr. McPherson. ¢ Oath of office for Mr. Christopher Morgan, Sr. (Mayor’s Designee) e Mr. Sarabraj Thapar, Esq. was introduced as new Public Advocate.

MINUTES & RESOLUTIONS 9/1/2021 Minutes Motion: Chairman Bagoff Second: Jerry Guarino ADOPTED Bagoff: Y Smeraldo: Y Guarino: ¥ Klein: ABSENT Wilkes: LEFT MTG McCartney: Y MeNair: LEFT MTG yes; absent Resolution: PB 21-08 Sign Pros/ 217 Main Street Block: 116; Lot: 02; Zone: B-1 (Redevelopment Zone) Seeking C1 & C2 Variances for physical features with exceptional situation for new illuminated signage. Motion: Chairman Bagoff Second: Councilwoman McCartney ADOPTED Bagoff: Y Smeraldo: Y Guarino: Y Klein: ABSENT Wilkes: LEFT MTG 8:01 McCartney: Y MeNair: Y yes; absent

Resolution: PB 21-07 C Turtle Back Zoo Amazing Asian Exhibit 560 Northfield Avenue Block: 163; Lot: 1; Zone: R-1 Courtesy Review Turtle Back Zoo Asian Exhibit Expansion Motion: Chairman Bagoff Second: Councilwoman McCartney ADOPTED Bagoff: Y Smeraldo: Y Guarino: Y Klein: ABSENT Wilkes: Y McCartney: Y McNair: ABSENT yes; absent PRESENTATION BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: Mr. Brian Feeney (Chair), Marty Feitlowitz (Vice Chair), Patrick Harshbarger (Principal Historian/Architectural Historian) Mr. Brian Feeney entered on the record and gave introduction of the organization Mr. Patrick Harshbarger was sworn in by Mr. McPherson and accepted as an expert Historian Architect. Mr. Harshbarger presented how Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 315 Main Street (Block 125.05/Lot 1) is classified as a historical landmark. (1907 by Hobart Brown Upjohn with stucco on terracotta construction so parishioners can build themselves. This congregation separated from St. Mark’s parish in 1905. The parsonage and garage are not being considered for landmark status. Are eligible under Criteria C as it speaks to time and neighborhood.) Mr. Harshbarger presented how Williams/McManus/Lehmann House. 122 Main Street (Block 89/Lot 36) is classified as a historical landmark. (1856-57, 1895-96 construction and remodeling of property. Front face of property is Italian Style Gable which has had multiple phases of development. Showed an early map of Llewellyn Park as the “First Suburban Neighborhood”. House was originally built for Margaret Williams, granddaughter of St. Mark’s pastor James Williams. Are eligible under Criteria A as it contributes to events that have made significant contribution and Criteria C for the construction of the building.) Mr. Harshbarger presented how Hedges Block, 46-56 Main Street (Block 69/Lot 28) (the hardware and liquor store) is classified as a historical landmark.( )

° Mr. Harshbarger presented how State Diner, 567 Valley Road (Block 28/Lot 23) is classified as a historical landmark. (Built in 1947. Dinette sized with characteristics of its time of Mid 20" Century. The interior is pristine to resemble a railroad car. Built by the Killman Dining Car Company by Joseph Lombritto in 1928 and son Frank Lombritto replaced with this one in 1947. Eligible under Criteria C for construction and the association with the dinette story.) e Mr. Harshbarger presented how George V. Hecker Carriage House, 36 Ridge Road (Block 80.05/Lot 40.02) is classified as a historical landmark. (Large carriage house with architectural interest, Queen Anne in style with varied siding. Never adapted to other uses. Hecker Family Summer House designed with attributes to the Queen Anne estate. Main House burnt to the ground and supposedly carriage house matched the estate. Are eligible under Criteria C for architectural integrity.) BOARD QUESTIONS e Mr. Jerry Guarino asked if the carriage house is stabilized is there a way for it to collapse and is it livable, currently owned if so, what the intentions are with the property. Mr. Harshbarger answered that it is not immently collapsing and actively moving/shifting. But wants to defer to architect/engineer to check for conditions. As for security, this building is not very secure so someone could break in. Ms. Geniece Gary-Adams was asked to speak on the record and chose not to do so as she has this property in court presently. Mr. Feitlowitz received call approximately 30 years ago by previous owner wanting to rehab the home. e No questions from Councilwoman McCartney but encouraged the Historic Preservation Commission to reach out to Mr. Joe Fagan (Town Historian.) PUBLIC ADVOCATE QUESTIONS e Mr. Thapar asked what the purpose of designating and what can be done (i.e. guidelines). Mr. Feeney said that the exterior of structure be Secretary of the Interior designation will oversight if someone wants to change exterior of the building and a certificate stating work with what will be done. Commission is “here to assist” and protect historic character of building only when demolition permit issued does committee go toe to toe and to prevent. Mr. Thapar asked if resident bought from private owner, would there be a need to appear before the Board? Mr. Feeney said only for exterior to ask for approval, if

