Supporting Documentation · Sep 2, 2026
6 10 26 WO PB Draft Minutes
a5c481db718ff7e6b633b4a42d8c250a942c74d9249ac184cc1b5ddc4da63144Indexed text · page 14
Show all pages14 and how the project would avoid creating problems for the culvert. Mr. Jarmel identifies the culvert on drawing SD101 and explains that it runs underneath the building. Mr. Jarmel states that the building has been laid out with constructability in mind. Mr. Jarmel says the design team has been careful to ensure that no building columns land directly on the culvert or in close proximity to it. Mr. Jarmel does not recall the exact depth of the culvert but knows that it is a concrete structure. He believes it was designed to support the vehicle loads that have existed over the culvert for many years and that the proposed project would not substantially change those loads. - Mr. MacNeill asks that Mr. Faccino later provide testimony regarding what would happen if the culvert failed or required repairs beneath portions of the building. Ms. Moore agrees and notes that the applicant had previously had the culvert tested and could provide additional testimony regarding its condition. BOARD COMMENTS - Council President Scarpa says the overall project looks very industrial and expresses concern that residents who moved to the community wanted a suburban environment. - She says the large sidewalks are positive and wants the project to maintain the suburban character of the area. - Council President Scarpa emphasizes that the landscaping needs to provide a substantial screen for nearby residents. - She says the residents do not want the project to look like Orange or Newark. - She wants substantial, mature trees rather than small saplings that could take many years to grow. - She specifically wants screening both in front of and behind the building to preserve the suburban feel of the community. ○ Mr. Jarmel explains that the proposed landscaping includes a combination of tree types. ○ Ms. Moore notes that questions concerning the precise landscaping, tree replacement, buffers, and compliance with the landscaping ordinance are better addressed by the civil engineer and landscape-related testimony. - Council President Scarpa reiterates that the residents want the project to maintain the character of West Orange. ○ Ms. Moore says the project includes sufficient landscaping and that the rendering shows a residential rather than industrial building. ○ Mr. Jarmel explains that the design is intended to be appropriate for a suburban community. - Council President Scarpa
ing and that the rendering shows a residential rather than industrial building. ○ Mr. Jarmel explains that the design is intended to be appropriate for a suburban community. - Council President Scarpa responds that residents continue to tell her that the building looks industrial and that they want substantially more trees in front of this type of development. ○ Ms. Moore says the applicant is receptive to adding trees and is willing to meet with the municipal tree forester. - Council President Scarpa emphasizes that the landscaping must provide a real barrier for the nearby residents. - She notes that residents have had concerns about development of this property for many years. ○ Ms. Moore references earlier testimony concerning the proposed buffer and landscaping from the April 15 hearing. - Council President Scarpa again states that the trees need to be mature enough to provide a serious screen for the residents.
File revisions (1)
- Sep 29, 2026
a5c481db718f336,627 bytes