over here. >> Thank you so much. >> Oh. Oh, good. We had the flu two weeks ago. >> Oh, >> it was horrible. It was horrible. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Water. Put sugar. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. just something to like
sweeten it. >> I've been taking um a spoon of honey like in the mornings and then I usually take it at like >> I'm allowed to wave to him. >> I'm allowed to wave to the attorney. You never know. I think my chair is not
>> I think one of them is stuck. [Laughter] >> Yeah, that looks a lot better. Thank you. >> Very testy lady. >> Terrible. >> We see you. We see you.
>> Streets. >> Ready? >> Yep. just let me know. >> All set. >> Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. I call this meeting of the Township Union Planning
Board to order for January 22nd, 2026. Sunshine notice, please. Pursuant to the open public meetings law, notice of this meeting stating the time and place was satisfied by the filing of an annual notice with the local source and the star ledger newspapers of general
circulation within the township of union and posted on the bulletin board of the township of union municipal building. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alexander >> here. >> Mr. Cohan. >> Mr. Espinosa >> here. >> Mr. Frame
>> here. >> Mr. Miller >> here. Miss Perkins >> here. >> Mayor Frasier >> here. >> Committeewoman Terrell >> here. >> Miss Khan >> here. >> Miss Kid and Chairman Lelay >> here.
>> Can we swear in the engineer? >> You swear that all testimony that you give today will be the truth the whole trooping but the truth. >> I do. >> Okay. >> Uh first item up is the approval of the minutes from December 15th. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes? So moved.
>> Moved by Mr. Miller. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Miss Khan. Um, roll call, please. >> Mr. Alexander. >> Yes. >> Miss Espinosa. >> Yes. >> Mr. Frame. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miller. >> Yes.
>> Miss Perkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Frasier. >> Same. >> Committeewoman Terrell. >> Yes. >> Miss Khan. >> Yes. >> Chairman Le. Yes, we don't have any resolutions for tonight. In new
business, we have um application 2025-9 ADM Investment Corporation um is representation here. There was correspondence with the applicant uh to carry over the
application to the February 26th meeting. So with that, can I get a motion to carry over application 2025-9 to the February 26th meeting? >> Yes, I move that. >> Moved by Mrs. Perkins. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Seconded by Mr. Frame. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Alexander? >> Yes. >> Miss Espinosa? >> Yes. >> Mr. Frame? >> Yes. >> Mr. Miller? >> Yes. >> Miss Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mayor Frasier? Yes.
>> Committeewoman Terrell. >> Yes. >> Miss Khan. >> Yes. >> Chairman Lei. >> Yes. Uh, our second item is application 2026-01650 Liberty Avenue. Can the representative please approach? Good evening chairman. Uh, board
members. For the record, Joe Pero from Porzio, Bramberg, and Newman. on behalf of the applicant uh Interglobal NA Real Estate LLC. Um this application involves the property located at 650 Liberty Avenue, the former Bed Bath and Beyond
headquarters. That's block 3504, lot 2 on the Township of Union's tax map. Uh we are here this evening for preliminary and final major uh site plan and variance approvals um to repurpose the former Bed Bath and Beyond headquarters office building into a warehouse
distribution facility and corporate headquarters for Interglobbo. Um the zone, as you're all aware, this is in a redevelopment zone, the Liberty Avenue redevelopment zone. Um and the redevelopment plan that the township
adopted governs uh this project uh and this site uh Interglobbo has been designated as the redeveloper of this site pursuant to a redevelopment agreement that we've executed with the township of union and this is really the
next step in the process to um transition the company from its current location to the township of union. for witnesses this evening. I'd like to begin with a representative of Interglobbo to talk about the company uh both, you know, uh globally um and what
they plan on doing here in the township of Union. Um after I call the uh representative of the company, we will have our architect come forward to talk about the renovations and the conversion of this existing building uh for the purposes uh that the com that the
company would like to operate here. And after our architect, we would call our civil engineer talk to you uh talk to you about the site plan. Um and we have our traffic consultant here. And then finally, we'd conclude the presentation with our professional planner. There are
some variances slashdeviations we call them because they're from a redevelopment plan that we are seeking relief from. Our planner will speak to those in in greater detail. Um, we've provided uh your attorney with
proof of publication uh in anticipation of this hearing tonight. Uh, council, we have jurisdiction. The board has jurisdiction to hear the application. >> That's correct. >> Thank you very much. U chairman, board members, if there's anything preliminarily that I can entertain, I'm happy to do that. Otherwise, I'd like to
call our first witness. Uh before I do, I do want to acknowledge receiving uh the reports from the township of union which included uh the engineering report. Um there was a letter from the fire department and a letter from the health department. Those are the three that we received and we are uh prepared
this evening to respond to those requests and recommendations. Um my first witness is Fabio Pranzato. first >> and just as a universal comment um just to speak into the mic so that um it can be captured for the record.
>> Raise your right hand. >> You swear the testimony you give today will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. >> Yes, I swear. >> Mr. Pranzato, can you please explain to the board and the public uh Interglobbo, what the uh company, what the business model is, your current location, and
just a general overview of operations? >> Yes, Interglobbo, it's an international freight forwarder logistic company. It's a family-owned company, and uh we've been in business for over 40 years. And the company as it is now has been uh
developed by our current president Fabit Paradi. It started to uh build business in the states in the 90s and uh over the last four years we become uh we became one of the leader in
uh in this market, one of the leader in containers, moving containers and distribution. And um currently we we are located in Jersey City where we have our current headquarter and our warehouse and uh we
develop the business so much that uh we overgrow and uh we need to relocate and uh during our search we we we've been presented this location that for us it's uh it's perfect it's a perfect location
in term of dimension. So in term of location uh close to the port close to the city but away from the industrial area that is really close to the port. So this location it's a little bit outside the
industrial area. So a little bit secluded in a nice area perfect to develop a headquarter and um it has some technical aspect that we like besides the dimension the yard
space that is pretty big and uh close to the port. We need to stay close to the port. So through 22 we are very close to to the port of New York. We're close to the airport and close to 95. That is a
way for us to to deliver is the main the main highway where my trucks are going to. >> Mr. Panzado, I wanted just to stop there. Could you talk about the types of products that you typically that are typically handled in your facility? >> Yeah, in the warehouse, the majority
it's food stuff. Um, I can give you some names that probably you've seen in grocery stores like Miy that is a tomato sauce that you can find in many grocery stores. Italy, Italy has a store in shorts in the shorts mall. Not only
that, also in the city, uh, Veni, Chocolate, uh, they have different stores and they are also in Short Hills and many others. So olive oil, we do olive oil, we do mineral water, we do all the dry food, especially Italian as
an Italian company, but many brands that you can see uh in in grocery store, restaurant, all over the places. Besides the food division, uh we also have um general cargo division. So we uh handle
uh printing paper for a very famous uh a big Italian manufacturer, one of the biggest in the world called Burggo. Uh we do uh steel uh steel parts uh for Tissson Group. It's another multinational
and we do furnitureures distribute furniture for Italian companies. I hand furniture. Um these I would say are the the main uh product that we are currently handing >> and the you mentioned food products as
well as uh what I'll call dry goods. So this uh warehouse facility would have both cold and dry storage. >> Yes. Uh dry is our current business but we are planning to build a cold storage because this give us the possibility to
approach uh new clients. Uh when you are in food if you want to approach all the all the possible client you need to have several services dry uh cold temperature control and fresh. >> Now uh can you explain what you
anticipate for your hours of operation at this location? >> Yeah, the office worker is classically 3 to 5. Uh then we have uh uh the warehouse personnel that starts around 7:00 a.m. So I would say around 7 to 3 4
p.m. And then we have our company drivers that uh are starting uh the ports are opening at 6:00 a.m. So they usually leave the yard around 5 5:30 to be into the port when it opens. And uh
the number of employees that you expect for >> right now we have uh uh 50 office worker, 20 warehouse uh worker and 20 company drivers. >> So at any time maybe a total of 90 employees.
