June 3, 2026 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

calculations, he did not believe sufficient space existed. He would defer to the traffic engineer's expertise. Chairman Bagoff asked whether the applicant was utilizing parking reductions associated with electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Mastropietro confirmed that the project includes five EV charging stations. Those stations are included in the parking calculations. Ms. Kapferer asked whether the proposed driveway entrance aligns directly with Kling Street. Mr. Mastropietro explained yes, the entrance was intentionally aligned across from the intersecting street. The exit was intentionally relocated to reduce conflicts between entering and exiting vehicles. Ms. Kapferer asked about the bicycle rack located near the parking lot entrance. Mr. Mastropietro explained the bike rack occupies an entire parking space. That parking space could not function properly because Township regulations prohibit parking so close to the property line, where maneuvering would interfere with pedestrians. The space instead becomes a rain garden and bicycle parking area. Ms. Kapferer asked how far the proposed on-street loading zone would be from Irwin Place. Mr. Mastropietro stated they had analyzed that distance but did not remember the exact measurement. BOARD COMMENTS Mr. Guarino raises concerns about truck operations o Explained that despite admiring the design, he has significant concerns regarding truck deliveries and parking. © Noted the site's close proximity to the West Orange Community House, which serves approximately 300-350 children daily through preschool and early childhood programs. co Emphasized that the nearby Main Street crosswalk experiences heavy pedestrian traffic, especially children, and that enrollment is expected to increase in the coming school year. Mr. Guarino discusses Main Street traffic ° Explained that several Planning Board members have worked extensively through the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board to calm traffic on Main Street. o Referenced the existing "road diet," reducing Main Street to one travel lane in each direction. o Expressed strong opposition to allowing trucks to park on Main Street. o Explained that vehicles would attempt to drive around stopped trucks while children are crossing, creating unacceptable safety risks despite crossing guards and traffic signals. Council President Scarpa reiterated earlier

s would attempt to drive around stopped trucks while children are crossing, creating unacceptable safety risks despite crossing guards and traffic signals. Council President Scarpa reiterated earlier concerns about pedestrian safety because of: ©. The nearby preschool ° Her own familiarity with the area through Washington School © Blind spots created by nearby side streets connecting to Main Street o Encouraged maximizing tree planting wherever possible Chairman Bagoff mentioned that the Planning Board has encouraged supermarkets and similar businesses to provide benches or seating areas o Suggested: a A bench inside or just outside the building. = Coordinating a jitney stop so senior citizens could be dropped off and picked up conveniently.