2025 09 08 Township Resubmission Letter

Township of West Orange September 8, 2025 Page 4 of 8 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 regarding the Acoustical Report. 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 revised plans now show a solid vinyl fence, and the revised acoustical report reflects this. The report no longer recommends the plywood. The applicant should address the reasoning behind this revision. Testimony was provided regarding the revision to solid vinyl fence. Additional testimony will be provided by the acoustical expert regarding the proposed noise buffering. i. The applicant should discuss the methods for collecting garbage, and the anticipated timing and frequency of collection. The proposed location of the dumpsters has shifted to be 28.9 feet from the property line. Testimony was provided regarding the proposed methods for trash collection. 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. Testimony was provided regarding the existing trees. 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 landscaping in this area, and the potential of shifting the proposed retaining wall to create

e 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. A row of switch grass is now proposed between the parking and the ROW. Information. No response required.