>> Yeah. Yes. and we'll and the uh civil engineer and the planner will get into this in more detail, but one of the uh deviations or variances that we're seeking this evening is relief from the parking requirements. Uh the parking that we're proposing is less than what
the ordinance requires. You're aware of that, correct? >> Yep. >> And is it because of your limited employees that you feel that the parking that is being proposed will be more than adequate for your use? >> Yeah. Yes. Chairman, board members, I have nothing further on direct for Mr. Panzato at
this time. >> Okay. Uh questions from the board. >> Sir, you you stated that the uh your truckers would leave the yard around 5:30 in the morning. >> Correct. What time would they return in the evening?
the port uh closes at 4:00 p.m. So usually depending on the how the part is busy, they usually back around uh uh some between 3 and 5. 3 and 3 and 5 I would say. Then there are some
days that could be a little bit later but the majority are coming back between three and five. >> Thank you. Any further questions from the board? >> Are the numbers that you um have in the
>> Thank you. are the numbers that you have in the report for the office workers hours, the numbers we anticipate will stay then from that it's a little different from what you spoke. You said 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Would the office hours be 8:30 to
5? >> No. Um I said that we have let's say three um time. >> I see. >> Office worker they start 8:30 to 5. >> Yes. >> And we have around 50 people. >> Mhm. >> Then we have the warehouse worker that
are starting around 7 7 to 3 7 to 4 and we have around 20 I would say 20 warehouse worker and then we have 20 company drivers. And they said that they're going to start uh before the port they going to leave between uh five and six just to be
in the port at the opening of the port. >> Would you be able to clarify if the port opens around 5, do you mean that they're leaving >> 6? >> Oh, 6. Do you mean that they're leaving from the site at 5 to get to the port by 6? >> 5 5:30. 5 5:30
>> because some parts are working with appointments and some parts are first first come first serve. Okay. >> So they have to be there. I mean we have to be there when it opens. So they can leave 530 depending on the driver. >> And these are mainly for those 20 the 20
employees that are drivers. >> The 20 company drivers. Yes. >> 20 company drivers. Okay. >> What time do they return? Are the are the trucks could they come back at any time? Is it overnight? Is it >> No, no, no, no, no, no, no. The driver
that go to the port, the port closes at 4 p.m. >> Mhm. >> So, as I mentioned before, they are back uh some drivers are coming back around 3 3:30 and some drivers are coming back by 5. So, because just the part is closing
at the time. So we we can't come back later. >> And is it all drivers on a on a daily basis? Do all the trucks go out on a daily basis or is it a limited number that go based on what your >> No, no, because between uh vacation uh
sick day, personal days, tracks that uh may have some problem. I would say that every day on the road I have uh uh 15 16 tracks in rotation. I would love to have everybody but
it's not happening. Also on one of the oh sorry any other in one of the reports I think it's the traffic study report there was mentions about tractor trailers other trucks but however not employed um by by the
applicant by you tractor trailers that would make 53 ft trailers 20 20 round trips a day 40 uh 40 round trips a day for 40 ft tractor trailers. When do you anticipate that those trucks will be arriving for product deliveries
to the site? >> Um they during the day. So they're not coming at the same time. Uh they can start to be around uh we start the operation. We start to receive trucks around 8:30. >> Right.
>> But they don't come out the same time. So they come spread out during the working hours. And would you say from your typical operations that they're spread pretty evenly throughout >> your hours of operation and it's >> it's not skewed heavily towards the peak
hour? >> No, we work with appointments. So yes, so the warehouse works with appointment >> just so that we also operationally it's easier to work by appointment because you spread out the the the trackers the
outside tracker uh to the to the site. So yes, I would say evenly. >> Any further questions from the board? >> Council. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Panzato. Thank you very much. Thanks. >> Our next witness is our project
architect, Ivano Marilunda. Right hand the testimony you'll give today to be the truth the whole truth or nothing but the truth >> I do >> Ivano can you provide the board with your education area of expertise and the licenses you hold >> uh
please spell your name right >> Sure my name is Ivano Morland is I va n o and last name is m a r u la nda I have a degree from Mercy Albbaj in Colombia. Um I am licensed in the state
of New Jersey. My license is current. Uh I'm also ENARB certified. I have been in front of a zoning or planning board for the towns of um Piscatoaway, Springfield, Elizabeth, Neptune, Redditan, Hillside, Fanwood, Rossel,
Newark, Montlair, Toms Rivers, Lynen, and Rockaway. >> And your licenses in New Jersey are in good standing? >> New Jersey license is current. Yes, the >> board stipulates. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ivano, I know we have uh the uh architectural plans that were submitted.
Um anything that was not submitted to the board. If it's been altered for presentation purposes, we need to mark it. Uh so we'll let's just go through those. Um >> right, this this is a rendering that we're starting with. It's a new presentation. It's an exhibit. >> So let's mark this exhibit A1. This is a
presentation board um colored rendering of the building elevation. Correct. >> Correct. Uh on this um rendering uh we're seeing the building from the um from a west view. You can see the Liberty Avenue will be to the right and Rich Drive will
be at the back. Um like we said, this project is the uh repurpose of an existing building. Um we're doing um some changes to two parts of the building. So here you see uh this large area right here is the existing
building. Same footprint, same height. And one of the the changes that we're doing is towards the back. Um we have this volume that actually currently has a height that is less than the larger volume. Uh we're raising the um roof a
bit. Um then we have towards the right this area right here. Um, as he was said, they're not only bringing the warehousing, they're also bringing the corporate office. So, they're rebuilding this area right here using the same footprint that
it currently has. And they are also going a bit higher than the existing height that the building contains. Um, you also see the solar panels. Those are existing solar panels uh on the main building and also on the area that we
are raising up on this end. uh we're maintaining those existing solar panels. Um then you can see here towards the right uh an enclosure. Uh we're going to make sure that any equipment that we're putting on the site is shielded from view. So that's the reasoning for those
walls that we have on that area. Uh the total footprint existing footprint is 296,757 square feet. uh of that 268,359 square feets will be used for
warehousing and 56,7 space. Uh another detail that we can see here is uh for the corporate office you will see to the right here uh where I'm pointing the my mouse um that structure has three floors. On the third floor
there is a nice terrace so that uh the people that are working on the building will be able to have some leisure space uh while they're in in the building. So it's it's a very nice uh element that has been brought to the uh project. Next sheet is G001. >> So why don't we this is uh I believe
there's some modifications on this set. Why don't we mark this? >> There are some Yeah. Uh so this be G001. Uh there are minor modifications um but they're mostly internal nothing in the exterior that that changes anything that we had submitted before. >> We'll we'll mark this exhibit as A2.
>> A2 uh here just pointing out sorry oops this is uh an exomemetry from the building. This is viewed from the south side. Um, this area right here is that building that's being rebuilt,
completely built within the same footprint for the corporate office. Um, in the bottom we're going to have some refrigeration. And on the top is the offices. I'll show you the floor plans later on. And then you can see in the back that's the only other small portion of the building that we're raising the
roof higher than the existing. That one was a site plan. It's not important. um this sheet A101. So we're gonna also mark it as >> we'll mark this as exhibit A3. >> Okay, this is the first floor again existing footprint. And here you'll see
uh the vast area that will be used for the warehousing purpose. Um and then right now on towards the bottom of the page, uh they currently have overhead doors as well as on the right side. And
what we did is we developed that to be a proper loading dock. Uh so that's where we're adding those elements uh on the bottom and on towards the right. Um the way it was designed and um putting the loading docks around the building is for efficiency. So as you as
you heard they have many different type of uh products. So they're going to be divided throughout all this area so that when a truck comes in uh depending on when he's delivering or um storing or bringing back um he will know what uh dock to use. So it's more efficient. So
this way the trucks do not stay on site as long. So that's why you see a lot of the loading docks around the building. Uh inside there again restrooms. Um there's a dry uh like a kitchenet there uh for the workers. And then here on the top, this is the area that's being
reconstructed. And on the bottom, we're going to have a cooler and a freezer with a loading dock for that area also. And between them is the main entrance of the building as well as stairs because this is the only part of the building
that is multi-story. Next sheet is A106. So it'll be exhibit exhibit A4. Okay. And here is a blow up of that area of the building that we're rebuilding. Um this right here. Uh so we have the cooler, we have the freezer, we have the
main entrance with a lobby, we have the loading docks. Um again this um walls that are just shielding equipment that is outside. Um and um on the right we're showing a section so we can show you the height of the building. So, uh, the
height of the building is 45 feet, I'm sorry, 49 feet 5 in, which is 4 foot 5 in higher than the, uh, um, the redevelopment plan. Again, it's only on this building and on the small portion in the back that is at that height.
>> So, Ivano, the remainder of the existing office building is at the current height, which is below the 45 foot allowance. Correct. >> That's correct. Yeah. All of this area is below that 45. >> It's only those two areas where the ceiling is being raised. Correct.
>> Only this all the way in the back and this which will have the corporate office and and actually on the third floor is very open. So it feels less because of the open terraces that they have. Next sheet is A107. That'll be exhibit A5.
