Planning Report

ia] ACS Anderson Consulting Services LLC The topography also creates the steepness of the existing driveway that 23.3% is excessive and difficult to walk up in dry weather. In snowy or wet weather, the navigation of the driveway would be unsafe with the potential for cars to slide out into traffic or pedestrians falling. The desire to improve on this condition causes the need for the a longer driveway starting at a higher grade on Cleveland Terrace to reduce the slope creating the parking area and wall relief required. C-2 Criteria Having the longer driveway with milder slopes is a better alternative to the existing conforming solution Safer with flatter drive which promotes the general welfare of the community. Negative Criteria With West Orange approaching full buildout, the Master Plan indicates that there is a need for creative redevelopment. The variance relief requested allows the flexibility to have a creative solution that improves the safety of the site access. The neighboring house have similar issues with their existing drives, and they have added parking at the street, stairs, and railings to improve site safety. The negative impact of the variance relief request would not be significant as the neighbors all have their unique solution to the property slope problem. The impact is further minimized with appropriate landscaping to soften the appearance and stormwater control to alleviate any drainage concerns. Summary The variances are justified by both the C-1 and C-2 criteria. The slopes onsite create hardship unique to this lot and current driveway slope is dangerous and the general welfare of the immediate community would be advanced with the variance approval for the milder sloped driveway. The benefit of the safer driveway significantly outweighs any detriment created. The variances may be granted without substantial detriment to the Master plan, ordinance, or neighborhood. Anderson Consulting Services LLC 40 Miller Drive, Boonton, NJ 07005 973-975-0703 (O) 973-886-7336 (C) PAndersonpe@gmail.com