The Kenilworth Planning Board voted to approve application 25-008, a preliminary and final major site plan for the NEST 15 building at 2000 Galloping Hill Road, presented by NEST, Kenilworth Corporate Property Urban Renewal LLC.

Attorney Jason Tufall told the board the project would repurpose interior space of the 1,200,000-square-foot NEST 15 building — originally built for single-tenant users — to allow multiple tenants by creating interior corridors and three amenity courtyards. "The goal of this project is to incorporate courtyards and some amenity space within that structure," Tufall said.

Engineer Daniel Miola described design and technical details: the plan preserves the building footprint while adding interior corridors (each about 1,500 square feet) that together increase interior area by roughly 6,000 square feet; two southern courtyards would have artificial turf removed and planters retained; the northwest courtyard would receive hardscape and new landscaping, including perennials and ornamental grasses; and the design includes two domed meeting pods, each about 20 feet in diameter and 10 feet tall. On drainage, Miola said existing trench infrastructure in the open courtyards will largely be maintained and additional inlets will tie into the systems where corridors are partitioned.

The applicant also said fiber lighting is proposed for the northwest courtyard and that consultant comments (including a letter dated 11/18/2025) and items in Mr. O'Brien's letter have been addressed or will be complied with. No variances are required, the applicant stated, and the interior work does not change the external facades other than two added doors for internal access to a cafeteria and fitness center.

The board opened the hearing to the public and received no public comments. Mister Grimaldi moved to approve the application; Mayor Karlovich seconded. A roll call recorded assent from listed members and the board approved the application.

Approved plans include corridor connectivity, courtyard hardscape and landscape upgrades, two enclosed meeting pods, drainage connections to existing infrastructure and proposed interior lighting. The applicant agreed to submit final compliance documentation per the consultant letters before issuance of municipal approvals.