>> Here we're showing the second floor which is where the corporate office will be. Um just a typical layout of office. You have the open space in the middle. Uh offices around with some conference rooms, stairs to go up and down, elevator. And then on the right we have
um the third floor with some additional rooms and then the vast m large uh open terrace that we have for the workers. Um so that's that's the building. Then is A201
>> and we'll mark this exhibit A6. Right. So the in the bottom we have the main um take this off as the main east elevation. Um on the bottom um the building has a existing
brick which is in good shape. We're maintaining that brick. Uh they also have a windows that we're keeping. Um, anything that we're enclosing, we're matching it with a brick that matches the existing brick. So, we're maintaining that brick look. We're maintaining most of the windows that are
right there at the moment. Um, and then we have some um um concrete panels that will be that will be the material where we will be creating those new loading docks. Uh, so you can have a proper loading dock for the kind of trucking that will be
serviced in this building. uh on the middle one which actually this is a long um elevation. It's just it's broken into two to fit on the paper. Um that building right now in the me in the middle is ephus. So we're repainting that ephace um uh to match one color uh
as as you can see there on the elevations. Um again minor um ch minor changes to it. Uh openings for doors um for the loading docks on the top is towards the back. This is the area of the building
that is lower and we're raising it. Uh so here on the top what we're doing is we're putting ephys and we're matching the color of the brick for that area. Now we have A202, >> exhibit A7.
>> Again, we have elevations. This is the interior elevation on the um I guess it's the south side. Um we're keeping a lot of the windows, especially above. Um this is the area where we're lifting the roof. Again, we're using EIS to u match
the colors of the brick. Uh this is a section going through the uh new uh corporate office with the um cooler and freezer in the bottom. And then we have here this is the elevation that is especially this part faces Liberty Avenue. Uh Liberty Avenue goes around.
So you really don't see the whole thing. You see basically this piece from the street. And this is where we're coming with a a change from what was submitted. We used to have our logo and the name of the company on the corporated part of the building. Uh but we feel that this
location is a much better for uh from the street. You can see uh here much better. So we're removing it from that building from that part of the building and we're putting it on on this side. >> And let me just let me just clarify what you're what you're suggesting. So, the application and the plans that were
submitted to the township in anticipation of the meeting um well I should say at the original filing showed signage wall signage more as a place marker in a different location. Correct. >> That's correct. And the applicant is proposing to amend its request to
eliminate those place markers, placeholders now that we have with our architect's help an identified location for the sign and the text for the sign which is the company's name. And that is what's shown on exhibit A7
in that center. Uh I'm sorry, the top panel. Um, Ivana, can you confirm that the proposed sign conforms with the uh township's sign ordinances? >> That's correct. >> Size, lo, height, everything. >> Correct.
>> I don't know if you can. Well, hopefully if the board can see it, if not, maybe you can enlarge it. Oh, there you go. >> And again, just to be clear, anything that's on the drawings that shows just a mark out of where signage would go, we're eliminating. So, there'll only be
one sign still. Yes, only one sign as stipulated on the redevelopment plan. Uh the next page is A203. >> I'll mark that A8. So we have a little blow up of that axonometry of the um corporate office.
Um again the bottom will be the the freezers and then the offices at top. So this area was uh used a little was designed a little different a little more glass as we're going to have a lot of offices there. Uh so we have glass on the second floor and for the terrace uh
the guardrail will be also glass. Um and then the main entrance here is also we you know we use glass throughout all three stories. Um that will be the main entrance now for the building. These are the other sides. This is the side to the left if you're facing the
building. And the one that is gray to the bottom is the back. And again, you'll see the windows that we're using for the second floor offices and the guardrail that will be a glass guardrail for that terrace that we have on the third floor. So, just to kind of summarize um what
I've said, um we're repurposing this existing building. Uh we're keeping the existing footprint. Um we are changing the height on those two small areas um above the existing uh building. Uh because we're repurposing the building, uh we're also going to bring it up to
code. Uh so when we do construction drawings, it'll be as per code uh new codes. So it'll be a safer, more efficient building. Uh now, um we got we got got the review from the fire department. Um and they're talking about sprinklers and fire alarms. And yes, the
building will have all the fire safety as per current code. uh uh if as this project if it's approved then the next step will be to provide construction drawings to the department to the construction department which will have all the safety uh elements
>> and I don't believe there were any architectural comments in the Collier's report uh that you need to respond to. Um you talked actually there is the signage we've clarified as a matter of fact the exhibit now uh
responds directly to 7.1 uh because there is uh clearly defined a clearly defined wall sign with the text the logo and the dimensions >> correct >> chairman I have nothing further on
direct for Mr. Thank you. Questions from the boards. >> Will the signage be lit? >> No, there is no lighting, no current lighting on the sign. >> Will there be any lighting um highlighting the building? Anything in
front or will the lights will lights be visible at any point in time? >> I will leave the exterior lighting to the engineer. >> Thank you. >> The um I just have a question about on the right side where you said um there
was an a space for storage equipment is storage. >> Can you just give me an idea of what type of storage uh or equipment? >> Right. Uh because of the uh cooler and freezer, they need some equipment that needs to be located at outside. So we're
just kind of shielding from view that equipment required for those purposes. Any further questions from the board? >> I guess just one question. You going to have backup generation on site? >> Um, that's another location that we're
looking into for putting the generator on onto that um shielded area. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Questions from the public? >> Okay. Hearing none. >> Thank you. Thank you, chairman. >> Thank you, Ivan. Appreciate it. Our next witness is the civil engineer Andrew
Smith. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Raise right hand testimony today to be the truth, the whole truth for nothing but the truth. >> I do. >> Please tell the record.
>> Andrew Smith, A N D R S M I T H. Uh, Andrew, for the benefit of the board and public, your education, area of expertise, and the licenses you hold. >> Yes. So, my name is Andrew Smith. I am a
senior project manager with Langan Engineering. Uh, I have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Delaware. I've been practicing land development engineering uh for almost nine years now. And I am licensed as a professional engineer, a
PE in the state of New Jersey. Uh, my license is current and in good standing. board stipulates. >> Thank you, chairman. Uh Andrew, I same instruction for you. Any exhibits? We need to mark those before you provide any testimony.
>> So, I believe this is exhibit A1. >> A9. >> Yeah, >> I can't count. So I'm going to introduce exhibit A9 which is an existing site aerial of the property.
