CME Associates Review 1

Ne ASSOCIATES Chairman and Members of the West Orange Township Planning Board dune 26, 2024 Re: West Essex Highlands, LLC (PB 24-01) Our File No. VWRP0179.01 Preliminary & Final Site Plan - Review #1 Page 14 10. 11 12. c. Indicate single or multi-stem trees for proposed ornamental trees, to prevent any confusion, Single stem trees should be indicated by caliper and multi-stem trees by height. d. Provide oak species, a keystone species of our ecosystem. e. PA (American Plum) is not recommended as it is highly susceptible to black knot fungus. f. Correct the common name for AM (Black Chokeberry). g. Specifically indicate a minimum planting height/spread for proposed shrubs. Currently, only container sizes are listed, but many of these species will not be available at these sizes. h. Provide cultivar selections for proposed trees and shrubs, to prevent confusion during construction. i. Ensure shrub and perennial plantings located within parking islands do not exceed 30” at maturity to ensure visibility. Revise the plans to provide a four-season landscape screen around proposed trash enclosures. Currently, the Applicant has provided deciduous shrubs. Revise the plans to shift shrub landscape beds to be a minimum of three (3) feet from edge of curb, to reduce damage from vehicles, snow clearing operations and road salt spray. Review and revise proposed plant material locations, to ensure planting beds are not in conflict with proposed hardscaping. It appears shrubs are proposed across the parking garage entrance at proposed Building C, shrubs are within entrance walkway at proposed Building B, etc. Revise the plans to provide shade trees within the parking lot island and the traffic circle island located in the parking area between proposed Building C and the Clubhouse. Also, shade trees should be provided in lieu of proposed CF (Flowering Dogwood) at the north end of the parking lot between proposed Buildings B and C. Sufficient space is available to support a shade tree, rather than an ornamental tree as proposed. Revise the plans to provide additional native trees to revegetate open areas by the proposed basins. . Revise the plans to shift landscape materials outside of the dog park fence, to reduce damage. Also, benches and/or play equipment should be considered for this space. It appears labels are missing for landscaping in the vicinity

cape materials outside of the dog park fence, to reduce damage. Also, benches and/or play equipment should be considered for this space. It appears labels are missing for landscaping in the vicinity of proposed Building D.2. Provide shade and ornamental trees for this area. S:\West Orange\Planning Board\VWRPO179 01 - West Essex Highlands, Inc\Review #1 06-26-24 docx