February 6, 2013

Marybeth Russell, 20 Oak Crest Road, stated she was concerned about the fumes and noise generated by buses parking in the area. Councilwoman McCartney acknowledged that when the County Fair was held in the area there were a lot of parking issues; currently the Township had an anti-idling ordinance in place. Mr. Gurland stated that potentially eight-hundred students would be at the facility. Mr. Eben state the County must be able to accommodate all occupants. Mr. Heller asked if it was fair to say that the parking lot would be able to accommodate all vehicles for special events. Mr. Piga answered in the affirmative. Mr. Grossman asked if the Archery Field would be used for parking. Mr. Fleder said the County Engineer could answer the question. Sangeev Varghese, Essex County Engineer and Director of Public Works, was sworn in and accepted by the Board to be an expert witness. Mr. Fleder asked Mr. Varghese if a traffic study had been done, and if he could explain the configuration of the proposed traffic lights. Mr. Varghese said a traffic study had been done; and that two different traffic lights would be installed with synchronized timing. He described the proposed pedestrian drop-off. Mr. Varghese said the parking lot was an existing lot that would continue to be open to the public and all town ordinances would be observed. Larger groups using the facility would be issued a permit from the Essex County Department of Parks. The parking lot would be able to accommodate buses for large group events. Mr. Fieder said that during the Planning Board Technical Review Subcommittee meeting, there was a question regarding the lack of a fire hydrant in the plan; was a fire hydrant necessary for this proposed plan. Mr. Piga said that the proposal was typical to that found in similar parks; the Fire Sub-code Official had advised that the reservoir could be utilized and there was access for a fire truck. Councilwoman McCartney inquired if there were plans to have parking on the other side of Cherry Lane. Mr. Varghese said there were no plans. Mr. Gurland asked who was responsible for the area's security. Mr. Varghese said the County Sheriff's office. Mr. Eben stated there was some testimony regarding the signage; he said he was concerned about the continued banner signage along the route that was totally against the Township's sign ordinance. Mr. Varghese said he

there was some testimony regarding the signage; he said he was concerned about the continued banner signage along the route that was totally against the Township's sign ordinance. Mr. Varghese said he had no say over the signage. Mr. Grossman referred to the open area shown on the plan and inquired if the area would be used for parking. If it were used for parking would it not degrade the quality of the field. Mr. Varghese said it was not a designated parking area; and that yes, the field would be degraded if used for parking but the County makes every effort to preserve the open space. The area would be reseeded when necessary. Mr. Fleder interjected that the questioning had nothing to do with the Application. Chairman Bagoff stated that Mr. Fleder’s concern was noted. NAPLANNING. BRO\WPIMINUTES\2013\2-6-13 Minutes.doc 7