09 Reasons for Relief 3234966

1 3234966.1 100724-109634 Trader Joe’s East, Inc. 457 Mt. Pleasant Avenue West Orange, New Jersey Block 157, Lot 5 Reasons for Relief Application Form, Section G. – Requirements for Variances, Item 4B) September 17, 2025 Background The project seeks preliminary and final major site plan approval, a soil removal permit, a tree removal and replacement permit, together with “c” variances. The subject property, designated as Block 157, Lot 5 (the “Property”) consists of approximately 3.71 acres and is located within the Township’s B-2 zoning district, which permits Retail Stores and multiple principal uses. Applicant proposes to refit and reoccupy approximately 18,767 square feet of existing tenant space within the approximately 29,187 square foot, one-story commercial building (“Main Building”) for use as a Trader Joe’s Retail Store. In connection therewith, the approximately 8,980 square foot “Metropolitan Plan Exchange” greenhouse sales area to the west will be removed and replaced with additional parking and associated circulation, thereby increasing the existing total parking supply for the Property (165 spaces) by approximately 13%, for a total of 187 parking spaces. Ancillary improvements such as curbing, paving, landscaping, lighting, a 8’ concrete masonry unit screen wall behind the Main Building and a 10’ x 10’ trash enclosure are also proposed, as is new signage. This application requires bulk or “c” variance relief from the specified code sections to permit the following proposed conditions: 1. § 25-8.4(d): In all nonresidential districts, a fence or wall to be used for screening may not exceed six feet in height. Applicant is proposing a 8’ high screen wall. 2. § 25-14.3: A minimum illumination of 2.0 foot-candle levels are required within B-2 Zone Parking Areas. Applicant is proposing 0.6 foot-candle levels within the site’s parking areas. 3. § 25-14.4.l: A maximum canopy projection of 6’-0” is permitted. Applicant is proposing a canopy projection of 8’-7”, including a canopy-mounted sign (the existing canopy projects 8”-0”, so the increase is solely due to the sign). 4. § 25-14.4.l: The maximum canopy sign height is 8”. Applicant proposes a canopy sign height of 1’-6”.