Ltr Chandler Requesting Extension 4925

Diana Chandler, Secretary Page Two April 9, 2025 The Applicant is committed to filing for permits and completing this project, but seeks a retroactive 9 month extension of its approvals, pursuant to both West Orange Section 25-48.10 and Section 52(a) of the MLUL. The Applicant’s basis for this extension is three fold. First, uncertain economic conditions related to rising interest rates and construction costs have impacted the economics of the project. Second, there was a fire at 89 Ashland Avenue in December 2024 in the existing (and adjacent) 6 unit structure that has created a need for capital expenditures at this building, and has otherwise delayed the project. And, third, the Applicant purchased an adjacent property (located at 97 Main Street) and has pulled permits to renovate this structure. The principal of the Applicant desires to move forward with the construction work at both sites at the same time. Finally, the Applicant has not ‘slept on its rights.” Since the January 2023 approval, the Applicant has moved forward with the project by completing resolution compliance, including carrying out the required lot consolidation. The Applicant’s principal will testify at the public meeting on this matter that it has engaged the architect to complete the detailed construction drawings and intends to submit for code approvals in the next 60 to 90 days. We are not aware of any changes to the zoning ordinance or any material changes to the neighborhood that have taken place since the approval that would impact the conditions surrounding the prior application/approval. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Very truly yours, Richard §. Schkolnick Richard 8. Schkolnick RSS:lp Enclosure