mittee go toe to toe and to prevent. Mr. Thapar asked if resident bought from private owner, would there be a need to appear before the Board? Mr. Feeney said only for exterior to ask for approval, if internal no approval is necessary. Mr. Thapar asked what are the benefits of being an owner of property of this caliber. Mr. Feeney said it’s mainly for prestige and pride. Mr. Thapar asked if there was any monetary benefit to owning a property like this. Mr. Feeney said only upon sale. Mr. Thapar followed that question by asking if there was anything with more immediate funds. Mr. Harshbarger said that it could bring a possible Tax credit. Mr. Thapar asked for confirmation that it would only be for improvements. Mr. Feeney answered in the affirmative. Mr. Thapar asked how this would benefit the Township. Mr. Feeney answered that it would give prestige but objective and what makes West Orange the town it is. Mr. Thapar asked if these properties will bring more money to West Orange. Mr.

Marty Feitlowitz said ideally that is the case. Mr. Thapar asked if there was a cost to the Town for this distinction. Mr. Feeney said only that of a bronze plaque. BOARD DISCUSSION Chairman Bagoff recommends taking George V. Hecker Carriage House, 36 Ridge Road (Block 80.05/Lot 40.02) off the list until Construction Official and Zoning Official reviews property as no one is in at the present moment. Safety is the main/biggest thing in his opinion. Councilwoman McCartney said that she truly understands amount of work and appreciates historical aspects of the George V. Hecker Carriage House, 36 Ridge Road (Block 80.05/Lot 40.02) but it is not operational like a diner. With the Zoning Official having this property in court and doesn’t think it’s a good idea to overlay those proceedings. Mr. McPherson suggested presenters to respond. Mr. Feeney said that livability is not part of the criteria or a factor for historical status. Chairman Bagoff reiterated not wanting to overlay proceedings to “throw another” Mr. Guarino said that the George V. Hecker Carriage House, 36 Ridge Road (Block 80.05/Lot 40.02) is a property on Ridge Road which is private. Gives/has no monetary gain, When Zoning Official (Ms. Gary-Adams) cannot speak on it, if someone gets hurt is Planning Board responsible? Mr. McPherson responded in saying that it would be more of a Construction Official and Zoning Official Determination. Mr. Paul Grygiel said that there would be no liability to the Planning Board. Councilwoman McCartney said that she’s unsure if once court has agreed and can take up again what the next steps should be. Chairman Bagoff said that the Commission would not have to represent, they would just have to reappear after litigation has concluded. To hold off on voting for Historical Distinction of the George V. Hecker Carriage House, 36 Ridge Road (Block 80.05/Lot 40.02) until after litigation is concluded for a decision. Motion: Chairman Bagoff Second: Jerry Guarino APPROVED Bagoff: Y Smeraldo: Y Guarino: Y Klein: ABSENT Wilkes: McCartney: Y McNair: Y yes; absent Morgan: Y

PUBLIC COMMENT e Mr. Kevin Malanga (57 Ridge Road) said that he is astonished of the removal of the Hecker house of this distinction. If in litigation, only in regards to painting and anew roof. Spoke directly to Mr. Guarino and said that for him to say Ridge Road is a private road and doesn’t need to be counted is disappointing and this decision of the Planning Board is disappointing. ¢ Ms. Sally Malanga (57 Ridge Road) said that she’s surprised but not at the same time as this decision seems like a personal attack (political) on a public forum by Councilwoman McCartney and Mr. Guarino. That taking this property off the list “is no burden to you, but urge you to reconsider as small minded as it might be”. e Councilwoman McCartney responded stating that we as Board understand significance of property to put on hold because of litigation. To which Mr. Guarino agrees. e Inresponse Chairman Bagoff instructed Mr. McPherson and Ms. Chandler that if litigation ends this property will reappear for the next scheduled regular meeting. e Mr. Feitlowitz asks the Resolution to state that property “not be changed”. To which Chairman Bagoff said that the Board will utilize in accordance with litigation in which Mr. McPherson agreed. Historical Distinction of Hedges Block (46-56 Main Street), Williams/McManus/Lehmann House (122 Main Street), Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (315 Main Street), and State Diner (567 Valley Road) Motion: Chairman Bagoff Second: Jerry Guarino Bagoff: Y Smeraldo: Y Guarino: Y Klein: ABSENT Wilkes: Y McCartney: Y MeNair: Y yes; 7 absent:1 Morgan: Y “West Orange Planning Board is in agreement with Historic Preservation Commission and hereby recommends that the Town Council adopt their recommendations for historic preservation citations for the above structures.” ADJOURNMENT at 8:58P.M. Motion by Chairman Bagof Adopted: November 3, 2021 Acting Board Secretary