One notable issues tackled during the meeting was the proposal’s impact on parking. The applicant presented a parking analysis report, indicating that the new developments would generate a maximum parking demand of 30 vehicles during peak hours for SMAPA and 45 for the restaurant, if fully operational. The applicant’s representative emphasized their intent to rely on some on-street parking during peak hours, despite the planned increase to 88 on-site parking spaces. Concerns were raised about the realism of allocating 50% of the parking spaces for compact vehicles, the impact of the Farmers Market on parking availability, and the effects of drop-off and pick-up activities on parking circulation.

The board scrutinized the parking lot design, inquiring about the addition of 15 new parking spaces through resizing existing ones and adding compact spaces. Discussions also addressed pedestrian safety, particularly in relation to high school students walking to the nearby school. The applicant explained their plans to ensure safe pathways, considering the addition of sidewalks, gore striping, and other safety measures.

Another topic was the proposal’s building design, with expert architect Alan Horwitz presenting plans for the structure’s exterior renovations, including removing garage doors, restoring masonry openings, and adding new industrial-style windows. Horwitz also detailed the interior layout, featuring dance studios, common areas, a business office, and changing rooms. The board’s inquiries focused on the number of entrances and exits, privacy concerns regarding glass windows, and the need for additional security measures, particularly at the reception area.

In their testimony, Sharon Miller, founder of SMAPA, highlighted the importance of relocating to a more efficient and accessible space to continue providing inclusive developmental training in dance and related theater arts. The academy’s representative emphasized their success and attributed growth to the nurturing environment found in Montclair, discussing the academy’s enrollment, the impact of the pandemic, and their focus on maintaining quality over quantity in class sizes.

The board also debated the potential impact of new businesses on the existing parking infrastructure, raising issues such as the effect of different customer demographics and the calculation of parking spaces required for the new restaurant and fitness studio. Concerns about overnight parking for tenants, snow removal implications on parking availability, and the need for valet service for the restaurant were also discussed.

During the meeting, the board addressed several site improvements proposed by the applicant, including parking compliance, landscaping enhancements, and lighting upgrades. The civil engineer presented site plan drawings that outlined these improvements, with the board requesting additional landscaping to provide a parking buffer and revisions to the trash enclosure to comply with township ordinances.

The board’s approval of the application was not without conditions, reflecting the necessity to meet community needs such as addressing the bathroom situation, walkways, and landscaping. Public comments were made by individuals associated with SMAPA, advocating for the organization’s positive impact on the community. The board’s decision to approve the application, subject to these conditions, underscores the balancing act between development and maintaining community standards.