2025 02 25 Township Resubmission Letter

Township of West Orange February 25, 2025 Page 4 of 11 i) We note that the acoustical report provided by the applicant indicates that the proposed uses will comply with state noise regulations, however the technical nature of the report may be difficult to understand. The applicant should discuss the anticipated sound impacts in as plain and practical terms as possible. Testimony will be provided. ii) The acoustical report recommends that the fence between the restaurants and the residential uses be constructed of two layers of ¾” plywood, while the site plans show a board on board fence with alternating 1”x4” vertical wood slats. The applicant should discuss how the difference in proposed fencing may impact sound attenuation. The Site Plan (Sheet 5 of 23) and Construction Details (Sheet 16 of 23) have been revised to propose a six (6) foot high vinyl sound fence with no gaps as recommended by the acoustical report. i. The proposed garbage dumpster will be located in the southeast corner of the property, 9.4 feet from the rear property line and adjacent to an existing residential lot. The applicant should discuss the methods for collecting garbage, and the anticipated timing and frequency of collection. The trash enclosure was relocated to be 28.9’ from the rear property line. Testimony will be provided regarding the methods of collection and frequency. j. The applicant should address the proposed landscaping for the site. i) Several existing trees along the property lines are proposed to be retained, however it appears that much of the drip line of these trees and likely the root structure will be within the areas of disturbance. The applicant should address the measures that will be taken to protect those trees during construction as they serve as a portion of the proposed buffering between the commercial and residential uses. Minimal details have been provided in the plans. As requested by the Board Engineer, the existing trees along the southern property line are invasive and will be removed. The Demolition and Tree Removal Plan (Sheet 4 of 23) has been revised accordingly. ii) There is no landscaping proposed along the eastern property line, where many existing trees will be removed. There is a narrow space between the existing sidewalk on the property line and the proposed parking areas. The applicant should discuss the potential to include some

ny existing trees will be removed. There is a narrow space between the existing sidewalk on the property line and the proposed parking areas. The applicant should discuss the potential to include some landscaping in this area, and the potential of shifting the proposed retaining wall to create adequate space for plantings. Plantings have been provided along the eastern property line. iii) The applicant should discuss anticipated maintenance of trees and plantings in the rear of the property. There appears to be an existing fence at the property line, and a new fence is also proposed in the area, and some trees are proposed to be planted in between the fences. All invasive species of trees shall be removed from the southern property line as requested by the board engineer and shown on the Demolition and Tree Removal