172 174 Main Street West Orange Planner Report 9 24 2024

September 25, 2024 Page 10 of 11 PB-24-14 172-174 Main Street Block 89, Lot 6 105 Grove Street, Suite 3, Montclair, NJ 07042 ∙ Phone: (973) 954-2677 ∙ www.NishuaneGroup.com by a ½-story, the linear height remains less than the maximum permitted. In my opinion, the proposed ½-story deviation from the standard will not have a significant adverse impact on the surrounding area nor on the integrity of the B-1 District. § Insufficient Rear Yard Setback – Whereas a minimum rear yard setback of 30-feet is required, the applicant proposes a rear yard setback of 6.54-feet. As indicate earlier, this is an existing nonconforming condition, which currently exists on the subject site and would in all likeliness continue to exist whether the proposed development was undertaken or not. Further, the applicant does not propose any change to the existing footprint of the building as part of this application, as such, this condition will not be exacerbated in any way by the proposed development. § Excessive Lot Coverage – Whereas a maximum lot coverage of 75% is permitted, the applicant proposes a lot coverage of 84.2%. This too is an existing nonconforming condition, which is brought about in large part by the existing asphalt-paved parking area in the front yard of the site. This area covers a substantial part of the site beyond the building itself. It is not apparent whether or not the applicant proposes any work or modification to the parking area, however, it is in need of maintenance and repair. To that end the applicant should repair and restripe the parking area. Additionally, the subject site is now enclosed by a chain-link fence across the street frontage, and a rolling gate across the entry driveway to the parking area. This fence and gate both appear to be in a deteriorated condition. As such the applicant should replace both with a more substantial alternative such as one comprised of tubular steel or similar material. There is also an existing trench drain across the front of the site which is imperative to capture the runoff from the parking area. The applicant should provide testimony confirming that this drain remains operational and free of any obstruction that would impede its flow. Finally, the applicant has not provided any information on the existing exterior lighting on the site, nor has any new lighting been proposed. With the change of use to a

n that would impede its flow. Finally, the applicant has not provided any information on the existing exterior lighting on the site, nor has any new lighting been proposed. With the change of use to a mixed-use, which will now contain residential, the applicant should provide information on the exterior lighting on the site and demonstrate that there is adequate lighting on the walkway surrounding the building as well as in the parking area, to allow for safe use during both day and night hours.