So the site or the property is known as block 3504 lot 2 as identified on the Union Township tax map. Uh this is commonly referred to as 650 Liberty Avenue or as some of you may know it as
the former Bed Bath and Beyond or a portion of the former Bed Bath and Beyond headquarters site. So the parcel in question is approximately 19 12 acres in size and uh to the north and to the west the site is bound by wooded space
and the Raway River. to um the south the the site is bound by Liberty Avenue and then a tributary to Raway River and then to the east the site is bound by Ridge Drive. Um the as
previously mentioned, the site is currently home to an existing um multi-story office building. There is approximately 1,000 parking spaces on site. I believe the number is 1,2. There are also three dedicated motor
motorcycle motor motorcycle spaces on the site. Um noted in blue, let me see if I can zoom in a little bit. There we go. And then as outlined in blue on this exhibit on the western portion of the property, there's an
existing stormwater detention basin um which currently services the existing site there. Let me pan this back up. Access to the site is provided via two driveways. There is a driveway on the
eastern boundary of the site which uh is adjacent to Ridge Avenue. There is a second driveway at the bend in Liberty A uh which also provides two-way access into the which currently provides two-way access into the site. The site is subject to a redevelopment
plan which is titled the Liberty Avenue redevelopment plan. Um, as you know, previously mentioned in prior testimony, this the applica the application is fully compliant with the redevelopment plan with the exception of the building height variance and uh the quantity of
parking stalls provided. I'm now going to transition to exhibit A10. I'll see if I can make that full screen. All right. Now that they're exhibit A10 depicts a colored version of
our site plan overlaid on the existing aerial to provide you with context to the proposed improvements and how they relate to the existing site and the surrounding parcels. Um so currently we are um anticipating the conversion of the existing space into a
distribution and uh a warehouse space and office space uh with associated loading docks uh trailer parking and car parking. These features uh comply fully comply with the setbacks set forth in the redevelopment plan. The footprint of
development is generally limited to the footprint of the existing development on site. Uh meaning that we're mainly operating within the confines of what exists today is either curbs, pavement, building, etc. Um we are proposing
um a monument sign. So we're going to replace the monument sign adjacent to the eastern drive which I have an exhibit later that I that will detail that sign. We're also proposing to maintain the existing flag pole that is out at Liberty Avenue and add an
additional uh flag pole directly uh next to that existing flag pole. I'm now going to orient us uh to the site plan as it relates to the site and parking and circulation and loading. So to start,
loading uh is provided on multiple sides of the building. We are proposing a total of 49 loading docks. The redevelopment plan requires a minimum of nine loading docks. We exceed the requirement based on the applicant's needs and the operations intended uh at
the building. We are proposing trailer parking to support the operations. more specifically 106 total park trailer parking stalls. 23 of which support 55-
ft long trailers and 83 of which support 40 foot so smaller trailers 40 foot long trailers. As for standard vehicular parking, we are proposing a total of 150 spaces based on the
applicant need. We note that this is a variance from the requirements set forth in the redevelopment plan. The redevelopment plan requires 277 spaces based on our proposed development. Um, and again, we're requesting the variance
um to install 150 spaces based on the applicant's operations and and needs. Parking will be situated south of the building. So, we're going to repurpose an existing parking parking lot that exists today. We're going to restripe
it, install a few additional uh parking stalls south of what we previously noted as the cold storage unit. So, this is where we will house our ADA and some additional standard car parking spaces. And then the balance of parking will be
situated on the western part of the site. Uh if you can see the mouse, I'm circling the the standard car parking lot. uh to bring us to a total of 150 stalls. Of the 150, we are proposing four make EV make ready stalls, one of which is
also an ADA stall. And to that end, we're proposing five total ADA stalls in compliance with uh ADA requirements. Just going to zoom back out. See if I can get that to go away. So now to speak to site circulation, maybe
All right, I'm going to stop touching the screen. The project proposes uh minor traffic striping improvements along Liberty Avenue. There was prior traffic striping in the road which is somewhat worn and not clearly visible. So, we intend to
enhance that by restriping the intersections where uh site access is provided. The eastern entrance, that's the entrance adjacent to Ridge Drive, will be one-way truck traffic, which will then provide one-way circulation on the
eastern and northern sides of the building. And the intersection at the corner of Liberty Avenue or excuse me, the bend in in Liberty Avenue uh will be enhanced with minor curb return improvements to provide adequate
truck and car circulation. Uh that intersection will be two-way and that'll provide two-way circulation throughout the site both on the southern and uh western portions of the building. Specific to trash and recycling, we are
proposing trash um dumpsters andor compactors to be located in the loading dock. We have conceptually shown, I believe, two spaces in the loading dock area which is compliant with the redevelopment plan. Trash and recycling will be handled by a private hauler. Um and again that is
shielded by the building from the general public view in the loading dock which is uh a requirement of the redevelopment plan. I'm now going to transition and speak a little bit about landscaping. So the proposed landscaping and lighting design.
The project proposes the removal of approximately eight trees. Most of those trees are the few shade trees that were installed under the prior development. And there's one or two trees along Liberty Avenue which we're intending to remove. And the reason for that removal
is we're actually enhancing the landscape along Liberty Avenue to provide somewhat more of a buffer um and green space as you approach the site. So with that, we are uh first and foremost maintaining the wooded buffer
between Raway River and the site. That will all stay untouched and heavily wooded. And then we're also proposing to plant 24 new trees scattered throughout the parking and loading areas as well as as I previously mentioned enhancing the
landscape buffering along the site frontage. All of the proposed plantings are native species and our plantings um that are proposed comply with the New Jersey do not plant list. As far as lighting goes, we are proposing to
remove the existing lighting both throughout the existing parking lot and the building mounted lights. The parking the existing parking lots being reconfigured. Therefore, we're going to provide adequate lighting for the new um parking and and truck loading and
trailer parking configuration as well as the new building. We are proposing 22 LED polemounted lights which are 20 ft 25 ft tall, 18 LED lights which are building mounted,
both of which have a temperature of 3,000 Kelvin. The light fixtures have been designed to comply with the local ordinance uh which is representative of the redevelopment plan as well there with no spillover of light onto adjacent
properties and the lighting uh both building mounted and polemounted is dark sky compliant. As this is a redevelopment of an existing site, we intend to reuse existing utilities um to the extent
feasible. So we are intending to rely on existing services to the building for water, gas, electric. Um there is existing sewer that services the existing building. One of the discharge lines is a clay line. So, we do intend to upgrade that to PVC to make it more
in line with standards uh of, you know, modern day development. Uh, and lastly, I'll note as far as utilities go, we did receive the engineering review letter. Um, and we don't take exception to um, CCTVing or
inspecting the existing PVC pipe that services the building to make sure that the sewer service that we intend to remain in place is functioning and adequate for uh, the new development.
And lastly, I will touch on storm water management. The intended development proposes a reduction in imperous coverage of approximately 1.4 acres,
an acre of which is vehicular pavement. However, we propose greater than one acre of land disturbance as part of this project and therefore we are classified as a major development as far as storm water regulations go. meaning we are
subject to storm water quantity and groundwater recharge requirements. The proposed development will generally generally maintain drainage patterns across the site and we do intend to maintain the existing detention basin
which is located in blue uh as I highlighted earlier on the western portion of the site. The proposed development and drainage design is compliant with local and state regulations and therefore storm water quantity and recharge requirements are met as part of
our design. With that, I'm going to transition to exhibit A1 maybe. >> Yes, A1. I got the number right, but now I can't get the screen to work.
There we go. So, again, this is exhibit A1, and this is a conceptual uh graphic of what we intend the monument sign to look like. Um, again, this is what we intend to install at the eastern driveway.
The sign, the intended sign is compliant with uh the township ordinance, meaning we will not exceed 60 square feet in uh area of the sign. The sign will not exceed 10 ft in height. Uh it is intended that the lettering be back lit
with LED lights compliant with the local ordinance. And I um the location of the sign will be set back 15 feet from the right ofway compliant with the local ordinance. And with that, I'm going to um conclude
my testimony and acknowledge that we have received the engineering review letter um from the township professional. Uh we've reviewed that letter and we do not take exception to comments uh contained within the letter. >> And Andrew, how about the fire department letter? There were some >> Yes, there were additional comments in the fire department letter pertaining to
site the site features and we also do not take exception to comments contained within that letter. >> Thank you, Andrew. Uh, chairman, I have nothing further on direct. >> Thank you. Questions from the board. >> Mr. Smith, do you plan on improving the drainage?
>> So, we intend to replace the conveyance piping throughout the entire site. So all the catch basins, manholes and piping will be upgraded uh in the sense that they are adequately sized for the development and they will um convey flow
to the proper discharges. >> Does that mean the piping will be increased in size? The diameter of the pipes will be >> so the piping will be sized adequately. My without looking without going pipe by pipe we are a reduction in impervious
coverage. So the sizing is likely the same as what exists today if not smaller but therefore it but it is sized for the specific development that we intend to construct. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> So um with regard to the parking spaces,
I know you said it was supposed to be 277. You're only going to have 150. Currently you have 90 employees. is do you anticipate the business growing
and would you potentially need more than 150 parking spaces? >> Do you want to answer that? >> Sure. I mean if you want to >> the parking count so as prior testimony alluded to there are 90 intended employees at a time. And we are
providing obviously an excess number of parking spaces for that uh which not only provides flexibility to the site for growth um but also ensures that there is adequate parking uh for um truckers, employees, office workers etc.
>> Right. So so in the event that the business doubles and the employees double I would imagine you would that would be a good thing. Right. Right. >> Sure. >> As far as the growth of the business,
yes. Um, we are obviously providing an an amount of parking which exceeds the minimum number of employees that we would expect today. Um, but it does happen to be less than what the redevelopment plan contemplates because the redevelopment plan was not
contemplating a specific end user as this application does. >> Mr. Chairman. >> Oh, go ahead. >> No, go ahead. >> It's related to something else. My question. >> Okay. If if I could just relative to that, um I would have a concern if
there's if there's a future need to expand, you have wetlands behind that property, taking out that impervious won't get it back, >> right? So I, you know, I think that one of these, one of the issues here is that you'd have to probably reconfigure
within your new footprint as opposed to being able to expand that. So I'm not sure that they have much expansion capability as it as it involves parking on this site. That is acknowledged and understood. Um
okay to your point yes we are reduction in impervious coverage and based on our limitations uh within constrained areas the the likelihood for redevelopment beyond where we intend to develop now uh will pose some challenges from a
stormwater perspective NJD perspective etc. So, um yeah, point uh well taken. >> And then uh my last question maybe uh is with regard to the eight trees that are
being removed, is there potentially an opportunity to replant those trees as opposed to just getting rid of them? I know you're going to replace you're going to add new trees, but with the eight trees that you're taking out >> without the species list in front of me,
I want it going off of memory, I believe that one, not all of them are fully native, and two, I don't believe they were in the best condition given that the site's been somewhat vacant for a number of years. Um, so given that and the fact that it's, you know, it's eight
trees, it's not a a large quantity, we felt that it was best for the site to replace, remove the eight and replace it with an increased number um of native species. >> Any further questions from the board? >> This um question of general interest.
