DWOA_Leon_July

The proposal brings the building to the corner and consolidates access to the parking area, creating a more defined street edge and reducing the number of vehicle-pedestrian conflict points. We agree with the architect's goal to create a more active and inviting Main Street frontage and encourage pedestrian activity rather than have the property function primarily as a parking lot. The building placement and fagade treatments are intended to encourage foot traffic and help make this area a destination rather than a drive-through zone. Sustainability & Site Improvements The project also incorporates a substantial number of environmental and sustainability features. These include a solar-ready roof, high-reflectivity white roof, skylights for natural daylighting, rain gardens, permeable paving, low-flow plumbing fixtures, increased open space, native trees, EV parking anda bicycle rack. The rain gardens and permeable surfaces are intended to improve on-site stormwater management, while the additional trees will provide shade and contribute to the Main Street tree canopy. Given the site's proximity to residential properties, we also believe appropriate landscaping and tree buffers are important to provide screening and help minimize the impact of the commercial use on neighboring homes. While the proposed green elements are encouraging, detailed testimony regarding the landscaping and buffering plan has not yet been presented. We look forward to reviewing that portion of the application and would encourage a thoughtful landscape plan that provides an appropriate transition between the commercial property and the surrounding residential neighborhood. DWOA Support & Conclusion Overall, the DWOA is supportive of the proposed application and believes the Leon Marketplace represents the type of significant private investment and redevelopment we have been working to encourage along the downtown corridor. The project will reactivate vacant commercial properties, introduce a much-needed full-service grocery store, create new employment opportunities, improve the physical appearance and pedestrian experience of the site, and bring consistent daily activity to this portion of Main Street. We look forward to the remaining testimony and the comments and recommendations of the Planning Board and its professionals. We encourage the applicant to continue working with

ortion of Main Street. We look forward to the remaining testimony and the comments and recommendations of the Planning Board and its professionals. We encourage the applicant to continue working with the Board and Township professionals to address any outstanding issues while preserving the elements of the project that provide meaningful economic, community, and streetscape benefits to Downtown West Orange. Respectfully submitted “a Meg Brill Executive Director, Downtown West Orange Alliance Downtown@westorange.org 973.325.4109 pg. 3