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7 ○ Extensive parking lots interrupting the streetscape. ○ Vacant storefronts creating an uninviting pedestrian environment. ○ Buildings that fail to encourage walking or exploration along Main Street. - He argued these conditions diminish both aesthetics and commercial vitality. - Mr. Mastropietro explained that loading operations at the existing Rite Aid site were difficult. ○ Using photographs and diagrams, he described how large tractor-trailers currently: ■ Require complicated turning movements ■ Occupy multiple traffic lanes while entering the property ■ Need lengthy maneuvering that can take approximately 15 minutes. ■ Cannot easily exit via Irwin Place ■ Cannot safely reverse onto a county road because Essex County prohibits such movements - Mr. Mastropietro discussed "last-mile deliveries," where trucks stop briefly for deliveries. ○ He presented examples showing that delivery vehicles often: ■ Stop in travel lanes, disrupting traffic ■ Park on sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street ■ Ignore existing "No Parking Anytime" restrictions because no practical loading area exists - Mr. Mastropietro emphasized that his practice designs human experiences, not simply buildings. - He contrasted current site conditions with renderings of the proposed redevelopment. - According to him, the project aims to: ○ Significantly improve architectural quality ○ Enhance Main Street's appearance ○ Create a stronger pedestrian-oriented environment - The proposal would replace numerous driveways with: ○ One clearly defined entrance. ○ One clearly defined exit. - A small loading area would be located on Irwin Place for smaller delivery trucks. - Two employee parking spaces would remain separate because: ○ Existing grades create steep slopes ○ The slope is unsuitable for ADA accessibility and shopping carts ○ The proposal lowers portions of the site to improve accessibility - Mr. Mastropietro stated that the design team thoroughly reviewed the township's zoning ordinance and Master Plan - Mr. Mastropietro summarized three goals: ○ Construct a high-quality architectural building suitable for the community ○ Improve customer experience and strengthen Main Street activity ○ Develop an environmentally sustainable ("green") building - Mr. Mastropietro described his design as holistic architecture, focusing on: ○ The building's relationship to its surroundings ○ Pedestrian

Develop an environmentally sustainable ("green") building - Mr. Mastropietro described his design as holistic architecture, focusing on: ○ The building's relationship to its surroundings ○ Pedestrian safety ○ Parking design - He explained that sidewalks are essential public spaces - The building is intended to become a natural extension of the existing streetscape rather than appearing isolated - Consolidating entrances into a single access point: ○ Eliminates multiple curb cuts