It's not a serious inquiry. You said you're going to put up a second flag pole. >> Yes. >> And will that flag be an American flag or might it be something would designate your company? >> I believe the intention is the existing flag pole will fly the American flag and
the adjacent new flag pole will fly the Italian flag. >> Thank you. >> And and just one other question. The light poles you said were going to be 25 ft. >> Yes. >> And how tall is the building? The building height varies, but the
maximum height is um 49 ft 5 in. >> I just have um first of all, I think you did a nice job with the site plan. I love the fact that you've uh taken out pavement and put in a lot of uh a lot of grass and and uh planting. So that I think it's a great improvement. The one
issue that I have with the uh the signage out front that you're putting in there, although it complies with the the sign ordinance, I see no place on the either the building or this sign that designates 650. So, it may be something that you should uh take into
consideration because the current sign right there prominently says 650. You're on a bend and you'd hate to have a big truck miss that site and and have to >> start going around the neighborhood. So, I think that um I I I definitely put
a big 650 someplace on this site. >> Uh so, it's it's clearly denoted that uh what property you're going to. >> Understood. We will work with the the applicant and the architect to one designate the appropriate location and two make sure that the addition complies
with um the local ordinance for size and dimensions. >> Any further questions from the board? questions from the public. >> Yes, sir. >> Um hello. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. Um Eric Oes um 1083
Mayfair Road. That's Owes. >> Uh Union, New Jersey. How are you, Mr. Smith? >> Good. How are you? >> Very good, thanks. >> Good evening. Just some quick brief um couple of questions I have. Um let's start with the easy one. Uh what is the percentage of the ADA parking that you're going to be providing for the site?
>> The percentage of parking. >> Can we go back to the site plan? >> Yes. >> Okay. Maybe. >> Yeah. >> So we are proposing 150 total parking stalls, five of which are ADA. Okay. And
my question was, what is the percentage of that per the 150 that you're providing? So, it's 150 and five of those are the ADA spaces, >> correct? >> Okay. And could you zoom into the area where the ADA spaces are? It's the blue ones, I would imagine. >> Yes. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. A little closer. My eyes are terrible. >> Thanks. Appreciate it. >> It's the It's the >> all of us. Um, okay. So, that's under 5% though. I mean, by my number, by by my quick little calculation, it's under 5%. And I don't know if that's code or not. I think you should just look at that.
So, I'll just leave it out there. >> Understood. The >> Okay. >> Yes. >> And again, I'm not cons I'm not familiar with the requirement for union. I don't know if it's individual to the state of New Jersey, but might want to look at that because 5% would represent seven
spaces and that's five. So, that was just my one comment there. Um, impervious paving. So we haven't you haven't increased impervious bathing am I correct >> that is correct >> okay you've decreased >> correct >> okay so that's probably where you have
the s well the the the reduction of tributary war storm flow I would imagine into the system >> yes >> okay so your delivery system is is more is enhanced correct the catch basins as well as the pipe the I think you mentioned Mr. Fra asked a question. You
mentioned the pipe is going to stay the same size, but the catch basins have they increased in size? >> So catch basins are standard size um and we intend to use a standard for >> So the capacity hasn't changed for the actual delivery to the existing storm and is it detention or what is it?
>> So a portion of the site will utilize the existing detention basin. Ultimately the majority of the site discharges to a new head wall um which is located at the south southern portion of the site which is
the tributary to Raway River. Um so all of those facilities are intended to be upgraded with new piping and structures. >> Okay. So now the existing the triangle the blue triangle. >> Yes. >> That existing uh that is a detention or retention.
>> Detention. >> Detention. Okay. So, it's detaining water and it's going to discharge eventually where >> it ultimately all discharges to Raway River. >> To the Raway River. Okay. All right. And it's existing. So, you're not adding to the detention capacity. >> Correct.
>> Okay. That was that one. And Okay. This might be a little bit You're going to Could you take your mouse and take a typical vehic um on the map? Yeah. Like from the right. Could you kind of illustrate how the uh trucks would ingress onto the
site, maybe dock and then eress out of the site? >> You're talking about from the east. >> I don't know. Which is >> uh Yes, that's right. From the east. North is up, right? Plan north. Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. So, from the east, correct? >> So, you want to see a movement that
comes from down Liberty, >> right? >> Heading west. >> Yeah. You're right. You're heading west. That's correct. >> And then you're coming in. >> Okay. And you can either access the site from the eastern driveway here. >> Okay. >> Or you can continue and access from the second driveway.
>> Right. That's what I find interesting. Um that's on a curve and it's a truck >> on a curve entering a site. Okay. But let's go with the first one that you just illustrated coming in that way. You would go continue I would guess around the building and then you would be
coming back out not in the same area in the in the one that's on the curve. Am I correct? Yes. >> Okay. Um I think that's it. Thanks. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any further questions from the public?
>> Okay. Hearing none. >> Thank you, chairman. >> Our next witness. Thank you, Andrew. Our next witness is Daniel Dario, our traffic engineer. >> He's swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. >> I do. For the record, name is Dan. Last
name is Desario. D I S A R I O. You're welcome. >> Your education and area expertise >> certainly highest degrees master of science and transportation engineering from NGIT. Licensed professional in engineer in the state of New Jersey as
well as several other states. I've prepared well over a thousand traffic studies for almost every conceivable land use. I've been accepted as an expert in traffic engineering before hundreds of boards throughout New Jersey. >> Oh, thank you. >> And I would also note for the board, I
am an expert in eating Italian food, including the moody uh tomato sauce that the applicant referenced earlier. >> I'm a pasti guy rather than muty, but my wife likes muty, so we go with moody. >> Um Dan, you uh prepared a traffic
analysis statement. You you reviewed this project from a traffic engineering perspective. >> I did. >> And you're familiar with the site plans, the movements, the loading areas, traffic parking, circulation. >> Yes. >> Can you provide the findings uh from
your report and the conclusions you've reached based on the information? >> Certainly. And I know the board's very familiar with this site. It used to be the headquarters of Bed Bath and Beyond until they went out of business. Unfortunately, they are online now. And I'm sure you've all passed the site when
the employees were leaving, they had hundreds of employees at that site. So the bottom line and overarching conclusion is what is the applicant is proposing is going to reduce traffic in the area, particularly during commute times because they employ a lot less
people than Bed Bath and Beyond once did at this site. You heard from the applicant in terms of truck traffic. I think it's important to understand really what this operation is. It's not a big national distribution
operation. It's not a big industrial and manufacturing operation. It's basically importing mostly Italian food products, but you also heard some furniture and some parts as well from the ports, bringing it to this
building, storing it, and then loading those products onto a van of um trucks that the applicant maintains to go and make deliveries to end customers. So, their fleet of trucks that they own
and operate and manage, it's 20 single unit trucks. A single unit truck, you can think of it as if you went to like a rider truck and you wanted to rent a truck to go move yourself out of a house or an apartment. Um,
in addition to so those 20 single unit trucks, they're going to make trips back and forth either to the port or to end customers about four times a day. So their fleet of 20 single unit trucks will leave the site and come back and
leave the site, come back, leave the site, come back, leave the site, come back on average each day, four round trips, you probably wouldn't even notice the single unit trucks because they would be mixing in with single unit trucks that are already on the roads
today. Think about Coca-Cola or Pepsi or the bread truck that's making deliveries to supermarkets or convenience stores. Those size trucks. The other component that you heard from the applicant are larger trucks, but they're not the over
the road tractor trailers that you're probably familiar with on Route 78 and the Turnpike where the driver actually has a sleeper cab attached to the tractor portion of their cab. These trucks are basically going to be moving
product from the ports to this site. and they're going to be doing it with what's called the dayc cab. It's basically an engine where the driver sits in the compartment. There's no sleeper cab, so they're a lot smaller dimensionally than what you might otherwise associate
with a warehouse use. They'll be pulling 53 foot trailers or 40 foot containers. Those containers are basically the containers that come off a ship. They're dropped onto a
chassis, a tractor, a dayc cab's hooked up to it, and then they bring it to this site. So, it's not, relatively speaking, an intensive trucking operation, and it's certainly less intense than what would otherwise
be if this was a speculative warehouse operation. The 53 foot trailers, as the applicant testified to earlier, about 20 a day. the 40 foot containers about 40 a day. The 53 or 20 a day. I
misspoke. So tractor trailers coming to and from the site average about 60 per day. They're only going to be received and they're only going to be active when the warehouse workers are working inside the building. You heard from the
applicant. My traffic study says the warehouse workers work from 7:00 to 3. He also indicated be 7 to 4, but basically those are the core hours of the warehouse operation. That's when the tractor trailers will be coming to and
