9 10 25 WO PB Draft Minutes

5 - Arthur Sheckner spoke in favor because of Daughters of Israel being in need of updates to survive. - Laurence Cohen (Lincoln Avenue) spoke in opposition because of market rates and if there were any zoning exceptions which would prioritize residents to move into the units. - Sejal Ratiajarawala (Kinzel Lane) spoke in opposition because of the congestion of traffic and the effect on the school district. - Jennifer Sharett (Howell Drive) spoke in opposition due to the West Essex Highlands application believing that there was not enough notice. - Marie Robinson (200 Mount Pleasant Avenue) spoke in favor - Mel Valdez (Elm Street) spoke in opposition due to the fact that there was no community input and urged creativity instead of prioritizing developers. Break: 9:30 PM-9:49 PM BOARD QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION - Mayor McCartney said that it is, “just a plan”, not an application and stated further that Pleasant Valley Way was not picked arbitrarily. - L. Kapferer thanked the Pleasant Valley Way residents for voicing their concerns and feels like she is burdened by this decision. - J. Guarino said that he is conflicted. He explained in response to someone’s comments about Rock Spring Country Club not being chosen is due to the arsenic in the soil and that Downtown (Main Street) was not chosen because it is in an area of revenue development. - K. Alper asked for Ms. Gruel to check his math regarding bonus credits. Ms. Gruel said that those credits don’t count until the total has been reached. - J. Cardoza recommended that this be revisited instead of an “Eleventh Hour Review” that, in his opinion, needs to be seen through new lenses. - Councilwoman S. Scarpa said that this needs a revisit with Architects and professionals of that nature. In her opinion redeveloping downtown seems the best option. She also stated that Zoning laws are put into place for a reason and when revisited sometimes problems arise - F. Norborine said that bonus credits are an incentive for abandoned sites and according to what he can understand, the West Orange Housing Rehabilitation Program is seems statistical; that number comes from the census and is accurate. - Chairman R. Bagoff said that school, fire, and police have no methodology for their decisions. He considers Daughters of Israel as a gem, but shouldn’t be the only factor to approve of this. But stated that if we do not adopt a plan,

ol, fire, and police have no methodology for their decisions. He considers Daughters of Israel as a gem, but shouldn’t be the only factor to approve of this. But stated that if we do not adopt a plan, we all lose as a community. Dr. Bagoff suggested that the Planner review the plan in light of the comments made by the public and the Board and that revisions to the plan be considered. He recommended that the decision of the Board be tabled to allow for modifications to the plan based upon the comments made.