January 7, 2026, Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

addition of trees. Mr. Lam said yes, they are. Mayor McCartney asked if they are aware of the noise ordinance regarding the trash collection in the morning. Mr. Geneslaw said they are aware and confirmed they will comply with the ordinance. PROFESSIONAL QUESTIONS Mr. Jordan asked in the case of a flood event, what mitigation set in place. Mr. Lam said floodwaters would affect the entire parking lot similarly under existing conditions. Mr. Jordan asked if they would be willing to provide the colored rendering of the steep slopes as a condition of the approval. Mr. Lam said yes. PUBLIC QUESTIONS Robert Rashkes at 35 Oak Crest Rd asked if there will be designated bus drop-off areas for senior transportation, and if there will be benches outside the store for seniors waiting for buses. Mr. Lam said no benches are currently proposed, but are willing to add benches if required by the board. A designated drop-off area could be accommodated, PRESENTATION The architect, Jeffrey Taylor, entered on the record; he was sworn under oath. His credentials were accepted by the board and he testified to the following: Mr. Taylor presented Exhibit A3 Sheet A101A, a proposed floor plan, dated January 6, 2026. The architect described the renovation of the former Metropolitan Plant Exchange and adjacent karate studio spaces. The fagade will be significantly upgraded. The entire storefront will be replaced with new insulated glass and aluminum framing. The entire shopping center facade will be refinished Major architectural changes include: © Trader Joe’s will occupy both spaces combined. © The building interior will be completely renovated. © Only the exterior walls and roof will remain. There will be key internal spaces: © Main sales area Beverage cooler Reserve freezer Produce cooler Back-of-house storage and operations °o Mezzanine for mechanical equipment Interior upgrades include: © New finishes o New mechanical systems © New electrical systems o New HVAC systems Because the building has a barrel-vault truss roof, most equipment will be located inside rather than on the roof. Delivery trucks will back into a screened loading area. The loading zone will be surrounded by an 8-foot concrete block wall. A canopy will cover the loading area to protect goods from the weather. Trader Joe’s will have an indoor refrigerated trash room. This design prevents: oo0°0