470 Eagle Planning Report 8 2 24

JUSTIFICATIONS OF VARIANCES DR Project no.:12210-001 PROPOSED MIXED COMMERICAL DEVELOPMENT August 02, 2024 470 EAGLE ROCK AVENUE (BLOCK 153, LOT 38) TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY Page 8 of 10 Loading Space: The ordinance requires the proposed project to provide one off-street loading space for the proposed uses. The current site plan does not provide a dedicated, striped loading space on the property but accommodates the off-street loading of the relevant truck model as made evident on sheet 19 of the Civil Site Plans, wherein circulation movements for a large delivery truck are provided. The delivery vehicle will not prevent the remainder of the site circulation from being functional in any way other than a temporary disruption to the front yard parking spaces. Both driveways will still be accessible and operable while any type of delivery overlaps business hours. Vehicles will still be able to access ample parking spaces (40 of the proposed 50) and the drive- thru lane. The site circulation meets the intent of the requirement by providing the ability to accommodate safe and efficient deliveries entirely off-street while maintaining site operations for patrons of the business. Tree Replacement Requirements: The Township recently (June 2024) adopted new tree replacement standards in relation the to removal of on-site tree canopy. The Project Engineer (Dynamic Engineering) has provided the following analysis of the proposed tree replacement • 50% of the tree canopy of a developed lot shall be preserved (Existing “canopy” is limited to perimeter landscaping as the majority of the site is occupied by surface parking) Project preserves 12 out of 45 total (26%) • Existing Trees 4”-6” must be replaced with one 2.5” tree Project proposes 11 to be removed • Existing Trees 6”-13” must be replaced with either two 4” trees or four 2.5” trees Project proposes 17 to be removed • Existing Trees 13”-22” must be replaced with either three 4” trees or six 2.5” trees Project proposes 5 to be removed The resulting requirement per the new standards is a replacement of (109) 2.5” caliper trees OR (49) 4” caliper trees and (11) 2.5” caliper trees. The current plans propose 42 trees and therefore the proposed project does not meet the new requirements. The Project Engineer will work with the Township to identify eligible properties elsewhere in the Township for

s propose 42 trees and therefore the proposed project does not meet the new requirements. The Project Engineer will work with the Township to identify eligible properties elsewhere in the Township for replacement trees as required and will provide testimony as to the details of the final arrangement agreed upon with Township professionals. The inability to meet the new requirements is in large part due to the projects reuse of the overall existing site conditions wherein the majority of the existing surface parking area will be maintained and restriped, and therefore minimal space is available to accommodate shade trees onsite. The project does propose an increase in the size and substantial improvement to the overall