from the port. That's when the workers inside will be loading the single unit trucks to go and make deliveries to end customers. So this operation is basically during normal business hours. And Mr. Chairman, you asked a good question because I had the same question. How are those trucks coming
from the port? How are they managed? are they all going to show up at once? And the answer is no. They do it by appointment. So vendors that are bringing product off the ships and coming to to the site uh to deliver either a 53 uh trailer or a
40ft container are by appointment. So it is an orderly operation and it's spread throughout the operating hours of the warehouse. So, respectfully, I don't believe there's going to be issues as it relates to the trucking activity associated with
what the applicant is proposing uh for your consideration. How do we think trucks are going to come? Because I understand to the north of the site along Liberty, there's residential areas. I looked at Google Earth and I've been doing work in this
area for a long time and the and discuss it with the applicant. There's no question in our mind the trucks associated with the port that are coming to the site are going to go down 22. It's a little shorter route than 78. If you were to use 78 in your truck driver
to get from 78 to this site, you're making several turns. You're going through a couple signalized intersections. If you use 22 coming out of the port, it's a straight shot, no signals, and very few turns. And it's much easier for a truck to make a left turn, particularly into this site
because of the curve, than it is for trucks to make a right turn into this site. So for those reasons, Route 22 is a more attractive route for truck drivers. And we would anticipate the majority, if not all of the tractor trailers would come from 22 and use 22
to go back to the port. The single unit truck drivers, they are not going to be limited to just 22. They might be using 78 to get to turnpike, 22 to get to the turnpike. They may make deliveries further west if there's end customers to
the west. So the single unit trucks, they're likely going to use Liberty Avenue in both directions and Access 78 or 22 to make their deliveries. But again, they're just single-unit trucks and they would blend in, I believe, um,
rather favorably with other single-use trucks that are already on Liberty Avenue or the surrounding roads. In terms of the parking variance that we seek, yes, the applicant is hopeful that one day the business does grow, but
we've built in excess car parking supply in order to accommodate any growth that might occur. I can tell you they've been at their Jersey City facility for many, many, many, many years. So, if there is growth in the future, we would anticipate it's going to be slow and organic.
Um, but just to give the board a benchmark to compare against, if this was just a speculative warehouse based on published parking demand for warehousing, this size warehouse would have an average peak parking demand of about 124
vehicles. Whereas the applicant's proposing 150 parking spaces. So with that, I would respectfully submit to you I think the parking supply is adequate. certainly as it relates to the applicant's proposed operation. But let's say the applicant were to leave
one day and you'd have a more typical speculative type warehouse tenant operating out of here. The published data still suggests that the parking supply would be more than enough to accommodate uh demands associated with a warehouse operation. So respectfully, we
are seeking that relief and I think the board can be comfortable in granting that exception uh for the reasons I stated. Dan, you've had an opportunity to review the uh Collier's report. There was some traffic uh comments in there. Um I know
you've gone through many of them already. Anything additional that you feel? >> The the only thing I would point out for the board's information uh there was a a question about the amount of trailer parking that is proposed as part of this application.
And and I've also talked to the applicant about this, but this is not unique to this application. And when I was qualifying myself, I didn't point out I've probably worked on a billion square feet of warehousing throughout the country. Um for the last probably 10
15 years of my practice, it's been all warehousing. I spent about 90% of my time working on warehousing projects. You're not going to find many new warehouse projects, particularly in our state, that are proposed that don't have
trailer parking as part of their proposals. And the reason is there is a container and trailer management issue
that exists. Back in the day when we bought less things as a country if you had an empty container, you could send it back to the ports and the ports would store the empties.
The ports are so busy now, they do not want the empties stored on port property anymore. So the end customers have to store containers and trailers on their own sites. That's why this applicant is proposing
the trailer parking that it's seeking approval for from this board for because it needs to manage its empties. And by having the trailer parking on the site, it also improves the efficiency of the
overall um loading and unloading operation because if a tractor trailer or a trailer or a container are emptied, but there's not an opportunity to take them away for whatever reason, it allows this applicant to then bring that
container or trailer into the trailer parking area and store it there until the right time that somebody can come and retrieve it. So, Den, so the I I got to tell you through the through the testimony on the operation, most of my concerns were were
uh have gone away. I was more concerned that an outside tractor trailer with a se sleeper cab was going to come in and be idling all night long there, you know. So I said, you know, but now that these are really you're you own these trucks or the the applicant owns these
trucks and they're going to be stored there and in the morning they're going to be going back to the port makes more sense. I was just concerned that there'd be some a lot more outside tractor trailers and they'd be coming in all hours of the night. That's what I wanted to make sure that they weren't having uh
you know any outside tractor trailers coming in and doing that idling. And if if the board wants to um attach a condition to if you were to grant approval that there would be no overnight, you know, um drivers parked
on the site. I think the applicant would be amanable to that. You run and full disclosure, I live in South Brunswick, so I'm right next to ADA on the turnpike. There's probably 30 40 million square feet of warehousing that I live adjacent to. And I actually live across
from a L'Oreal directly across from a L'Oreal and a Coca-Cola warehouse on 130. You run into those issues with drivers needing to park somewhere when they're up against the limit on how much time they can spend on the road. When
you're talking about longhaul drivers that are making runs of several hundred miles a day, that doesn't apply to this operation for the reasons that we've testified to and that it's largely going to be port oriented. So, it's really going to be day drivers that are driving
the tractor trailers or the trailers and the containers back and forth to the port. But, if the board wanted to condition no overnight parking by like long haul drivers, the applicant would be immunable to that. I have a question.
So you said 60 trucks per day. I understand appointment only, but you know there's eight hours in a day. So there's going to be overlap. So can you give me a sense of in any given hour the maximum number of trucks that
might be trying to get in to unload? I don't know exactly. >> It's going to average over the course of the warehouse hours like one truck every 8 minutes approximately 60 trucks over the eight hours of operation of the
warehousing. That is another reason why as part of the applicant's proposal they are proposing the number of loading docks that they are. The redevelopment plan suggests a minimum of nine loading
docks. I think you heard from the site engineers 49 that are proposed. That's another reason um because if you have trucks that are coming in, let's say you have let's say you have 10 trucks that come in in a relatively short time,
having this amount of loading docks allows the applicant to receive those trucks and have a loading dock that's available and free for them to park in. So the issue for me is not really the loading docks. It's the trucks backing up on either Liberty or wherever trying
to get in and what the impact of that will be. That that's what I'm trying to >> this site's advantaged in in two ways. Um one is that we can provide the amount of loading docks that we can and two that we have two points of access.
The easterly access is envisioned to only be trucks and the one-way circulation on the east side and north side of the building helps process and move those trucks efficiently. And then we have the signalized access too. Um that also is
going to help provide a controlled means for trucks to come in as well as exit. And I think those coupled in terms of that type of site access is going to go to at least minimize if not completely eliminate the concern that you've raised.
>> And and will the trucks be and I and I asked this question because you use these words limited to Route 22? Will we require will you require that they if they're coming from the port that they use Route 22?
I think the trucks that the applicant controls, the answer is yes. If it's the single unit trucks, I would not want to limit them because they might 78 might be a better route depending on where an end customer is
for the single unit truck to get to the trucks that the applicant doesn't control because there will be other vendors moving the trailers from the port to this site. We don't have any control over them. But if you look at it practically, the best route for them to
take is Route 22. Now, in terms of trucks exiting the site, there's only the west driveway that a any vehicle exiting the site has to come through the signalized driveway. If the board is concerned about larger trucks
making the left out on a Liberty and trying to head up to 78, we can put in signage that prohibits larger trucks from making that left turn out so that we would force them to go south on Liberty down to 22. If that's something you'd like to see, I think we can
incorporate that into the plan. >> But again, I don't want to limit the single unit trucks because I don't think there's a need to. No, my and my concern really is the the larger truck. >> Okay. So, if the board wants as a condition of approval, we can certainly put up signage to prohibit left turns
out of the site at the Westerly driveway for tractor trailers. >> And also, if possible, can they um can they put in a directive for them to use only Route 22 for the bigger trucks?
