February 5, 2025 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

Klein: Hy, Mayor McCartney: Y PB-24-14 172-174 Main Street LLC Block: 83 Lot: 1&5.01 Zone: B-1 172-174 Main Street The applicant, 172-174 Main Street, LLC, proposes to construct a 3rd floor addition to an existing 2- story building and convert the building to a mixed-use building. The proposed mixed-use building will contain 2,824-SF of office space on the Ist floor and a total of seven (7) residential units on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Additionally, twenty-six (26) existing on-site parking spaces will also be provided. PRESENTATION The attorney for the applicant, Tyler Zeberl, states the applicant is proposing to add a 3 story addition to an existing 2 story commercial property which is a conditional use within the B1 zone. The applicant is seeking C variances relief for 2 existing non comforting bulk variances, rear yard setback, and site coverage. The applicant is also seeking C variances relief for the 3 story where 2 2 are permitted although they do meet the height requirement The applicant representative, Maurice Cox, entered on the record, he was sworn under oath. He testified to the following: Mr. Cox is a local to West Orange, has done various projects in West Orange and owns a medical practice on 105 Main Street that serves the community. This opportunity was presented to him to rehabilitate a building that was in bad condition. This building will house a large facility, True Ally Medical, which serves the community and any other business as seem fit. The proposed use on the ground floor has 2 office spaces, one of which will be occupied by his existing business and the other will be a dedicated office space. BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. Guarino asked what would you say are the conditions that are in bad shape, is it structural. Mr. Cox said structurally the building is perfect. The fagade right now is not very good, it's falling apart, the parking is also falling apart, and the sideway has two existing trees that is creating a hazard to the sidewalk. The sidewalk is also currently uneven which they will level out and have a nice bush coverage so they could beautify the neighborhood as well. Mr. Guarino asked if the building has a water issue in the basement; if there is a basement. Mr. Cox said no, there is no basement. There is just a mechanical room and the building is extremely solid, it was concrete built. Mr. Guarino asked is the electrical

asement; if there is a basement. Mr. Cox said no, there is no basement. There is just a mechanical room and the building is extremely solid, it was concrete built. Mr. Guarino asked is the electrical and HVAC still in working condition. Mr. Cox said everything was in working condition but when they bought the building, they removed everything from the building to start doing the renovations. Mr. Guarino asked can this building absorb the weight of an additional floor on top. Mr. Cox said yes. Mayor McCartney asked is True Ally moving out of 105 Main into this building or are they setting up a second office. Mr. Cox said no, they will be moving into the building.