2023 06 West Orange EIS

1. Introduction This Environmental Impact Statement was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the West Orange Township Land Use Ordinance in support of a Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan application for a proposed Popeyes restaurant and Sonic restaurant on Block 153, Lot 38 in the Township of West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey (hereafter “the site”). The site consists of 45,713 SF (1.047 Ac), and is occupied by a vacant 1-story building which was previously used as a restaurant. The purpose of this Environmental Impact Statement is to summarize, highlight, or otherwise qualify the extent to which the proposed development will have an impact on the existing site and surrounding areas. 2. Project Description The site is located at 470 Eagle Rock Avenue (CR 611) and also contains frontage along Rosney Terrace. The site is currently is occupied by a vacant 1-story building which was previously used as a restaurant. Surrounding properties include: • North: Eagle Rock Avenue • East: Vacated Fundus Road right-of-way with adjacent commercial uses • South: Existing residential uses within a commercial zone • West: Rosney Terrace According to the Township of West Orange Zoning Map, the site is located within the B-2 (General Business) Zone. The proposed development consists of a 2,525 SF Popeyes restaurant and a 1,484 SF Sonic restaurant. Both restaurants will have a drive-thru. The Sonic also proposes an outdoor seating area of approximately 433 SF. Additional improvements will include parking, driveways, signage, lighting, landscaping, grading, walkways, utilities, stormwater management facilities, and other associated items as shown on the accompanying site plan drawings. 3. Existing Conditions A. Vegetation The subject site is currently developed with a vacant restaurant and parking lot. A tree survey was conducted by Dynamic Engineering Consultants, PC, and thirty-three (33) existing trees were found to be within the proposed limit of disturbance area around the Environmental Impact Statement 1 June 2023 DEC #1021-99-025