PB-21-01 West Orange Plaza Block: 152.01 Lot 1445 & 1445.05

WHEREAS, representatives of the public asked questions of the witnesses and had an opportunity to offer testimony and evidence in regard to the application; and WHEREAS, the Board reviewed and considered the application, testimony and documents submitted therewith (including but not limited to amendments to the site plans, landscape plans and the Wall Sign Chart Amendment dated August 2, 2023); and WHEREAS, the Board considered the reports of these professionals, as well as the report from the West Orange Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board, Forester’s report dated October 24, 2023, Township Engineer (John Hess) report dated June 7, 2023, Township Planner (Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP) report dated June 22, 2023, and the Board also considered the input of professionals John Hess, PE Township Engineer, Paul Grygiel, AICP, PP, Township and of Doug Rohmeyer, PE, professional engineer at the hearings; and WHEREAS, the Board also reviewed the report from Peter Steck, PP, a professional planner called by Kevin Malanga, Esq., who objected to the application, and heard the testimony of Mr. Steck during the hearing and reviewed the memorandum from Gregory Meese, Esq., in response to Mr. Steck’s report; and NOW THEREFORE, the Board makes the following findings of fact, based upon the evidence presented at its public hearing, at which a record was made: 1. The Applicant is requesting preliminary and final site plan approval with variance relief to renovate and expand the existing West Orange Plaza Shopping Center which will include the construction of three new buildings, plus the enlargement of the existing Verizon building; proposed modifications to the existing “Mavis” Building B-5; plus modifications to the main building to improve the entrance to the proposed Target store