August 17, 2023 Regular Meeting

BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. W.M. Barbee asked who deemed the tree unhealthy. Mr. Colton-Max referenced Mr. S. Majewski’s letter stating such. Mr. B.D. Scott said that he did not want to take down a healthy tree and suggested replacing it with shrubbery. Mr. Colton-Max answered that it is not part of their plan, but thanked him for the suggestion. Mr. I. Schwarzbaum asked if the tree trunk was blocking the view of people driving. Mr. Colton-Max said yes. NO PROFESSIONALS QUESTIONS PUBLIC QUESTIONS Ms. Zasah Khademi (4 Dawes Ave.) asked if residents have complained about the colors of the sign. Mr. Colton-Max answered no. Mr. Kevin Malanga (Ridge Road) asked if Mr. Colton-Max knew what “Suckers on the trunk of a tree” means. Mr. Colton-Max said no. Mr. Malanga asked if he knew who owned the tree. Mr. Colton-Max said that he assumed that Daughters of Israel Geriatric Services Urban Renewal, Inc. does. Mr. Robert Rashkes (35 Oakcrest Road) asked about the driveway plan for 750 Northfield Avenue. Mr. Colton-Max opined that the driveway is unrelated to this application. Mr. John Hess left the meeting at 10:16 p.m. PRESENTATION Mr. Steve Majewski, Architect, was sworn under oath and was accepted as an expert in the field of Architecture. Mr. Majewski opined to say that the tree belongs to the Township of West Orange. Mr. Majewski, in regard to the composition and location of the existing and proposed signs, testified that: - the existing sign currently measures 3' by 2'10" and sits atop a 2'3" pylon; - the proposed sign would measure 4'7" by 2'6" (11.46 square feet), sit atop a 1'8" masonry base, and feature additional outer framing; - the proposed sign would pose the same setback from the Northfield Avenue sidewalk of 10' and the same setback from the Property's eastern boundary of 30'3", and be internally illuminated; - setting the proposed sign back 40' from the Northfield Avenue sidewalk would be impractical because the view of the proposed sign would be blocked by both a nearby bus stop, situated to the west, and existing improvements on Lot 15; and - the presence of the tree in question obscures the existing sign and keeping it would make it more difficult to see the proposed sign as well. Mr. Majewski, regarding the Applicant's proposed landscaping, testified that: - the Applicant proposes to remove the shrubbery that surrounds the existing

difficult to see the proposed sign as well. Mr. Majewski, regarding the Applicant's proposed landscaping, testified that: - the Applicant proposes to remove the shrubbery that surrounds the existing sign; - the base of the proposed sign would be constructed of aesthetically pleasing masonry that the Applicant may decide to surround with flowers; - the Tree appeared to be in poor condition when observed in May of 2023; and is 24" in diameter. He believes that it belongs to the Township of West Orange because of its location from the sidewalk.