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7 is adopted ends up not developing over any existing tree coverage in West Orange, and that we instead look into smarter development and redevelopment of existing properties. - Dave Frescue Verona spoke in opposition and stated the Planning Board has to look for consistency with the master plan for any proposed development. And then, in doing so, looking to weigh the benefits versus the detriments to the town. He wants the Board to please consider what the overall benefit is to the town and to the citizens. - Joe Krakoviak (Grandview Avenue), a member of the Town Council, spoke in favor stating this plan is an improvement, to the extent that it can be an improvement. His first recommendation to the public is to spend as much time as you can allow to learn about the law. Another suggestion is to come to the West Orange application hearings whenever they are here, because that's when you're going to make your voice heard. Last, you need to know what your legislator representative votes for. - Joyce Rudin, a member of the Council, spoke in opposition and does not agree with what her Council colleague said. Ms. Rudin doesn’t want to see this plan being rushed and without considering the needs of the residents and quality of life. She states that two properties, 103 and 1155 Pleasant Valley Way, don't adhere to the 20% affordable mandate of our own town's ordinance. She added that the residents need a nice downtown to support thriving commerce and to showcase our rich history and our diversity. This plan does none of those things. - Michelle Casalino (Valley Way), a member of the Town Council, spoke in opposition due to the difficulties her family members had in finding affordable homes. She states that single-family homes need to be incorporated in this plan. - Seth Weissleder said we need a more balanced and creative approach to meet our housing needs in the town of West Orange. BOARD COMMENTS - Mayor McCartney said from what she heard from public comment, we need to preserve as much as we can, and in many cases, we have always attempted to do that with every application. All of the properties that are in this plan are privately owned. They are all projects that have already come before the planning office to be reviewed. We still do have 22 acres that the township owns on Main Street, behind the Thomas Edison National Historic Park. The board is still looking

ave already come before the planning office to be reviewed. We still do have 22 acres that the township owns on Main Street, behind the Thomas Edison National Historic Park. The board is still looking to put 10 film production studios on 10 of those acres, and the other 10 acres, the Council has already looked at a residential plan, so there is potential for even more development on Main Street with the existing infrastructure that's there and close to transportation, repurposing what's already there. Mayor McCartney added that while we do want to preserve as much as we can, when the sites are not for sale, they're already in the plan as potential development. - L. Kapferer said she appreciates everyone who made the time to come out here and share their thoughts. She thinks it's a very complex issue and appreciates what Mr. Krakoviak said about encouraging us to look at the law and understand it. She echoed what many others have said about encouraging development in the area of Main Street. - Vice Chairman Guarino said that when you talk to the general public, a lot of the people don't understand what affordable housing is. The first thing that comes to their mind is, it's poor people, Section 8 housing, but it's not. To get affordable housing is based on a calculation. It's to make affordable housing and welcome people into our wonderful community. - J. Cardoza thanks the public for coming out, advocating, and making their voices