February 5, 2025 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

105 Main Street will be a satellite office for specific procedures until they find a use for 105 Main Street. NO PROFESSIONALS QUESTIONS PUBLIC QUESTIONS Erick Buckley at 8 Edgehill Ct asked per Section 25.241B of the township of West Orange Municipal code, non-conforming use shall not be enlarged or extended, a non- conforming use shall only be changed to conform use and the application is clearly enlarging a non-conforming building which violates the code so if a larger building is approved would it not need to be constructed to conform to the building requirements. Mr. Zeberl said what is permitted in this zone is 2 / stories, they are proposing 3 stories which is in conformance with the surrounding neighborhood and they do meet the height requirement. Lenny Carr asked if they have seen the 6 % foot structure, how far back is it from Llewellyn Park. and the impact it is having on neighbors currently. Mr. Cox said they did take a look at it and they made sure they are not impacting anyone’s privacy on that end. There will also be no impact to the park as they are still building on the existing structure that is there. Lenny Carr asked why there needs to be a third story. Mr. Cox said it is an overall economic play for the town and they will also be participating in giving a low-income unit in that building. Lenny Carr asked have you reached out to the neighbors who this proposed variance is going to directly impact. Mr. Cox said they haven’t spoken to anyone personally but they have sent out letters informing them of the proposal and they are available to speak to individuals. Lenny Carr asked have you given any thoughts to the precedent setting nature if this variance application is approved. Mr. Cox said they are asking for a small variance and they are trying to assist West Orange in beautifying as organically as possible. Donner Uher at 14 Edgehill Rd asked while you were planning and before you bought the building did you stand on the Llewellyn Park side to see how the building impacts my backyard and my neighbors at its current height. Mr. Cox said they are not able to access and drive through the area. GENERAL DISCUSSION PRESENTATION The architect, Jason Peist, entered on the record, he was sworn under oath and his credentials were accepted by the board. He testified to the following: The current building has a dated fagade and

The architect, Jason Peist, entered on the record, he was sworn under oath and his credentials were accepted by the board. He testified to the following: The current building has a dated fagade and style. What they want to do with the building was to try to rehab the facility they had with the intent to improve the overall quality of the building. They are proposing to update the fagade. They want to improve the overall appearance of the structure. They are adding a 3 story with the intent not to exceed the 35 feet which is the height limit for this zone. 2 % stories are the zoning requirements; they are proposing 3. It is very difficult to do a half story on this structure so they need to add that third story in order to improve the building and help with the development of the structure. They are updating the overall look. They are going to be adding some stone, some wood 7