260205_JF_Zoning Response Letter_42 ERW

300 Tice Boulevard Suite 101 Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677 Main: 877 627 3772 VIA UPS/EMAIL February 5, 2026 Diana Chandler, Secretary – dchandler@westorange.org Township of West Orange Zoning Board 66 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052 42 Eagle Ridge Way – Waystone Realty, LLC Block 106, Lot 24.01 Township of West Orange, Essex County, NJ Project No. 24006174A Dear Ms. Chandler, Our office is in receipt of two review letters regarding the above-mentioned project. Below please find our responses to the comments outlined in said letters. The comments have been repeated again for clarity. In addition, please find enclosed six (6) copies of the Steep Slope Disturbance Exhibit (Sheet 1) prepared by our office, dated February 5, 2026, for review. CME Planning Review #1, dated December 16, 2025 a. This planning report is a supplement to the planning reports previously provided to the Board. All comments provided in the previous planning report of the Nishuane Group, dated January 28, 2025, and September 2, 2025, remain valid and should be addressed by the applicant. Response: These comments were addressed previously in a letter prepared by our office, dated July 2, 2025. These comments are repeated below. b. The application as proposed will require two d-1 use variances, to permit a hippotherapy use and an accessory apartment in the R-1 district. The applicant must satisfy both the positive and negative criteria for each of these variances: i. Positive Criteria: The applicant must show that there are special reasons to grant the variance. Special reasons can come in one of three forms: 1) that there is a practical hardship or burden and economic inutility in using the site for one of the permitted uses; 2) that the proposed use is inherently beneficial; or 3) that the proposed use will promote the general welfare by advancing one of the purposes of zoning, and that the site is particularly suitable for the use. Response: Statement of fact, Joseph H. Burgis PP will provide testimony. ii. Negative Criteria: The applicant must show that the variance can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good, and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the zone plan.