December 3, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

Gianfranco Sarrido, the architect, entered on the record; he was sworn under oath. His credentials were accepted by the board and he testified to the following: Mr. Sarrido presented the proposed exterior building elevations plan, submitted on November 21st, 2025. The building is pre-existing; it has a brick facade. They are trying to match the finished canopy with the existing building. They're closing all the windows on the side since it's a manufacturing facility, they don't need the windows, and they are in very bad shape. The windows on the front of the building, facing Ashland, will remain, but it will be in film, so won't be able to see it through. They are adding an exterior staircase for access to get to the HVAC equipment over the canopy. Nobody would be able to get into that portion of the building except for security. It will be fully closed at all times. Normally, the board would see an application with HVAC equipment on the roof with screening. In this case, the equipment is going on a canopy at a lower level. They are also trying to reduce the visual impact of that equipment, even though it's in the interior of the lot, and nobody can really see it. There was some barbed wire on a fence, but they're removing that. There is already an existing transformer, and they're adding a generator. They will be located in the interior of the site, some considerable distance from the residents. The doors will be pressure controlled so no odor escapes the building. In addition to the doors, other odor mitigation will include a MERV 15 filtration system with carbon filtration as well. There is an acceptable path from the ADA space into the existing building. The entrance is at floor level. BOARD QUESTIONS Councilperson Scarpa asked why the 8 feet fence was originally proposed, was it for security reasons. Mr. Sarrido said they got it down to 6 feet to match what they have existing on-site. Councilperson Scarpa asked if 6 feet is okay from a security perspective. Mr. Sarrido said yes, they have electrified gates. Ms. Apte asked how tall the HVAC units are. Mr. Sarrido said about 50 inches. Ms. Apte asked why a 14-foot enclosure is proposed around the units. Mr. Sarrido said it is for aesthetic purposes to match the building exteriors. Ms. Apte asked where the cannabis waste are going to be stored. Mr. Sarrido said it will be stored in the

und the units. Mr. Sarrido said it is for aesthetic purposes to match the building exteriors. Ms. Apte asked where the cannabis waste are going to be stored. Mr. Sarrido said it will be stored in the delivery room. Ms. Apte asked if the access is only for the employees and the cannabis waste handler, and if there would be a separation between manufactured products and the cannabis waste. Mr. Sarrido said yes to both. Ms. Apte asked if the front of the building would be locked. Mr. Sarrido said it will be used as an emergency exit. Mr. Savage asked how the water that's used in the cultivation is going to be handled and discharged. Mr. Sarrido said reverse osmosis is what they use to treat the water. *The Application has been carried to the next Planning Board regular meeting on January 7, 2026, without further notice* e PB-24-01 West Essex Highlands, Inc