The applicant, represented by Bruce Whitaker of the firm McDonald Whitaker, presented detailed revisions to the site plan, focusing intensively on the stormwater detention system and the revised lighting to ensure compliance with municipal requirements. The presentation highlighted the absence of light spillage offsite and included an updated photometric plan. The stormwater management system was a particularly critical aspect, with discussions surrounding the need for test pits to verify the ground’s ability to handle water and the possibility of alternative drainage solutions if necessary. The applicant also provided a response letter to the engineer’s comments, addressing the retention system, drainage design, stormwater design, and the geotechnical report, as well as clarifying discrepancies regarding wall height and other technical details.

During the meeting, a professional planner from Virg Associates testified on the application’s compliance with statutory criteria for granting variances, emphasizing the project’s alignment with the purposes of the municipal land use law by promoting a desirable visual environment and adhering to the master plan’s recommendations. The planner also addressed the C2 public benefits test, arguing that the application provided sufficient space for various uses and did not substantially detriment the public good.

Furthermore, the discussion on the installation of a fence along the property line and atop a wall was particularly robust. The board considered the accessibility and impact of construction on surrounding properties, the loss of trees, and the type of fence to be installed. Notably, the applicant agreed to replace any trees lost during construction, and a 4-foot chain-link fence was stipulated. However, concerns were raised about the safety and aesthetic impact of the fence, leading to a debate on whether a chain-link fence or landscaping, such as shrubs, would be more appropriate.

Issues such as exposed tree roots, potential for noise and vibrations during construction, and the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring were discussed. The board emphasized the enforcement of regulations and the legal implications post-approval.

In an emotionally charged moment, a local resident voiced frustration over an individual’s lack of cooperation with the board, highlighting the potential consequences of unmet requirements on the site, including tree preservation. The board’s attorney assured that the individual would be required to fulfill all obligations as per the resolution before operating at the site or receiving a certificate of occupancy.

Additional topics of interest included letters from the Morris County and State Planning Commission concerning affordable housing and regional redevelopment plans, notably within the Highlands area. The board also discussed an ordinance to amend stormwater control regulations and the mandatory filing of financial disclosure forms. A potential cement plant and the borough’s consideration to restrict load limits on specific roads were briefly mentioned, as well as updates on regional developments in Wanaque, Bloomingdale, and Riverdale.