They have they have um yard managers. Um they have dock managers and certainly the applicant can encourage all drivers to use 22. >> Um also um I have one additional question. I don't know if you're the
appropriate person to answer this, but um Dave was talking about night um trucks uh parking there overnight and parking there idally. Um, is there a security gate and will there be security staff there to um not allow people to go
in there and just park idally overnight? >> So, the entire truck trailer, truck yard, and truck court are going to be secured. They're going to be fenced all around. So, there's not going to be an ability if there isn't a way where a truck that's not associated with the site that's looking somewhere to to park
overnight, they won't be able to do it here. is engaged. >> Yes. >> Okay. And is there security staff? >> There won't be any security staff. You have >> Thank you. >> But they will have a a security camera
system. So there will be monitoring of the site even when it's not in operation. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yes. I have a question. Um will there be need to access the trailers outside of business hours?
Can you the containers the the um units that will be parked there for storage will they need to be accessed at any time other past your business hours at night? >> Likely not. No,
there won't be any need for them because the warehouse won't be open. >> Thank you. The um question additionally that I have I do understand that the single unit trucks um will need to move to various
areas for their deliveries. That's will they will be limited as well to the business hours? >> Yes. >> Um my concern and as you know the area now well there's a school there. >> Yes. people come early to get their children
and then late later circulation is school buses and so forth. So um that that's it's 80 trips. That's a lot of trucks you have no I won't say no control over. We have no control over it. Um, it would
be I'd be happy to see that they were out of there before the parents started to pick up their children. But >> it's likely that most of the trucking activity associated with this site will be done
before pickup time of the school because the warehousing is closing around 3 or 4 >> and you really need to be on the road. so to speak, prior to the end of the warehousing or the warehouse operation closing. So, I would anticipate most of
the trucking activity associated with the site's going to be done by like two. That's not to say all of it, but the majority of it will be. >> And of course, then there's the entrance to school too um in the morning. So, it's a very busy street as you well
know. But understand, it's not going to be 20 single unit trucks that are all lined up and loaded and then they're all released at one time. The single unit truck operation you heard from the applicants really going to start up around 8:30. Any further questions from the board?
Just had a few questions on my end. a single unit truck compared to the 53 feet and 40 ft tractor trailer. What's the typical size or range of a single unit truck compared to a 53 or 40? So
the most common single unit truck is a 30foot truck from nose to tail. >> Mhm. >> Then there's a bigger single unit truck that's 40t from nose to tail. Any of us could go to like a U-Haul or a rider truck rental place and rent a single
unit 40 foot truck and drive it with a standard driver's license. >> Okay. >> So, they're not overly big. Got it. And the tractor trailers, as you know, it's going to be a tractor that's connected to a trailer that's either
pulling the 53 foot trailer or pulling a chassis with a 40ft container on top of it. >> Got it. Um, looking at the table two of your study and I'm I'm just want to make sure I get the estimates right. The reason why you
have only 50 cars in the morning peak hour and the four and the 50 sorry 50 in the morning and 50 for the evening is because I'm assuming that the nonoffice workers will be arriving and departing on off peak hours, right? >> Yes. So, the warehouse workers have to
be in by 7. So, they're going to probably be arriving between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning. >> Okay. And I know that there were a couple questions with regards to
trucks leaving the property. Um, and I know we talked about prohibiting the left turn, but giving more flexibility for the single uh unit trucks, and I think some of our concerns lies and we're myopically focused on our
residential area on on Liberty and going into the Battle Hill area. But I think isn't there also flexibility through I think there's a road Miltown Road that leads to Myel Avenue which is a county road through Springfield that is less
>> less signaled and that could lead you to 78 and other parts of the county. Has that also been explored as a viable route for those single use drivers making their deliveries if let's say they're going on to 78 West or something
like that? We haven't explored that specifically, but certainly that's a route that's available to them. Um, again, I don't think respectfully there needs to be a limitation on the single unit trucks just because of the nature
of what they are. And >> at least for me, >> they're not intimidating. When I get next to a 18-wheeler, that's completely different feel. But the single unit trucks, we we we cohabitate with single unit trucks all the time and you probably don't even notice them.
>> Well, let let me phrase my question another way that single unit trucks leaving the area to make deliveries won't won't be myopically focused on just traversing through a residential area in the Battle
Hill area as the main and only means for them or most convenient means for them to to make their deliveries. that there will be encouragement to look at all possible routes to mitigate any detrimental factors on our residential
neighborhoods. Is that fair? Is that a fair question to ask and say that's a commitment to? >> We agree. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any further questions from the board? Questions from the public? state my name again or we're okay.
>> I I Yeah. >> Okay. Great. Thanks. Um hi. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Um okay. I just I want to revisit not the um the truck vehicular circulation, but the parking. Could you identify where the 150 spaces are? I think it's
May I grab this really quick? I think it's clear over here that this is parking here, but could you explain this right here? Is this backto back parking? >> Point again, please. >> I'm sorry, not this grouping, but that grouping and the a grouping above it.
>> So, everything above the parking you just pointed out is trailer parking, >> right? >> Is only trailer parking. No car parking. >> Got it. Okay. So, the 150 car parking is here. And where else? >> And in the front between the building and Liberty Avenue.
>> Okay. Got it. Um, so those so that's trailer parking but it's not connected to the building but that's like just staging would it be? Um, could you explain what that is? >> Yes. So what happens is if a tractor
trailer with a container or a trailer >> come into the site with product loaded, >> they hook up into one of the loading docks. Mhm. >> It's likely that tractor trailer driver >> is going to detach
and either leave the site or make their way over to the trailer parking area and pick up an empty connect to that and leave. >> So, that trailer parking will have empty containers or trailers that will be picked up at some point.
>> Got it. Okay, I understand that. Um, let me see. Um, >> these are the size trucks you're speaking of. >> Is it that? >> Yeah, that's a >> that's the one. >> That's a good picture of what? Yep. >> Yeah. You know, I'm visioning, you know, the, you know, >> large tractor trailer with the, you
know, the cab in the back and so on and so forth, but these guys. Okay, you're right. I could rent that myself. >> Um, that's it. Thanks. >> You're welcome. >> Any further questions from the public? All right, hearing none. Thank you. >> Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. >> Thanks, Dan. Our uh final witness this
evening is our professional planner, Rachel Fifeld. I hope I didn't mispronounce that. You'll correct me if I did. Okay. >> Raise your right hand. >> You swear the testimony you'll give today to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. >> I do. >> Please state and spell your name for the
record. >> Rachel Field. R A C H E L F I F I E L D. And for the benefit of the board public, your education, area of expertise, and the licenses you hold. >> Sure. Um, I have a master's degree in
regional and urban planning from Rutgers University here in New Jersey. Um, I have been a planner with language engineering for about 5 years. Um, I'm licensed as a PP in the state of New Jersey. My license is current and in good standing. Uh, and I'm a member of the AICP nationally.
>> Board stipulates. >> Thank you, chairman. uh you've had an opportunity to review all of the application materials. You've heard the testimony this evening. Uh there's been discussion throughout the night and it's in the reports that this application requires relief from the redevelopment
plan for building height and the locations that the architect identified and also for not complying with the total number of parking spaces where 277 is required and the applicant is proposing 150. uh based on the testimony
operationally you've heard from the engineers. Do you have a professional planning opinion as to how the board can grant the relief that we're seeking? >> Yeah. So um I'm going to divide this out into discussing discussing both of those deviations separately um and how uh I
feel that um we can hopefully meet it. So um for that building height, the 45 ft height that's permitted and that 49 foot 5 in that's proposed both for that L section of the building and then also for the smaller section um where they're raising the roof. Uh the height on those
limited sections of the building allows for two floors of office use without expanding the building footprint and still allows for reduction of impervious surface within the FHA because the entirety of the site as I believe one of my colleagues has mentioned is in the flood hazard area. Um and so we are just
you know trying to keep a minimized footprint there. Um that those areas of height increase are not significant compared to the overall warehouse size. Um and particularly the the L the addition um as it's been discussed although it's not you know an addition
to the building. It's just sort of like a little extra piece that's there right now. Um is located largely behind the main building which limits the view especially from Ridge Drive. Um there's existing landscaping, there's proposed landscaping to sort of increase that buffering.
