West Orange Compiled ZBA Application 5 15 24

• Promoting “energy resources” in the State [N.J. Statue 40:55D-2j]. Purposes in the West Orange Zoning Ordinance are also advanced: • • • Helping to guide and regulate the orderly growth, development, and redevelopment of the Township in accordance with a comprehensive plan and with long-term objectives, interests and welfare of the people Promoting, in the public interest, the utilization of land for its most appropriate purpose. The Station has been in public utility use for many decades. Encouraging coordination of the various public and private procedures and activities shaping land development with a view of lessening the cost of such development and to the more efficient use of land. It is efficient and practical to use land already devoted to public utility use to the maximum extent practical. The improvements will not adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of existing residents, the surrounding area or alter the character of the neighborhood. The character of the neighborhood is not being changed. The deviations are related to the beneficial improvements. The proposed improvements will have de minimus impact or improved impact on the existing site grading, drainage, and lighting. The Station will continue to be an unmanned facility with minimal vehicle volume each week to the site utilizing the existing turnaround area and driveway for parking. The Station will remain a public utility use that serves the public and advance the general welfare in line with the MLUL definition of an inherently beneficial use. The 26kV switchgear and ancillary equipment will not cause any significant visual impact. The improvements would be viewed as an intensification of public utility use and are similar to existing structures at the Station. The Station aesthetics will be enhanced by extensive landscaping at the intersection of Mount Pleasant and Prospect Avenues, as well as a brandnew decorative fence which supports PSE&G’s modern security standards. The new landscaping will be a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees that will be more sustainable, coordinated, and attractive than much of the random landscaping that currently exists. Station security, security, and aesthetics will be improved by the new perimeter fence, all of which promote the public welfare. Any detrimental or negative impacts are outweighed by the positives benefit of promoting safe

rity, and aesthetics will be improved by the new perimeter fence, all of which promote the public welfare. Any detrimental or negative impacts are outweighed by the positives benefit of promoting safe and reliable electric energy, thereby warranting the granting of the d(2) and d(6) variances. The application and requested relief can be granted without material or substantial detriment to the public good. Substantial detriment is defined as damaging the character of the neighborhood. There will be no change to the character of the neighborhood. The public good benefits from electrical improvements that provide greater electric reliability. There will not be any substantial impairment to the intent and purpose of the zone plan or the zoning ordinance since the proposed relief advances the purposes of planning. There will be no injury to the property or improvements of others in the neighborhood. ______________________________________________________________________ 5