September 6, 2017

Joyce Rudin, 38 Woodland Avenue, said Mr. Ackerman stated that only dead and dying trees were being removed from designed areas. She asked him to clarify where the designated areas were located; how many trees had been removed; and from what disease were the trees dying. Mr. Ackerman stated he could not identify the disease. There was not one specific location because that was for the tree expert to identify and determine. Ifa tree in the woods was identified as dying and impacting surrounding trees, then that tree would be removed; likewise if a tree along the fairway was identified, that tree would be removed. Ms. Rudin asked how many trees were removed in the last two weeks. Mr. Ackerman stated an answer would be a speculation; he surmised it was not a lot. He clarified his original statement; he stated designated trees that were negatively affecting the surrounding area were removed from the property. Ms. Rudin stated she had been on the property today and had seen at least six enormous trunks. Chairman Bagoff directed Ms. Rudin to ask a question; she was not to testify. Ms. Rudin asked if Mr. Ackerman could produce a report indicating why the (six) trees had been removed. Mr. Ackerman stated he had not seen the trees; he said was unable to answer the question or provide a report. Mr. Angowski asked Ms. Rudin to confirm she had been on Crestmont property today; she answered yes. Mr. Angowski asked if she had been granted access to the property. She answered no. Mr. Ackerman stated Crestmont was private property. Ms. Rudin stated people were allowed to visit country clubs. She asked if Mr. Ackerman had a report that certified that the trees see saw on the property were dead. Mr. Angowski stated there was no foundation for the question. Sally Malanga, 57 Ridge Road, asked Mr. Ackerman if any member of the Planning Board had met with him at the site. Mr. Ackerman stated no. She asked if there was any plan in the near-term or in the next few years to apply for further land-use development on the site. Mr. Ackerman stated not that of he was aware. She asked if there had been discussion with Township officials or developers concerning any matters related to the proposed development of the West Essex Highlands. Mr. Angowski stated the question was beyond the scope. She asked if Mr. Ackerman had seen the (Crestmont) landscaping plan. Mr. Ackerman stated yes.

e proposed development of the West Essex Highlands. Mr. Angowski stated the question was beyond the scope. She asked if Mr. Ackerman had seen the (Crestmont) landscaping plan. Mr. Ackerman stated yes. She asked if the landscaping plan would be presented tonight. Mr. Angowski stated the Engineer would talk about landscaping. Ms. Malanga asked what landscaping improvements were planned for the “A” parking lot. Mr. Ackerman stated there was only one parking lot; the professionals would answer the question. Ms. Malaga stated the applicant was seeking to build a road from Eagle Rock Avenue on a steep slope that would require taking down numerous trees; she asked what was the economic reasoning for the road. Chairman Bagoff stated the question was not related to land use. Ms. Malanga asked how the road would benefit the property. Mr. Ackerman stated it would benefit the property by creating a better egress; the current site line was difficult for exiting drivers. He stated the new road would create a better site line and create a better traffic flow for people exiting the country club. In response to Mr. Angowski’s inquiry, Mr. Ackerman confirmed that it was the intention of the club to improve the safety of the site, and he based his statements solely on his personal observation. Ms. Malanga asked Mr. Ackerman how long had he been using the (egress) road. He stated since he had been a member; it was the same road that all members had been using to exit for the past sixty years. She asked how many accidents had occurred at the exit. He stated he was not