Um and then when it comes to our discussion of those car parking spaces, um as my colleagues have all mentioned, this warehouse is designed for a specific user. Um unlike your classic spec warehouse, we do know who's going in there and as we've discussed sort of
extensively. Um, and as he's mentioned when he gave his testimony, he has, you know, a very strong grasp on what his business looks like and who's going to be going in and out and when, which is a level of control and information for the board, which is excellent for making decisions and is, you know,
significantly more than you would get with a spec warehouse. Um, and so because we have those employment numbers and those hours are confirmed, it allows for this very fine-tuned parking design. Um, parking is more than adequate to serve the specific needs of employees and potential visitors to the site. Um,
as my colleague Dan discussed in the traffic testimony, we're going to have uh a surplus of 60 spaces compared to the anticipated employee demand. Um, this parking design provides sufficient space while still imper reducing that
impervious coverage from about 16 acres to about 14.6 acres on this area that's within the FHA. Um and I think that uh as a result we can comply with the purposes of zoning both purpose a to encourage municipal action to guide the appropriate use or
development of all lands in the state to promote public health, safety, morals and general welfare. This these deviations allow for productive reuse of a site that's vacant right now um into a modern warehouse specifically suited to the office and parking needs of this specific user. Um for purpose G
providing sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of uses according to the environmental requirements to meet the needs of New Jersey citizens. Um these deviations allow for a reduction in that impervious coverage in an FHA area which is considered generally um you know
something to think about environmentally um while allowing for the development of this vacant site. And then purpose H to encourage the location and design of transportation routes to promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging the location of facilities and routes which result in congestion or blight. Uh
this deviation allows for a reduction in impervious while still meeting the parking demands of the specific user and allowing for effective loading. Um we are compliant with uh no issues with the negative criteria which means no substantial detriment to the public good
as a result of these deviations. Um this retrofitted building and parking design will reduce impervious coverage from 16 acres to 14.6. Um parking can adequately serve the needs of the cars and trucks accessing this site. And the building height will not impact light, air or
open space. Um the majority of is located sort of central to the site um behind the larger warehouse structure and will not impinge on neighboring properties. And then in addition, there's no substantial impairment to the redevelopment plan or the zoning plan. So, it's a permitted use under the
redevelopment plan and encouraged use at this location. And then also uh compliant with goals one, two, and three. So, goal one to support desirable non-residential development project with this requested relief is a purpose-built warehouse permitted use in the redevelopment plan, and goal two to
focus warehouses and related uses along Liberty Avenue where such uses are already established. Um, and to encourage the improvement of properties in disrepair. So, I would not say that this property is in disrepair, but is certainly, you know, like not actively in use. Uh, the project activates this
vacant building and site with a warehouse use along Liberty Avenue. And then for goal three, to encourage sustainability and resilience as a part of development. Um, EV charging infrastructure, green building, and other environmental considerations should be encouraged. So, for this project, there's a reduction in
impervious surface as part of development. There's limited parking to simply what is needed for the specific user. And the project also complies with the state's EV make ready space requirements. Um, and as my colleagues have mentioned, there's existing solar roof on parts of this warehouse or parts
of this current office building and it is going to be retained as a result of this project. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, chairman. I have nothing further on direct for the planner. Any questions from the board? Uh I have a question that is not
necessarily a planner question but you mentioned environmental and so forth. Um it dawned on me will the impervious coverage that's used is it needed to be specifically stronger relative to the weight we'll bear with the containers.
>> Um so I'm going to refer to my colleague. >> Sorry to interrupt. It dawned on me and I wanted to be sure we get on the record. So there are specific pavement designs in across certain portions of the site that are, you know, adequate for what is intended to access those
portions of the site. Meaning >> you didn't mention that and I didn't want >> truck. Yeah. So truck traffic has a different pavement design than just standard car parking. >> And those containers could be heavy if they're loaded, I guess. >> Yes. And if uh sorry, you'll also notice
if I just zoom in here, there is >> if you look down the uh row of trailer stalls here, you see how there's this delineation? >> Yes. >> Uh and the same at the the other trailer stalls. So that's for the dolly pad. So the so the weight of the
>> the uh trailer is situated on a more robust concrete section versus asphalt which tends to be more um it tends to yield more under heat versus concrete. >> Thank you. Appreciate that.
>> Any further questions from the board? I just had one question and might sum up some of the the the patterns and and the themes of the questions of tonight and I think based on the number of employees and based on those assumptions of of
trucks of single unit trucks and and trip generation it's based on assumptions finite assumptions on how many employees that you would have if you are the victims of your own success and if you grow in terms of number of employees and and etc. ETA I guess what what asurances
or what ways would you be able to monitor the conditions of of the operations in the site to ensure that the growth does not end up uh introducing detriments to the public good. So one of the excellent things
about the planning process is that if you know we're granted these deviations and the project, you know, does well, the client does well, their business goes well and they end up in a position where they do need more, say, more parking or more um warehouse space, they
are required to come back before the board in order to make those changes. They can't, you know, like make them independently. So what you might choose to agree on, you know, locks them into what they're permitted on this site right now. And if they do grow and things do change, they are required to
come back and get permission um if they do want to make further changes. >> Thank you. Uh any further questions from the board, Mr. John? >> Uh no, not for the not for the planner. I just had one one thing for uh Mr. Pero
if I could along the lines of what the chairman was stating. Sure. >> Um I understand that if they're going to change the site plan, they're going to need to come back. But one of our concerns at this board is always if they change their their operation. So let's say it goes to a 24/7 operation and next
thing you know they've changed the you know the patterns of when the traffic's going to occur. So, they're going to expand the the instead of uh you know, trucking from uh you know, ending at 4 or 5:00, it it then continues all night long.
Would would you uh stipulate that in in the event that you change the operation that you come back and talk to this board? Is that something you could work out with with Muhammad and and come up with some kind of condition? >> Yeah, we could come up with some language, you know, of any kind of substantial deviation from what was testified or that's typically the way
it's handled. I mean there has to be some flexibility for permitted uses to evolve right we can't lock them in it's not static but but something substantial like if they switch their business model and they were overnight and not during the day that would be a substantial change
>> I was educated tonight it seems like a tremendous operation that they run and I'm you know I I know that you guys have this down to a science but I think to protect the neighborhood you know those type of changes if it's going to extend the hours into you know interfere with people who are already home with noise
or or you know something or or traffic. I think those type of things sure you know we want them to be wildly successful for sure. >> Yeah. I think we can talk about some kind of language that again captures what the concern is but without handcuffing them to from growth.
>> Sure. >> Just for formality any further questions for the planner from the board? Any questions from the public for the planner? Okay. Hearing none. Council, would you like to sum? >> I'll be very brief. Uh it's been a lot
of testimony. So, uh first of all, uh thank you for all of your comments, your feedback. We thank the board's engineer um for the review letters and the helpful feedback as well throughout the process. This is an exciting project for not only Interglobal, but for the
township. This is a site that I'm sure everyone in this room has been waiting for something to happen, something positive. and having a company such as Interglobbo and with all of their success in Jersey City and bringing that success to Union Township. Um I think it's a great thing. Um the redevelopment
project is in line with the redevelopment plan. The two minor deviations can be justified based upon the type of operations and the fact that it is an enduser. It's not a speculative warehouse. So with the conditions and stipulations that we made this evening um we feel that the relief can be
granted and we look forward to the future success of Interglobal and Township of Union. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh comments from the board comments from the public. So, can I get a motion to approve
application 2026-01650 Liberty Avenue with the conditions stated and will be further um elaborated in the resolution with regards to overnight parking, no left turn exit for
tractor trailers, and then um some language with regards to um operational expansion that may lend for coming back to the board for further approvals. >> And and that 650 be added to the sign
the the address and the inclusion of encouragement of diverse routes for for deliveries for the single use single unit drivers. Sorry, was there a motion? >> Yes. and and that 650 be added to the sign the
>> 650. Perfect. Thank you. Committeewoman moved by comm uh committee Terrell. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Miller. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alexander. >> Yes.
>> Miss Espinosa. >> Mr. Frame. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miller. >> Yes. >> M. Perkins. >> Yes. Mayor Frasier, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Terrell, >> yes. >> Excuse me. Miss Khan, >> yes.
>> Chairman Lei, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much for your time and your consideration. Appreciate it. And welcome to Union. >> All right. With no further business uh from the board. Can I get a motion to adjurnn, please? >> Moved by Mr. Frank, seconded by Miss
Long. Um all those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Meeting adjourned.