May 1, 2024 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

in the container and picked up by a company. Whatever little household refuse there is will be put out at the curb to be picked up by the town. In the existing condition they would need 50 parking spaces, but in the proposed condition they only need 35 parking spaces. Applicant testified they are proposing 25 spaces, so they do have a deficit of 10 spaces. The applicant will comply with all Mr. Hess’s comments from the review memo dated March 25, 2024. There will be no change in emergency access. Recorded easement from 1935 has been provided to the engineer. They will not have to do a stormwater analysis and report because they will not be increasing impervious coverage, but they will be making the drainage system better. Mr. Marucci also provided the planning testimony as follows: The requested variances for minimum side yard, maximum lot coverage and minimum off-street parking spaces satisfy the c (1) criteria as they are pre-existing conditions which are hardships caused by the property. As to the lot coverage, the improvements to the landscaping and curbing will improve the conditions on site. In regards to the variances being requested, the benefit of replacing an old deteriorated building with a new building outweigh any negatives and satisfies the c (2) criteria because the project, as a whole, advance the purpose of the MLUL as it is improving the general welfare, adding parking and upgrading safety systems. It will also be an aesthetic improvement. The benefits of the project outweigh any negatives. The applicant needs 35 parking spaces, but they are proposing only 25 spaces, in which he only needs 14 spaces. In regards to the garages, the trucks are parked in them during the evening but during the day, when the trucks go out, the employees can park in the garage. This is a complete upgrade of the property with the new building, the parking and the landscaping. In his opinion, there's no substantial impairment to the intent and purpose of the zone plan or the zoning ordinance and it is a permitted use. The adjacent uses are the ones that are not conforming with respect to the municipal land use law, but improving this property improves the general welfare and improves safety for the employees that are going to be in the office. BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. Guarino asked if there are any additional emergency exits. Mr. Marucci replied yes; he

e general welfare and improves safety for the employees that are going to be in the office. BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. Guarino asked if there are any additional emergency exits. Mr. Marucci replied yes; he said that they can go through the warehouse since all the buildings are connected it. Mr. Guarino asked if the building that will be demolished has been inspected for any asbestos materials. Mr. Marucci referred the question to Mr. Ench Mr. Guarino asked if there are any brownfield issues. Mr. Marucci deferred to Mr. Ench. Mayor McCartney asked if all of the ingress and egress are going to be on Ashland Ave. and if there any accessibility to White Street or Park Ave. from this site. Mr. Marucci said that there's no access for vehicles to go out the White St. Mr. Alper asked if the EV stalls are going to be active. Mr. Marucci said that they will be available. Mr. Alper asked if they will use a green roof to lower the impervious coverage and decrease the heat island effect. Mr. Marucci deferred the question to Mr. Ench. Mr. Smeraldo asked if there is currently any fire suppression systems or fire alarm