Application Package

WHEREAS, The Board of Adjustment, after due notice and compliance with all jurisdictional requirements of the Laws of the State of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of West Orange and after carefully reviewing the evidence of the applicant and general public, at a public hearing held on December 19, 1991, have made the following factual findings: 1. In March of 1987, the Board of Adjustment granted a use variance permitting a portion of the subject premises to be utilized as a Skin, Electrolysis, and Nail Care establishment. Subsequent to the said business closing, the premises was leased and utilized as an office service establishment and a collectors shop, specializing in sports trading cards. As of October of 1990, the premises was vacant until the subject business was open in the summer of 1991. 2. Since August of 1991, the premises was operated as a dress shop which is opened to the public, publicly advertised, and specializes in the retail trade of merchandise, particularly formal dress and accessories for female children through pre-teen. This use is separate and distinct from that granted by use variance in March of 1987. 3. The retail store proposed, currently exists in the basement of the structure. The other uses in the edifice are office for a certified public accountant, office for a professional entertainment booking services and one residential dwelling unit. 4. The site exists in an OB-1 Zone and is bordered by Bl and R3 Zones. A mix of businesses, residential, commercial and office activities currently exist in the area and therefore the proposed use would be in character with the surrounding neighborhood. 5. The applicants pose the utilization of approximately 20% of the useable square footage of the structure, limited to the basement level of the edifice. This particular portion of the building is particularly suited for the retail use as proposed, constituting a more efficient and practical means of use than is permitted by the current zone.