June 3, 2026 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

o Explained that this arrangement avoids trucks crossing pedestrian sidewalks during loading. © Acknowledged the disadvantage that approximately four on-street parking spaces would need to be reserved during weekday morning delivery hours (roughly 8:00 a.m. to noon). © Explained that trucks would simply pull alongside the curb, unload for approximately 20 minutes, and depart without encroaching into opposing traffic lanes or performing complicated maneuvers. - Clarified that the project also includes a second loading area for smaller delivery trucks (SU-40 size). - These smaller trucks belong to the owner's supermarket operations, can use the internal loading space via Irwin Place, and may remain on-site longer than the 20-30 minute deliveries. BOARD QUESTIONS - Mr. Guarino asked whether deliveries could instead be moved to the rear of the building. Mr. Mastropietro said they did consider that option. Deferred detailed analysis to the project's traffic engineer. Explained that Irwin Place is a very narrow street and that the required delivery trucks carinot'safely negotiate the necessary turning movements without creating additional complications. - _ Mr. Guarino asked whether the proposed streetscape improvements had been discussed with Essex County because county approval would ultimately be required. Mr. Mastropietro confirmed the team met with Essex County officials. Explained no formal application has yet been submitted because County review will occur after Planning Board approval. - Mr. Guarino asked whether the bollards would be illuminated in a way that would avoid distracting drivers. Mr. Mastropietro responded that lighting would be directed downward and would not be distracting. - Mayor McCartney asked for clarification regarding the proposed on-street loading zone, wanting to confirm whether four parking spaces would be reserved from approximately 7:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday (or a similar schedule), or whether the truck itself would occupy the space only for a 20-30 minute delivery. Mr. Mastropietro confirmed it will be reserved 7:00 a.m. to noon because the arrival time of the truck is unpredictable. The delivery truck itself would generally remain only about 20-30 minutes. - Council president Scarpa asked whether outdoor seating could be incorporated. Mr. Mastropietro responded they had discussed possibly providing seating

uld generally remain only about 20-30 minutes. - Council president Scarpa asked whether outdoor seating could be incorporated. Mr. Mastropietro responded they had discussed possibly providing seating on the mezzanine level. Outdoor seating at ground level is difficult because of parking requirements. If the Planning Board desired outdoor seating, the applicant could consider sacrificing additional parking spaces. - Mr. Alper asked whether reducing the required parking, if the second-floor storage were excluded from parking calculations and protected through deed restrictions, might make it possible to relocate truck loading entirely onto the site. Mr. Mastropietro responded this issue would be more appropriately addressed by the traffic engineer. Their analysis concluded that on-site truck loading would still require trucks to back onto a county road when exiting. - Mr. Alper suggested another possibility if parking requirements decreased sufficiently, perhaps the building footprint could shift enough to allow large trucks to enter from the side street rather than Main Street. Mr. Mastropietro replied that based on his own