03 Reasons for Relief 3234966 Rev 12 10 2025

1 3234966.2 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, revised December 10, 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, which has been removed, will be replaced with additional parking and associated circulation, thereby increasing the existing total parking supply for the Property (165 spaces) by approximately 11.5%, for a total of 184 parking spaces. Ancillary improvements such as curbing, paving, landscaping, lighting, a 8-foot concrete masonry unit screen wall behind the Main Building, and two new trash enclosures 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 1. § 25-7.1, Table of District Regulations, Part B: Bulk Standards, Attachment 3: The maximum permitted impervious coverage is 60%. Applicant is proposing impervious coverage of 82.1% (a decrease compared to the existing 83.8%). 2. § 25-8.1.a.: Accessory uses are not permitted in the front yard. Applicant proposes parking within a front yard (this modifies existing parking which is already located in the front yard). 1 Based on discussion at the Site Plan Review Advisory Board, Applicant has included in its variance request existing nonconformities which are being improved. Existing nonconformities which are proposed to remain unchanged are not included because they do not require variance relief.