DWOA_Leon_July

Beyond the individual benefits of the proposed grocery store, this project represents a significant private investment in Main Street and the downtown corridor. Replacing vacant storefronts with a substantial new development demonstrates confidence in the future of the area and can help encourage additional investment in surrounding properties. This type of investment is important as we continue working to strengthen the commercial corridor, reactivate underutilized properties, and create a more active and attractive downtown. The project also represents an opportunity to create new jobs within the downtown corridor. A full- service grocery operation requires employees across a range of positions and skill levels. The DWOA strongly encourages the applicant to prioritize qualified West Orange residents when hiring and to work with local organizations and workforce resources to help connect residents with available positions. Beyond the direct economic benefit of these jobs, employees working downtown also contribute to the daily activity and vitality of the surrounding commercial district. Loading, Deliveries & Parking The application proposes a designated loading area along Main Street that will temporarily utilize four on- street parking spaces during morning delivery hours. While we recognize the importance of considering the impact of loading activity along Main Street, this type of activity is already a regular part of the daily operation of our commercial corridor. We have numerous stores and businesses that routinely receive deliveries of products and supplies from trucks of varying sizes at different times throughout the day. In our view, deliveries associated with the proposed grocery store are consistent with the normal activity of an active commercial district and should not present an unusual burden on Main Street. The temporary use of four on-street spaces during designated morning delivery hours should also be considered in the context of the additional off-street parking being provided as part of the development. We are also mindful of the preschool located nearby and the importance of maintaining safe pedestrian conditions for children and families. We understand that many of the students arrive by bus and that a designated parking and drop-off area is located approximately one block away from the store. Students crossing Main Street are

amilies. We understand that many of the students arrive by bus and that a designated parking and drop-off area is located approximately one block away from the store. Students crossing Main Street are also assisted by a crossing guard. Given these existing measures, we do not believe the proposed development creates an unreasonable conflict with the preschool; however, we support continued coordination to ensure that delivery activity and other site operations do not interfere with student arrival and dismissal times. We also believe the two proposed employee parking spaces along Prospect Place are a good use of this portion of the property. Architectural Design & Streetscape Improvements The proposed design represents a significant improvement over the existing conditions at the site. The architect has taken an approach that considers not only the building itself, but its relationship to Main Street, pedestrians, parking, and the surrounding commercial district. The existing site contains multiple curb cuts, disconnected parking areas and inactive frontage that the architect identifies as obstacles to walkability, pedestrian safety and a cohesive streetscape. We also appreciate the proposed use of pavement art as part of the streetscape design. This creative approach would add visual interest, enhance the pedestrian experience, and introduce a new placemaking element that could help distinguish this portion of Main Street and make it more inviting. pg. 2