The first priority in the deliberations was the request for waivers on several checklist items, particularly those concerning landscaping and environmental impact. A board member expressed strong opposition to waiving the landscaping requirements, emphasizing the historical significance of the site, previously known as Bretton Woods, which was renowned for its exceptional landscaping. This member argued that a comprehensive landscaping plan was vital for maintaining the small-town character of Morris Plains’ downtown business district and enhancing the site’s aesthetic appeal as a gateway to the borough.

Another board member shared similar concerns, questioning whether granting a waiver would absolve Rivian LLC of the obligation to provide a landscaping plan altogether. The board’s engineer clarified that a waiver would allow the application to proceed administratively without an immediate landscaping plan. However, the board could still request landscaping details during the hearing and deliberation phases. This clarification led to a broader consensus among several members that a robust landscaping plan was essential for the development to meet community expectations and contribute positively to the borough’s visual environment.

The meeting also addressed procedural aspects, focusing on the clarity of motions related to the waivers and the application’s completeness. There was a proposal to grant waivers on items including drainage area maps, landscaping plans, and environmental impact statements. The board sought professional opinions on these waivers, with an amendment to include a waiver for wetlands, justified by the assertion that the site was fully developed and lacked wetlands according to geo web mapping data.

Further concerns were raised about the absence of recycling information in the application. A board member insisted that “data not provided” needed to be addressed without granting a waiver. The discussion around recycling data highlighted the procedural nuances of the meeting, with some members inclined to approve most waivers but expressing reservations about the lack of recycling information.

The dialogue became intricate when discussing the dual requirements for landscaping plans. Members sought clarification on the differences between a generalized landscaping plan and a detailed final site plan. They questioned whether addressing both requirements within a singular plan would suffice, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all relevant details were included.

After much deliberation, the board moved to formalize the waivers, focusing on the checklist variances. A motion to approve these waivers was initiated, while an additional motion to deem the application incomplete was also discussed. The board agreed on the necessity of ensuring that all required information be provided before moving forward, with the stipulation that once the information was submitted, the application could be deemed complete in a future meeting.

As the meeting continued, the board transitioned to other agenda items, including old business and an executive session. A resolution was presented to authorize the session under the open public meetings law for the purpose of discussing public safety techniques, which received unanimous consent from board members. The session ensured that the board could address various agenda items comprehensively.